What can Beverly Hills area patients expect for recovery after a tummy tuck?

Dr. Dennis Dass, MD of Beverly Hills is a plastic surgeon who provides reconstructive and cosmetic surgeries for men and women. He understands that everyone wants to look their best and many times, this may require surgical intervention. For some, when the tummy area becomes problematic, a tummy tuck may be suggested.

A tummy tuck, sometimes referred to as an abdominoplasty, is a procedure in which excess skin may be removed at the same time as excess fat from the midsection. This is done as an outpatient procedure, and many patients who consider this are often interested in learning about the recovery time necessary to take off work and personal activities.

The tummy tuck recovery timeline will be different for everyone, but for most patients, they can use these guidelines for a general idea. The first week or two, patients will have to manage their pain with prescription medications. They may not be able to stand up straight for a week or two, and may need to be two weeks post-recovery to drive a vehicle again. Light exercise can be started after a few weeks, and most patients can resume all activities again around 8 weeks post-procedure.

There may be some scarring left from tummy tuck procedures. This is normal and should be discussed beforehand with Dr. Dennis Dass, MD. The severity of the scars will depend on how well patients take care of the stitches and the incision area after their procedure. In most cases, the scars will begin to fade after a few years and become less noticeable over time.

Patients are encouraged to follow their doctor’s instructions regarding recovery. Some tips for patients recovering from tummy tuck procedures include:

• Wearing loose clothing for comfort
• Wearing compressions garment as directed
• Staying on top of pain management with medication
• Walk a little each day to reduce swelling and clots
• Stay hydrated with water intake
• Maintain a high fiber diet to help digestion
• Contact the doctor if there are any questions or concerns