November 07, 2025 | 6 minute read
Tummy tuck surgery is popular for a reason: this transformative procedure offers abdomen repairing and toning results unlike any other. But recovery takes some time, which is why we’ve compiled this helpful guide for prospective patients to learn what they can expect week by week.
What Is Tummy Tuck Recovery Like?
A tummy tuck is truly the gold standard of body contouring procedures: by removing sagging skin, stubborn pockets of fat, and tightening loose abdominal muscles, a tummy tuck can transform a flabby stomach into a toned midsection.
But post-surgery, your journey is only halfway through. Tummy tuck recovery is a crucial step in the process, as it lays the foundation for your final results, which can take six months to become visible. Additionally, tummy tuck recovery can be a bit more demanding than other procedures, as repairing abdominal muscles offers some unique challenges to mobility.
We’ll walk you through the process, including major healing milestones to look out for and helpful tips to make this experience as comfortable and rejuvenating as possible.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Week by Week
Immediate Post-Op Tips & Info:
Abdominoplasty is performed using general anesthesia and is typically an outpatient procedure, although some patients may benefit from an overnight hospital stay. Once you are cleared to go home, you and your caretaker will be given specific aftercare instructions and sent on your way.
After surgery, your midsection will be bandaged with surgical dressings, and you will be placed in a compression garment. This soft, gently constricting garment is instrumental in your recovery, as it reduces swelling, promotes healing, and helps your skin retract to its natural position. You will be instructed to wear this garment day and night for about one month. Be sure to wear your compression garment exactly as instructed by your surgeon.
Days One to Three Post-Op:
When you get home after your tummy tuck, expect to be very groggy and fatigued. You will be recovering from anesthesia, so you may also experience some nausea. Your best bet at this point is to have a friend or family member help you into bed so you can get to sleep.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Tip: After a tummy tuck, your abdominal wall has been tightened and sutured into place, as has the skin of your midsection. In an effort not to pull on any sutures or healing tissues, you’ll be standing and sitting at a bent angle, with your back hunched forward. It will be a few weeks before you can stand fully erect again, and you’ll need to sleep at this angle as well. We recommend sleeping in a reclining position, as you would in a recliner chair. You can set up your bed with lots of extra pillows to prop yourself up if you don’t already have a recliner.
The first few days are the hardest, as swelling peaks around day three. Sit tight, rest, and take your medications as directed. Your only job is to sleep, eat, and allow your body to focus on healing.
Recovery Week One:
During your first full week of recovery, you’ll slowly regain some energy, but not a lot. Remember, your body is directing all its energy to healing itself, so it’s totally expected that you will be fatigued and tire easily. Listen to your body, rest whenever you get tired. At the same time, it’s important to try to get some movement in your limbs by taking slow, guided walks around your bedroom and eventually the house.
Some light movement, like walking (still bent at the waist), is ideal for promoting healthy blood flow and reducing the risk of blood clots. Your at-home helper should still be taking care of most of the housework, including preparing meals and cleaning. You are under strict restrictions on bending and lifting items around the house, including small children and pets.
You may have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon to check your sutures, remove any drains, and check on your healing progress. You can ask any additional recovery questions that have popped up at this time, as well.
Recovery Weeks Two to Three:
Your second week of recovery should be much more comfortable than your first. You should have some improvement in bruising and swelling, though some will remain. Your physical pain and discomfort should be greatly reduced and managed easily with over-the-counter pain medication. You should also have a little more energy; just be sure to continue taking it slow and rest when you need it.
You may be cleared to return to work after your second or third week of recovery. This depends on the physical requirements of your job and your healing progress. Patients with office jobs may be eligible to return to work earlier than those who must stand or do physical work.
Recovery Months One to Two:
Your first full month through the second is when you do a lot of major healing, with noticeable improvements in your energy levels and mobility. Swelling and bruising are greatly reduced, with only minor residual swelling.
You should be fine to return to work, drive a car, and resume most daily activities. The only catch is you must listen to your body; if some movement is too taxing, you still have some internal healing to do. Despite some improvements, you’ll still need to avoid strenuous exercise and other intensive activities that put stress on your abdomen.
Full Recovery:
It can take a few months before you fully recover from tummy tuck surgery. About three to six months after surgery, all swelling will be resolved, improving discomfort and overall appearance. The incision mark will continue to heal and fade, and can be treated with silicone sheets or scar treatments to reduce the risk of visible scarring.
Patients usually feel more confident wearing fitted clothing or swimwear, and can begin incorporating core exercises into their routine to improve their abdominal appearance. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise will support your new look and help you maintain your results.
Interested in a Tummy Tuck in El Paso, TX?
Dr. Marco A. Gonzalez is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in natural-looking, stunning body contouring transformations with tummy tuck surgery and 4D Hi-Def Liposculpting techniques. If you want a trimmed and toned abdomen, call Dr. G today at (915) 600-2639 or fill out the contact form to request an in-person or virtual consultation.
