Most people considering tummy tuck surgery at our Toledo, Ohio, practice feel self-conscious about excess abdominal skin that remains after pregnancy, significant weight loss, or aging. It’s a procedure with a high satisfaction rate among patients because it helps them feel confident about their bodies.
Even though abdominoplasty—typically called a tummy tuck—is one of the most popular body contouring procedures performed in the U.S., some patients may have some misconceptions about what’s involved in the surgery. With that in mind, here are 7 things you should know about tummy tuck surgery before scheduling a procedure:
1. A tummy tuck alone may not achieve your goals.
I take a global approach to body contouring at my Toledo practice. That means considering the entire body and not just the abdomen to create the results most patients want. A tummy tuck removes excess skin and repairs abdominal muscles separated during pregnancy (a condition called diastasis recti) but doesn’t contour the rest of the torso.
Many patients have excess fat on the “love handles” or unwanted bulges on the lower back. In those cases, I may recommend a body lift—which addresses excess skin on the flanks (or love handle area), in addition to the abdomen—along with liposuction to remove unwanted subcutaneous fat.
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2. You may be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck.
A mini tummy tuck is a procedure that’s appropriate for patients whose concerns are isolated to the area below the navel. A shorter horizontal incision is made along the lower abdomen than in a full tummy tuck. This option is something I discuss with patients during the consultation.
3. A tummy tuck is a major surgery that requires recovery time.
It’s important that tummy tuck patients know what to expect after surgery. You should plan on taking 10 to 14 days off work—more if your job requires lifting or is physically strenuous. Patients with young children have to avoid lifting them during the initial phase of recovery. It usually takes several weeks before you can resume a normal workout routine. That being said, the overwhelming majority of tummy tuck patients say the confidence they feel after a tummy tuck is well worth any discomfort they experience during the recuperation period.
See a week-by-week recovery timeline in my related blog post.
4. Weight loss isn’t the goal of a tummy tuck.
Patients should be at or near the weight they intend to maintain before undergoing tummy tuck surgery. Removing excess skin creates a flatter stomach, but even if the procedure is combined with liposuction, it won’t result in significant weight loss. Significant weight fluctuations after a tummy tuck can compromise your results.
Learn about the Ideal BMI (body mass index) for tummy tuck surgery in this blog post.
5. You should have realistic expectations.
Don’t compare your results to photos of celebrities or a friend who may have had a tummy tuck. Abdominoplasty can change the appearance of your stomach significantly, as seen in these before-and-after photos of actual patients, but you may not have a perfectly flat abdomen. You’ll also have a scar, which is usually easily concealed by bikini bottoms.
6. Prepare before surgery.
Returning home from your tummy tuck to a clean house and a “nest” where you’ll feel comfortable during the recovery can help minimize stress. You’ll also want to ensure you have a reliable network of family and friends who can help out during the recovery, cooking meals, taking care of children, running errands, and just lending a hand when needed. Getting enough rest is crucial to a successful recovery.
7. Your choice of plastic surgeon matters.
Even experienced plastic surgeons may not perform tummy tuck surgery very often. It’s important to choose a surgeon who devotes a significant amount of their practice to body contouring procedures and who customizes their approach for your specific concerns. I take a global approach when consulting with tummy tuck patients, enabling me to create results that look natural for each patient.
Know What To Expect During Recovery
Recovering from a mommy makeover is a journey that unfolds in stages. While everyone heals at their own pace, knowing what to expect at different milestones can help you feel more confident and prepared. Below is a general timeline of the recovery process:
The First Few Days: Rest & Initial Healing
- Expect swelling, bruising, and some discomfort. Your surgeon will prescribe medication to help manage pain.
- You’ll need plenty of rest and assistance with daily activities, especially if you have young children.
- Drains (if placed) may need to be emptied and monitored.
- Walking a little each day is encouraged to promote circulation and prevent blood clots.
Week 1-2: Gradual Improvement
- Most patients can move around more comfortably but should still avoid lifting, bending, or strenuous activity.
- Swelling may still be significant, but bruising will start to fade.
- Compression garments should be worn as directed to support healing and minimize swelling.
- If your surgeon used sutures that require removal, this may happen around the end of this period.
Week 3-4: Increased Mobility & Energy
- You may feel ready to resume light activities, such as driving and returning to non-physical work.
- Swelling will continue to subside, and incision sites should be healing well.
- Gentle stretching or short walks can be beneficial, but heavy lifting and workouts should still be avoided.
Weeks 5-6: A Return to Normal Activities
- Many patients receive clearance to resume low-impact exercise.
- Swelling should be much improved, and initial results will be more visible.
- You may feel comfortable wearing normal clothing without discomfort from swelling.
Months 3-6: Final Refinements
- Most residual swelling should be gone, revealing your final results.
- Scars will continue to fade, though they may take up to a year to fully mature.
- You’ll likely feel back to your normal routine, with renewed confidence in your body.
Recovery is a process, and patience is key. Following your surgeon’s post-op care instructions and allowing your body the time it needs to heal will ensure you get the best possible outcome. If you have concerns at any stage, don’t hesitate to reach out to your surgical team.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
Women and men concerned about excess abdominal skin who want to learn more about their tummy tuck options can request a consultation using the online form or call (419) 534-6551 to schedule an appointment.