Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Recovery

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Recovery in Sydney

What should you expect after an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) in Sydney?

Most abdominoplasty procedures are performed with the plan of an overnight stay (at least) in hospital, and most patients stay 2-3 days before they are mobile enough to go home. Most patients will have small drains in their abdomens when they wake up, to prevent the build-up of fluid (seroma). The drains will stay in until there is only a small amount of fluid coming out of them. This typically takes one to two weeks, although it can be longer in some patients. The removal of the drains is generally quick and not painful.

Side effects that may occur after an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) in Sydney

In the first 24 hours, it is normal to expect the following symptoms:-

•    Drowsiness
•    Dry throat
•    Nausea (possibly)
•    Discomfort and stiffness

Pain control after your abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)

The local anaesthetic helps with pain control for the first evening, but has usually worn off by the following morning. Regularly taking paracetamol and anti inflammatories for the first few days after the operation is important in minimising your discomfort and need for stronger pain killers.

You will wake up with a surgical or post operative compression garment on. It is important that you wear this garment or one similar at all times in the first six weeks after your tummy tuck in Sydney. This helps compress reduce the amount of fluid in the drains (so they come out earlier), prevent swelling and helps compress the fat that has been aspirated.

Straightening up through your abdomen and lower back will be stiff for the first week, but does improve each day.

Going home after your abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) in Sydney

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure, and you will need to plan for a little “down time” after your abdominoplasty in Sydney. Most people can return to an office job at about 3 weeks, but jobs that require physical lifting will need closer to 4-6 weeks time off.

Once you are comfortable moving around your room, you will be discharged home with a prescription for pain relief and antibiotics. You will take these medications for a few days after your abdominoplasty or tummy tuck in Sydney. If you are prone to feeling sick after operations, you will also be given a prescription for something to help with that.

Your body will tell you (with pain) if you are trying too soon. When you feel pain, it’s important that you back off and wait a few days before trying that activity again, rather than “pushing through the pain.” Allowing time for your body to heal will result in the fewest complications from your abdominoplasty or tummy tuck in Sydney.

Gently walking is the only exercise you should plan on doing for the first few weeks, and it will take six to eight weeks before you can return to the gym or restart running.

Follow up after your abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) in Sydney

You will be asked to see Dr Gavin Sandercoe and his team for several follow up appointments to ensure that your body is healing well from the procedure. This also allows your Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Sydney to treat any complications that occur. You will have appointments scheduled at one week and three weeks with our practice nurse, and with Dr Gavin Sandercoe at 3 and 12 months after your abdominoplasty or tummy tuck in Sydney. Some procedures may require longer follow up. If there are any problems, we want to hear from you and sort it out as soon as possible!