Tummy Tuck

*According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Immediately After Your Surgery

In most cases, tummy tuck patients stay overnight at our lovely waterfront location in Halifax. We perform most tummy tucks under a general anesthetic and provide overnight accommodations at the Landings Surgical Centre. You will rest overnight under the care of a registered nurses who will ensure that you are comfortable during your stay. Before leaving our private surgical facility, our doctors will provide you with a compression garment to reduce swelling, pain medication to ease discomfort. Patients will also receive specific instructions on the best way to care for the incision sites.

You will typically be asked to come back at one week after the surgery and then again one week later to monitor your recovery. Further scheduling will depend on how well you heal. Scheduled appointments are usually at six weeks, three to four months and one year postoperatively.

What to Expect During Recovery

Some degree of discomfort is normal following a tummy tuck procedure. You will be given prescription medications that will help address the tenderness, as well as antibiotics to prevent post-operative infection. Over-the-counter pain tablets can also be taken to alleviate pain and inflammation. As with most surgeries, patients should expect some swelling in the first few weeks of recovery. If your procedure includes liposuction, bruising is fairly common, as well. However, if you notice a notable increase in pain, swelling, or redness, you should contact our office as soon as possible. 

Recovering from a tummy tuck can be exhausting, but with thorough preparation, we can help minimize complications and maximize your results.

You will be given a compression garment to wear during your recovery to encourage healing and reduce swelling. Detailed post-operative instructions will also be provided to explain how to properly monitor and empty your surgical drains, as well as how to change your bandages. Showering should be avoided for the first two to three days especially when a drain has been used.

Most abdominoplasty patients are able to return to normal activities within a few weeks, though they must continue to wear their compression bandage for a couple months after surgery. It is a good idea to avoid sitting for long periods in the weeks following surgery, and some light exercise may speed healing. However, it is important to avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for about six weeks.

How Long Will My Tummy Tuck Recovery Take?

The length of recovery varies from patient to patient, but depends heavily on the type of procedure and how closely patients follow their post-operative instructions. For example, because a mini tuck focuses on the area below your navel and requires only one set of incisions, patients can return to some activity within three to seven days.

For patients undergoing a standard or a more extensive tummy tuck, recovery is usually longer. Both of these more invasive options require the placement of drainage tubes and weeks of limited activity. While patients who work an office job can usually return after two to three weeks, those with more physically demanding jobs may need up to four to six weeks to recover fully. We will help you understand what to expect throughout recovery during a consultation at our Halifax practice serving greater Prince Edward Island.