Tummy tuck surgery recovery is very individual. The time it will take you to recover depends on your overall level of health, the extensiveness of the procedure you underwent and whether or not you suffered any complications as a result of the surgery.

Tummy tucks are performed in a hospital under general anesthesia and are most often done on an inpatient basis. Expect to stay in the hospital for anywhere from one to three days time (or more if you experience any complications).

Tummy tuck surgery recovery begins as soon as you wake up following the surgery. You will experience a certain level of pain and discomfort when you first wake up. This could last for the first couple of days. The surgeon can prescribe you pain medication if you need it.

Be aware that your abdominal area will be bruised and swollen and you may experience a minimum of bleeding in the area of the surgical site. If you notice that you feel some numbness localized around your belly button or under it then do not worry- this is perfectly normal. Some patients may experience nausea and vomiting afterwards in relation to the anesthesia.

Part of tummy tuck surgery recovery involves wearing a special pressure garment over the abdominal region to reduce swelling and to facilitate the healing process. Another strong recommendation for tummy tuck surgery recovery is for the patient to wear anti-thrombosis compression stockings for the first couple of days following the surgery.

The purpose for the stockings is that they help to reduce the potential for the development of blood clots (also known as deep vein thrombosis or DVT) and they support the proper circulation of blood in the legs so blood does not pool but flows as it is supposed to. The plastic surgeon will instruct you to keep both the pressure garment as well as the stockings on at all times except when you bathe yourself.

It is important that you listen carefully to the instructions that the plastic surgeon gives you and that you read over the post operative pamphlet carefully and follow what it says. You will be told how to care for your bandages and when it is permissible to take a bath or shower. You will also be told when you should return to have your stitches removed.