How Long is Recovery from a Tummy Tuck?

Have you thought about getting tummy tuck surgery, but you’ve been holding back out of fear of a lengthy recovery time?

As it turns out, tummy tuck recovery isn’t as tough or lengthy as you may think. Take a look at board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Vitolo’soverview on tummy tuck recovery!

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*Individual results may vary

Dr. Vitolo’s Tummy Tuck

Tummy tuck surgery (also known as an abdominoplasty) does not actually enter the abdomen or cut any muscle; rather, the goal is to eliminate as much excess skin and fat as to produce a better looking abdomen. Dr. Vitolo utilizes techniques to reduce scarring and provide his patients with a flatter abdomen and a narrower waist. As a result, most patients have minimal discomfort after the surgery, meaning recovery can boil down to a matter of days, not weeks.

So if you had flashbacks of a C-section, don’t worry .Tummy Tuck surgery and recovery is far, far different and much less arduous!

Dr. Vitolo’s patients go home the same day as the surgery to recover in the comfort of their own space; he recommends that patients have a loved one pick them up after surgery, as the patient will have had general anesthesia.  He encourages his patients to be in bed only to sleep, and be up and around in the days after the surgery, to encourage faster healing. 

Dr Vitolo’s Scar Less Tummy Tuck

The Scar Less Tummy Tuck was developed for that small number of women who do not have a large amount of excess skin or stretch marks, but who have stretched or weakened abdominal muscles that create a forward bowing of the abdomen.  This procedure uses a small incision above the belly button and sometimes a small incision above the pubic area. Using an endoscopic technique, the muscles of the abdomen are tightened with special staples.

The Scar Less technique also can be used in women who have a fullness or “shelf” above a “C”section scar and is frequently combined with “C”section scar revision and liposuction.

Dr. Vitolo’s Advice on Tummy Tuck Recovery

Dr. Vitolo does point out that patients should avoid doing housework or lifting anything heavy,as this could potentially interfere with your healing process.

Dr. Vitolo likes to have his patients take 7 to 10 days off work while they recover, with light walks and movement to get the blood flowing. Most patients can return to work after this time. Most patients can return to strenuous physical activity – like their favorite gym workout –  3 to 4 weeks after surgery.

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Take the Next Step

Want to learn more about what you can expect from Tummy Tuck recovery?

Schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Vitolo at his plastic surgery practice by filling out the consultation form on this page or by calling 718-619-8869 to get more information or to make an appointment at one of his 3 offices. 

During this difficult time of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic we have taken precautions to protect our patients and staff from danger.  Dr Vitolo is offering complimentary Virtual Consultations on your computer,smartphone or tablet for all procedures. To request a consultation with Dr. Vitolo call 718-619-8869.

Dr. Vitolo serves the greater New York Metropolitan area including Manhattan, Staten  Island, Brooklyn, and New Jersey.