Abdominoplasty Recovery: Week-by-Week Timeline

Most people recovering from an abdominoplasty with Dr Reema Hadi spend 1-2 nights in hospital, return to driving and lighter work after 1 to 2 weeks, and avoid lifting and strenuous exercise for 4 to 6 weeks. The binder stays on for 6 weeks full time then weaned.

This page sets out her recovery plan week by week, so you can arrange help at home and time off work before surgery. Recovery varies a great deal between people, and Dr Hadi may adjust the plan for you.

Your recovery, week by week

This is the usual pattern after an abdominoplasty with Dr Hadi. Partial, reverse, fleur-de-lis and belt operations differ a little, and she will tell you which parts apply to you.

• Day of surgery: you wake up in hospital with drains, a binder and leg stockings. Your tummy feels tight, so you may walk a little bent at the waist for 1 to 2 days, then slowly straighten up. See abdominoplasty surgery day.
• Week 1: you go home after a 1-2 nights in hospital. Rest, take your antibiotics and pain relief as directed, and move gently around the house . The drains come out once each produces less than 30 ml a day, which can take a few days or up to 1 to 2 weeks. No driving yet.
• Week 2: you see Dr Hadi for your 2-week check-up. Your dressings change to brown tape. Light walking starts after this visit, and you can stop wearing the leg stockings. Driving and desk work may resume between 1 and 2 weeks.
• Weeks 3 to 4: build up your walking gradually. Keep the binder on full time. Still no lifting, bending or strenuous activity. Swelling and tightness are still common.
• Week 6: check-up with Dr Hadi. The binder usually moves to part time. Heavier exercise and lifting are usually reintroduced from around 4 to 6 weeks, or later if Dr Hadi advises.
• 3 months: the binder is usually finished. Targeted abdominal exercises, such as sit-ups and crunches, are generally delayed until up to this point so the muscle and skin layers can heal. Scar gel continues for about 2 months after the tape stops.
• 12 months: check-up with Dr Hadi. Scars keep softening and fading, which takes 12 to 18 months. Numbness can take months or longer to improve.

Get these ready before surgery

• Loose, comfortable clothes that pull on easily over the binder, such as dresses and drawstring pants
• Pillows to support your knees and back in bed
• Ice packs, if Dr Hadi advises using them
• A thermometer, so you can check for a temperature
• Easy, nourishing meals and plenty of water
• Someone to drive you home and help at home, especially with children and lifting

What to wear

You wear an abdominal binder, which Swan provides. It is usually worn for 6 weeks full time, then wean. Over it, wear soft, loose clothing that does not press on the scar or the drains.

You also wear leg stockings for two weeks to reduce the risk of blood clots. See compression garments and swelling after an abdominoplasty for how to wear the binder comfortably.

How to sleep

In the first weeks, sleep on your back with your upper body raised a little and your knees bent over a pillow. Keep your knees bent in bed to avoid strain on your stitches. Ask Dr Hadi at your 2-week or 6-week check-up when you can sleep on your side.

Moving, sitting and walking

Walk a little bent at the waist for the first day or two if that is more comfortable, then straighten up gradually. When you sit in a chair, straighten your back completely to prevent back pain.

In the first two weeks, move gently around the house. Light walking as exercise begins after your 2-week check-up.

Showering and wound care

You cannot shower while your drains are in. Dr Hadi or her nurse tells you when you can shower. Your wounds are first covered with a Comfeel dressing, which changes to brown tape at the two-week mark. You can shower over the tape and pat or blow-dry it. Full scar care is in abdominoplasty scars and belly button.

Driving

You cannot drive for at least the first week. Driving may resume after 1 to 2 weeks, once you can press the pedals without pain, you can move comfortably, and you no longer need strong pain medication. Check with your car insurer too.

Lifting

Avoid lifting, bending and strenuous activity for 4 to 6 weeks, or longer if Dr Hadi advises.Do not put strain on the wounds for at least 6 weeks. If you have young children, plan help with lifting them and ask Dr Hadi when it is safe for you.

Returning to work

Swan's guidance is that most people return to work within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the type of work. A desk job is usually possible sooner than a job with lifting, bending or long hours on your feet. Timings vary: Talk to Dr Hadi about your job before booking time off.

Exercise

• Before 2 weeks: gentle movement around the house only.
• From 2 weeks: light walking, building up gradually.
• From around 4 to 6 weeks: heavier exercise, as Dr Hadi advises.
• Up to 3 months: wait before targeted abdominal exercises, especially if your muscles were repaired.

Helping your recovery

• Do not smoke for 6 weeks after surgery, and avoid alcohol while you recover. Both can delay healing.
• Eat nutritious food and drink plenty of water.
• Use ice packs only if Dr Hadi advises.
• Keep every follow-up appointment. They are at no extra charge.

When to call us

Call Swan Clinic on 02 9526 6885, or the after-hours number you were given, straight away if you have [CHECK 3]:

• a temperature above 38°C
• heavy bleeding
• pain, redness or swelling that is getting worse, not better
• unpleasant-smelling discharge from a wound
• pain or swelling in your calf

Call 000 if you have chest pain or sudden shortness of breath, as these can be signs of a blood clot in the lungs [CHECK 3]. Read more in abdominoplasty risks and when something goes wrong.

Results and risks

All surgery carries risks, and recovery and results vary from person to person. To talk about your recovery plan with Dr Hadi, specialist plastic surgeon, call 02 9526 6885 or use our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the recovery from an abdominoplasty?

Most people drive and return to lighter work after 1 to 2 weeks, return to strenuous activity after 4 to 6 weeks, and wear the binder for about 12 weeks. Scars keep maturing for a year or more.

How long will I be off work after an abdominoplasty?

Dr Hadi's guidance is usually 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your job and the procedure you are having. Physical work takes longer, and some sources suggest 4 to 6 weeks.

When can I drive after an abdominoplasty?

After 1 to 2 weeks, once you can press the pedals without pain and no longer need strong pain relief. Never in the first week.

How should I sleep after an abdominoplasty.

On your back, slightly propped up, with your knees bent over a pillow. Ask Dr Hadi when you can sleep on your side.

When can I lift my children after an abdominoplasty?

Avoid lifting for 4 to 6 weeks. Arrange help beforehand and ask Dr Hadi when it is safe for you.

When can I exercise after an abdominoplasty?

Light walking from 2 weeks, heavier exercise from around 4 to 6 weeks, and targeted abdominal exercises after up to 3 months.

How painful is abdominoplasty recovery?

Expect tightness, swelling and discomfort, especially in the first week. Pain relief medicines, local anaesthetic blocks and the binder help keep you comfortable.

How many follow-up appointments will I have?

At least four: after surgery, at 2 weeks, at 6 weeks and at 12 months, at no extra charge.