Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Post-operative care for a Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty patients are usually in hospital for 3-5 days. Most of the tubes would be removed while in hospital however the patient may return home still with drains in the abdomen. These drains can be removed once the drainage is less than 25ml in 24 hours. Care must be taken not to tense the abdominal muscles for approximately eight weeks and tummy crunches should not be done for two months post-operatively.

It is important when patients get out of bed after an abdominoplasty, that they do not use their tummy muscles but turn to the side and lift themselves up with their hands on the bed.

Showering can be done the day after surgery.

All the dressing should remain intact for approximately 10-14 days post-operatively at which point I will look at the wounds, and advise patients on scar cream and wearing tape over the scar for the best scar result.

An abdominal binder will be fitted post-operatively. This can be taken off for showering but should be worn for 4-6 weeks post-operatively. The binder should be firm but not too tight.

Walking after an abdominoplasty is advisable. Running and abdominal crunches and weight lifting should be avoided for 4-6 weeks post-operatively.

When walking within the first week you will walk a little hunched. This will improve within a short-time, and you should be walking fairly straight after the first week of the procedure. You will be 60% of your normal self at 3 weeks and 90% at 6 weeks.