Tummy Tuck Recovery Questions

In preparing for your tummy tuck in Los Angeles you will have many important questions about Tummy Tuck Recovery, especially about pain level, activities, and return to work.

How painful is tummy tuck or body lift in Beverly Hills or Los Angeles?

A standard Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty feels, more or less, like a C-Section. It is more painful than Liposuction, Breast Augmentation, Tubal Ligation, Rhinoplasty, Breast Biopsy, and less painful than Hysterectomy, shoulder surgery, or back surgery.

When can I take a shower?

Most plastic surgeons, including Dr. Younai, have their patients take a shower and get everything wet with soap and shampoo on the second days after surgery. Then, they can put on a fresh tummy tuck compression garment, and take showers on a daily basis.

When Can I Lift My Children Again?

You should not do any heavy lifting for about eight weeks from the date of your surgery. You should be prepared to have spouses, or other loved ones, lift your children so that you don’t risk ripping your stitches. After the first week you may hold your young baby in your lap, but do not lift them up unless they weigh less than a gallon of milk

When Can I Exercise Again?

You may start some light walking as early as 10-14 days after surgery. As you feel more comfortable you can increase your activities, but you cannot lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk for the first two months. Heavy lifting can cause your internal stitches to rip apart, resulting in a hernia that will require corrective surgery. Jogging is usually acceptable after three to four weeks, as long as you are wearing your girdle. You can do arm and leg weight training in three to four weeks as long as you don’t feel that you are straining your abdominal and back muscles.

When can I go back to work?

This depends on the normal level of activity that is expected of you at work. There is a difference in timing for those who have desk jobs, versus those who are required to stand, walk, bend, push, and pull constantly throughout their workday. Most people return to non-strenuous jobs within 10-14 days after a tummy tuck and within 3 weeks after a body lift. If your job is very strenuous, you might have to take more time off, but usually no more than four to six weeks. For those who are having Body Lift and Thigh Lift procedures, it usually it takes longer to go back to work depending on their age, stamina, extent of surgery and job requirements.

When Can I Resume Sexual Relations?

It depends on what you are planning to do! More or less, follow the same restrictions as for exercising. You cannot strain your abdominal, thighs, and back muscles greatly for the first six to eight weeks. Having said this, it is very helpful for your body, soul and psyche to have intimate relationship early on. This will also be beneficial for your significant other. They are most likely as scared as you are; and are afraid to do anything that might hurt you. Don’t be afraid. Proceed as is comfortable for both of you.

What Kind of Emotions I Might Anticipate Following My Tummy Tuck or Body Lift?

Before cosmetic surgery most patients are very happy, excited, and looking forward to undergoing their body transformation. Afterwards, they often have mixed feelings. Some of this is caused by the period of disability. Sometimes, people have not yet adjusted to their new body and look. Depending on the person as well as their surroundings, people respond differently to this change. Although most people feel cheerful and are happy with their new body, few do feel regret or have a difficult time psychologically adjusting to it. This can affect their social or marital relations. If you are having these very normal feelings, be sure and discuss them with your family doctor or plastic surgeon.