A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can transform the way you look and feel, especially if you’ve been struggling with loose abdominal skin, muscle laxity, or stubborn fat after pregnancy or weight loss. While the surgery itself is a key step toward your goals, the recovery period is where your body does the real work of healing. How you care for yourself in the weeks after surgery can make a significant difference in your comfort, your confidence, and your results.

At Carolina Plastic Surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeons want every patient to feel prepared for this stage of their journey. The following five tips can help you recover more comfortably, protect your results, and return to your daily life feeling your best.

1. Follow Your Post-Op Instructions

Your post-operative instructions are your personal recovery guide. They may include:

• How to care for your incision
• When and how to empty drains (if placed)
• How long to wear your compression garment
• Medication schedules
• When you can resume daily activities and exercise

These steps are designed to protect your results and minimize complications such as infection, excess swelling, or fluid buildup. Even small changes, like skipping your garment for a day or lifting something heavy too soon, can affect your outcome.
If anything is unclear, ask for clarification before you leave the surgery center. During recovery, you don’t need to guess — call our office if you’re unsure about symptoms or next steps.

2. Rest, But Keep Moving

The first week after your tummy tuck will be your most restricted physically, and you’ll need to plan ahead so you can fully rest. Arrange for help with childcare, meals, and chores before surgery. Keep essentials, such as water, snacks, and your phone, within easy reach.

That said, staying completely still for long periods can increase your risk of blood clots and slow healing. Begin gentle walking as soon as your surgeon clears you, usually the same or next day after surgery. Take short walks around your home several times a day, slowly increasing distance as your strength returns.

When resting or sleeping, use pillows to support your upper body and knees in a slightly bent position. This reduces tension on your incision and can make resting more comfortable.

3. Wear Your Compression Garment

Compression garments may feel snug, but they serve several important purposes:

• Control swelling by limiting fluid buildup
• Support healing tissues as muscles and skin adapt
• Improve comfort during movement
• Encourage a smoother contour for your final results

Expect to wear your garment most of the day for the first few weeks, removing it only for bathing or as directed by your surgeon. As you progress, you may be able to wear it part-time, but consistency in the early phase is essential. Many patients notice they feel more supported and comfortable when wearing it.

4. Eat for Healing

What you eat after surgery can directly influence your recovery speed and comfort. Focus on nutrient-rich foods that promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and maintain steady energy.
Good choices include:

• Lean proteins (chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, beans, Greek yogurt)
• Fresh fruits and vegetables for vitamins and antioxidants
• Whole grains for steady energy
• Healthy fats from nuts, seeds, avocado, and olive oil

Hydration is equally important. Drink water throughout the day to support circulation and help manage swelling. Limit alcohol, processed snacks, and high-sodium foods, which can cause fluid retention and increase swelling.
If you have dietary restrictions or concerns about appetite during recovery, your surgeon can suggest general guidelines to keep your nutrition balanced.

5. Be Patient

Tummy tuck recovery is a gradual process. While most patients can return to light activities in one to two weeks, it may take six weeks or longer before you can resume full exercise and lifting. Swelling, changes in sensation, and the appearance of your scar will continue to improve over several months.
Final results often take 6–12 months to fully develop as swelling subsides and tissues settle. It can be tempting to focus on the “end result,” but acknowledging small milestones, like standing straighter, feeling more comfortable, and wearing clothes with ease, can keep you motivated during the process.

Your Recovery Shapes Your Results

A tummy tuck can deliver a more toned, contoured midsection, but optimal results come from pairing skilled surgery with careful recovery. By following your post-op plan, balancing rest with light movement, wearing your garment as directed, eating to fuel healing, and giving yourself time to recover, you can protect your investment and enjoy your results for years to come.
If you’re considering tummy tuck surgery or want to learn more about the recovery process, contact our team at Carolina Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons. We’re here to help you feel comfortable, informed, and confident from start to finish.