A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, surgically removes excess skin and fat while tightening the abdominal muscles. Patients typically require significant rest for the first two weeks and should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least six weeks. Recovery can vary based on individual health and the specific procedure; therefore, scar maturation and swelling may persist for several months. Adhering to postoperative instructions is crucial for a successful recovery.
Montilla Plastic Surgery patients trust board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Richard Montilla to deliver beautiful surgical results along with thoughtful, hands-on aftercare. With extensive experience in teaching and performing complex reconstructive and cosmetic abdominoplasties in Worcester, Boston, and Martha’s Vineyard, our team is dedicated to supporting patients through every phase of healing.
We have prepared this tummy tuck recovery guide because we understand that knowing what to expect week by week can help you feel prepared, calm, and confident.
Recovery Prep Before Surgery
To ensure a smoother recovery:
Arrange for a trusted adult to drive you home and stay with you for a few days
Prepare a recovery “nest” with extra pillows or a wedge for proper elevation
Fill prescriptions in advance
Stock up on easy, nutritious meals and plenty of fluids
Pause smoking and certain medications as advised to aid healing and minimize complications
Week 1 (Days 1–7): Rest, Protection, and Gentle Movement
The first week is usually the most intensive in terms of care and energy. Expect:
- Feeling groggy and sore after anesthesia
- Dressings, a snug compression garment, and possibly surgical drains
- A tight, pulled sensation across the abdomen
- Walking slightly bent at the waist to protect the incision
Rest assured, Dr. Montilla will provide you with specific instructions on caring for your incisions and drains, as well as the medications to take and signs of complications to watch for.
Your goals this week are to:
- Protect your results: Keep your compression garment on as directed to limit swelling and support the repair. Avoid twisting, lifting, or reaching overhead.
- Control discomfort: Take pain medication exactly as prescribed. Engage in small, frequent walks to enhance circulation and reduce stiffness.
- Support healing: Eat protein-rich, nutrient-dense foods and stay hydrated—good nutrition supports wound healing and tissue repair.
Week 2 (Days 8–14): Building Independence
By the second week, most patients experience noticeable improvement, although fatigue, swelling, and tightness may persist. Many can:
- Walk more upright and take longer, gentle walks
- Shower normally once incisions allow, following our instructions
- Transition from prescription to over-the-counter pain medication
- Return to very light, non-strenuous desk work if approved and if you’re no longer taking narcotic medications
Swelling and bruising continue to improve, but your abdomen will still look fuller than the final result; what you see now is far from the “finished” outcome.
You’ll likely have a follow-up visit with Dr. Montilla this week, during which we can assess your incisions, adjust your garment plan, and address any questions you may have about activity and scar care.
Weeks 3–4: Back to (Modified) Daily Life
At this point, you may feel more like yourself, even though your core is still healing. Typical milestones for many patients (with Dr. Montilla’s clearance) may include:
- Driving again if you’re off narcotics and can move safely
- Increasing walking pace and distance
- Returning more fully to desk work
- Carefully resuming some light household tasks that don’t involve bending, straining, or lifting more than about 10–15 pounds
You’ll still need to:
- Wear your compression garment as recommended
- Avoid core exercises, high-impact cardio, and heavy lifting
- Protect your incision from sun exposure, which can worsen scarring
Abdominoplasty research confirms that the repaired abdominal wall continues to gain strength over weeks to months, so respecting this window is crucial for long-term core function and contour.
Weeks 5–6: Building Strength & Shape
Around weeks five and six, many patients feel ready to push a little further, but it’s essential to follow the specific plan Dr. Montilla provides. General guidelines from professional organizations suggest that:
- Light, low-impact exercise may be added gradually (like a stationary bike or gentle elliptical), if cleared
- Most patients can return to more normal daily activities and many types of work
- Heavy lifting, intense core workouts, and contact sports typically remain off-limits until at least six weeks or longer, depending on the case
You’ll notice:
- Less swelling and a more defined waistline
- Some numbness, tightness, or “pulling” sensations around the incision, which usually improve over time
- A scar that may look pink or raised—this is part of routine healing in these early stages
We’ll guide you through scar-care strategies, such as sun protection and topical care, to help your incision mature as discreetly as possible over the coming months.
Weeks 7–12: Refinement, Function, and Long-Term Results
From about two to three months onward, your focus shifts from “healing” to refinement and maintenance:
Swelling continues to diminish slowly, and your contour becomes more defined
Many patients can resume more vigorous exercise and core training with our approval
The repaired abdominal muscles support posture and spinal alignment, which may improve back discomfort in some patients when diastasis recti has been corrected
Your scar begins to fade from pink to a flatter, lighter line over time, though full maturation can take a year or more
Research suggests that repairing diastasis recti during abdominoplasty can yield lasting improvements in core strength, abdominal wall function, and quality of life when conservative measures have failed.
Questions About Tummy Tuck Recovery? Montilla Plastic Surgery is Here to Answer Them.
Many patients begin their recovery journey with understandable curiosity, wanting a clearer sense of how their body will progress, what changes to expect, and when they can confidently resume their daily life. A well-mapped recovery plan transforms those questions into reassurance, offering structure and predictability during a period of healing and adjustment.
At Montilla Plastic Surgery, Dr. Richard Montilla’s expertise in abdominal wall surgery and experience teaching future surgeons inform a compassionate approach to recovery. Supported by a dedicated team that maintains close communication after surgery, your healing journey is guided with care and attention.
Schedule your private consultation today and take the next step toward a smooth, supported recovery and results you’ll love.
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