How Long Will Tightness Last After Tummy Tuck Surgery?
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If you have been thinking about a tummy tuck to reshape or restore a slimmer, trimmer figure, you are probably aware that the surgery is fairly invasive and requires a lengthier recovery period than many other cosmetic procedures. For the vast majority of patients, however, their incredible results are well worth the wait! Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Alex Mesbahi and the acclaimed team at Mesbahi Plastic Surgery are dedicated to helping men and women achieve their ideal physique and regain their self-confidence with advanced tummy tuck surgery in McLean, VA. Learn more about what to expect during your tummy tuck recovery here, including what side effects you may experience and how long they’ll last.
What does a tummy tuck do?
Formally known as abdominoplasty, the tummy tuck is an exciting body contouring procedure that aims to sculpt a slimmer, firmer, more natural-looking midsection through excess skin removal, skin tightening, muscle reinforcement, and other techniques. In a great deal of cases, liposuction fat reduction surgery is performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck to create an even smoother, trimmer look.
While you may think of tummy tuck as being reserved for women who have had children, the procedure is also highly popular among patients who have achieved extreme weight loss, as well as men and women who have noticed loose skin and stubborn fat as a result of aging.
Complaints and concerns that are commonly addressed with tummy tuck surgery in Washington, D.C. include:
- Loose skin after pregnancy
- Hanging skin
- Extra skin after weight loss
- Sagging skin due to aging
- Mommy pooch or pouch
- Abdominal stretch marks
- Stubborn belly fat
- Diastasis recti
- Ventral hernia
- Stress urinary incontinence
How long is tummy tuck recovery?
Following abdominoplasty surgery, which is performed using general anesthesia and typically involves a lengthy incision that extends from hip to hip, patients can expect some level of swelling, bruising, discomfort, and limited mobility. These symptoms can be relieved with the use of medications, by getting plenty of rest, and by following Dr. Mesbahi’s tummy tuck aftercare guidelines closely.
On average, patients require about 2 – 3 weeks off of work after tummy tuck surgery, but this may vary depending on the nature of the patient’s job and/or the extent of their procedure. For example, patients who undergo a less extensive mini tummy tuck procedure may be able to return to light deskwork in as little as a week. However, strenuous physical exercise, lifting, straining, and other activities will be restricted for up to 6 – 8 weeks, or until the patient has been cleared by Dr. Mesbahi.
Patients usually begin to feel much more like themselves about 3 – 4 weeks after tummy tuck, around which time the majority of postoperative swelling will have resolved. This allows patients to begin appreciating their stunning new figure, though the final results of tummy tuck surgery may take 6 – 12 months to fully develop.
Will I have tightness after tummy tuck surgery?
Yes. The invasive nature of tummy tuck surgery, which may involve skin removal, skin tightening, muscle tightening, and other techniques, often results in a feeling of tightness after surgery. Not only will the skin on your midsection actually be tighter, but the temporary nerve damage that occurs as an expected part of surgery also contributes to a sensation of tightness. For the majority of patients, the feeling of tight skin after tummy tuck resolves within 6 –12 weeks after surgery. In some cases, it may take longer to regain normal sensations as the nerves reestablish their connections and the tissues continue to heal and settle.
Recovery after Washington, D.C. tummy tuck surgery is worth it to get the body of your dreams and the confidence you deserve!
Recovery is everyone’s least favorite part of cosmetic surgery, but allowing your body plenty of time to heal is essential for achieving the gorgeous outcome you desire. To discover why tummy tuck may be the solution you’ve been searching for to restore your figure, regain your confidence, and refresh your life, call the award-winning team at Mesbahi Plastic Surgery in McLean, VA to schedule your private consultation with renowned board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Alex Mesbahi today!