Tummy Tuck Recovery

Time, pregnancy, or weight loss can significantly affect the appearance of the midsection. If you are considering a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) in metro Atlanta, Georgia, one of the top considerations is downtime and discomfort following the procedure. After all, you want to maximize comfort and minimize your time away from work, family life, and other activities.

Because of the extent of tummy tuck surgery as well as the number of nerves found in the abdominal area, recovery following a tummy tuck at our Marietta practice can involve a few days of discomfort. However, post-operative discomfort is well controlled with prescription medication for most patients.

In an effort to provide the best recovery experience, we offer an FDA-approved pain management system called EXPAREL®. This local analgesic medication is injected into the incision at the time of surgery and gradually released into the body during the next 3 days. EXPAREL can greatly reduce the need for oral pain medications in the days following your tummy tuck.

More About Tummy Tuck Recovery

After your surgery, dressings and an abdominal binder or garment may be worn. Your doctor will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressings. You cannot stand fully upright at first, which is normal. However, our board-certified plastic surgeons do encourage their patients to start walking as soon as possible. All sutures and drains are usually removed in 1 to 2 weeks. Some patients return to work at this point, while others take additional time off, especially if they have a more physically demanding job. You should be able to return to most normal activities in several weeks. However, strenuous activities must be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.

Abdominoplasty will strengthen weakened abdominal muscles and, along with procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation, or breast reduction can make great improvements in the appearance of your body. Remember that your scars may appear to worsen during the first few months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it to take 9 months to a year for your scars to flatten and lighten in color. While they will never disappear completely, your abdominal scars will not show under your clothes or bathing suits.

Meet Our Surgeons

Committed to the core values of ethics, integrity, honesty and education, our board-certified plastic surgeons draw patients from Atlanta and across the U.S.

Dr. Harkins

Dr. Petrosky

Dr. Depew

Credentials You Can Trust

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An Award–Winning Team

Plastic Surgery Center of the South won Family Life magazine's "Best Of" contest for Canton for 2016, 2018, and 2019, and for Woodstock in 2017. Experience our difference for yourself.

Abdominoplasty Risks

Thousands of abdominoplasties are performed each year across the United States. When performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, the results can be quite positive. However, there are always risks associated with any surgery. Complications include infection, blood clots, hematoma or seroma formation (blood and tissue fluid collections that may require removal), delayed healing with tissue loss, and changes in abdominal sensation.

Following your surgeon’s pre- and post-operative instructions plays an important role in minimizing complications. The benefits of abdominoplasty usually far outweigh the potential risks for most patients. If your experience is like most, you will be extremely satisfied with your new abdominal contour. In most cases, the results are long-lasting if you follow a balanced diet and get plenty of exercise.

To schedule an appointment with Plastic Surgery Center of the South, please call (770) 421-1242 or request your consultation online. We will happily answer all your top questions about a tummy tuck. You may also visit our Tummy Tuck FAQs page for more information about this popular surgery. We treat patients from Roswell, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, and throughout the state.