A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty is one of the most popular procedures that let you remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tighten the abdominal muscles to achieve a firmer, smoother profile. If you are planning a tummy tuck in San Francisco with double board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Shahin Javaheri, you will surely be curious to know how long it would take for you to recover after this surgery. To prepare, it would be best for you to have a general idea about the recovery timeline.
General Recovery Timeline
The amount of time to recover will vary between individuals, but the following schedule shall give you an idea about what to expect after your tummy tuck with Dr. Javaheri:
- First Week After Surgery: The first week tends to be characterized by swelling, bruising, and some discomfort around the area that has been treated. Offer pain management choices and advice on how to decrease swelling. Compression is usually encouraged for support in the healing process and promotes circulation. A patient should rest, and one should not bend or lift or do anything strenuous. Gentle walking should be encouraged to prevent clotting of blood.
- Week Two to Four: By this time, in the second week, most patients can return to light, low-intensity activities. Swelling and bruising will have decreased, and the discomfort will begin to reverse. Compression garment must be worn at all times, and no exercise or heavy lifting is allowed.
- Month One to Three: For 4-6 weeks following surgery, you may be cleared to resume very light exercise. Weight lifting and other high-intensity cardiovascular activities typically are delayed until at least 8 weeks following the surgical procedure. The healing process is carefully monitored by Dr. Javaheri during follow-up appointments so that your recovery is smooth.
- Three to Six Months: You should be back to the full performances of your activities and daily habits at three months. Swelling would continue to subside, showing you the total effect of the tummy tuck. Remember, however, that internal healing and improvement of the scar may take as long as six months to a year.
Key Considerations to Affect Recovery
- Type of Procedure: Recovery after full tummy tuck may be more significant than after mini tummy tuck which is done for the lower abdomen.
- Health and Lifestyle: Patients’ previous health and well-maintained lifestyle often have a lot to do with how quickly they can be recovered from the procedure.
- Post-Surgical Care: You can bet that by following Dr. Javaheri’s aftercare advice such as wearing a compression garment and attending all post-op visits the recovery time will be optimal.
Conclusion
Recovery varies, depending on the individual, but with an expert like Dr. Shahin Javaheri, recovery from tummy tuck usually takes about 6-12 weeks. Dr. Javaheri uses the highest care in terms of surgical technique and attention to ensure safe and comfortable recovery. If you decide you want to have a tummy tuck in San Francisco, you should first find time to discuss your case with Dr. Javaheri and know what you are up for and how you can best prepare to face your post-operative life.
