Abdominoplasty / Tummy Tuck
Recovery time

As mentioned above, you will be encouraged to walk around the very next day. Returning to work can be somewhat variable depending on your job. If your job is sedentary you will be able to return to work in 10 to 14 days. If your job is labor intensive it may take up to 6 weeks to return. Expect to have bruising and swelling. You may resume light exercise that does not require abdominal activity at approximately the 4th week. Abdominal activity, however, should not be attempted prior to 8 weeks and should only be done when there is absolutely no pain. The majority of the bruising and swelling will have subsided by 3 weeks, but complete resolution will take at least 6 months to occur. Typically, scars heal in a very methodical manner. For the first 6 to 8 weeks the scar becomes red as the body heals. After that stage, however, the scar becomes much less red and thinner. By one year, the scar is usually very light and easily hidden by underwear or a bikini.