Deciding to undergo a tummy tuck procedure can be a huge step in helping you boost your confidence following pregnancy or dramatic weight loss. You may view this as the finishing touch sp you can finally show off your new body to family and friends. As exciting as this may seem, Dr. Paul Pin stresses the importance of remembering that even though a tummy tuck procedure is elective, it is still a major surgical procedure. Therefore, deciding to undergo the procedure should not be taken lightly.

One major part of deciding to undergo a tummy tuck procedure involves understanding the typical recovery time needed after surgery, particularly in terms of time off that will be needed from normal daily activities such as walking, driving, showering, returning to work, and regularly exercising. Below is a timeline of the typical time needed following a tummy tuck procedure to resume such activities.

Activity Level

Dr. Pin usually does tummy tucks as a same-day, outpatient surgery. You will be encouraged to walk a short distance while you are still in recovery at the surgery center. This is vital to allow blood to circulate properly, as well as to prevent fluid from accumulating in the incision areas. Try walking short distances from your bed to your bathroom and back again over the first two days, gradually lengthening distance over the next few days for the first week after surgery.

Driving

As with any same-day surgical procedure, you will not be allowed to drive yourself home afterward. You will need to have somebody drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours following the surgery. Dr. Pin recommends waiting at least one week before resuming driving yourself, so as to give your body the time it needs to get through the crucial initial healing phase.

Compression Garments

You will be provided with a special compression garment following your tummy tuck procedure. This tightly woven elastic garment will help reduce the amount and duration of bruising and swelling that is to be expected following surgery. This should be worn at all times for the first week following surgery. At your one-week follow-up visit to Dr. Pin, he will remove your compression garment, check on your surgical drains, and give you a fresh garment.

Returning to Work

In most cases, you can expect to return to work at the end of two weeks, once your surgical drains have been removed and your incisions have fully healed over. However, if your job requires standing for long periods of time or lifting heavy objects, you may wish to wait at least another week before resuming these regular work activities.

Exercise

You should be able to resume light exercise such as walking and yoga at about four weeks following surgery. Dr. Pin does recommend, however, that you wait at least six weeks to resume your normal exercise routine, provided it does not involve weight lifting.

Of course, everybody heals at a different pace, so you may require slightly more or less time. Nevertheless, plan on needing a minimum of three to four weeks time off until you can finally resume your normal activities.