What to Expect After Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Here at Hospital Angeles, you will be asked to stay a minimum of 3 nights in the hospital after the procedure to assure proper healing. Even after your stay at the hospital, you will be expected to remain in Mexico for an additional four to nine days after release from the hospital to manage the surgical drains.

Surgical drains will be removed 5 days after surgery for regular Tummy Tuck, 10 days for circular. Stitches will normally be removed in stages over a period of two weeks following surgery. Please note that unless you plan to stay in Mexico for up to two weeks, some stitch removal will need to be done after you return home.

The recovery period is a time for gentle movement marked by temporary pain and discomfort. You will experience some swelling in the area. You will need pain medication for approximately three to eight days.

Exercise and lifting can be resumed in 6-8 weeks. Most people return to work three weeks post-surgery.

Scar sizes are based upon how much work is done. They can be a hip to hip for regular, or all the way around the body with a circular Tummy Tuck.

Compression garments must be worn for the first 6 weeks. Light walking and other very gentle exercise will help with the swelling and prevent the formation of blood clots in the legs. Numbness in the area can last up to 6 months. Scarring will fade about a year post-surgery. It is recommended that patients not get pregnant after receiving a Tummy Tuck.

When your recovery is complete, your abdomen area will be more taut and firm, your waistline will be slimmer, and you may notice some reduction in your buttocks and thighs, particularly in the case of the circular Tummy Tuck.