Dr. Patricia Adams
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, MD, FACS
Tummy tuck recovery follows a general timeline: Week 1-2 is the hardest—you'll walk hunched over, need help with daily activities, and should plan to be off work. By week 2-3, most desk-job patients can return to work. Driving typically resumes around week 2-3 when you're off pain medication. Light walking is encouraged from day 1 (it helps prevent blood clots), but no lifting over 10 pounds for 6 weeks. Exercise can gradually resume at 6-8 weeks. The compression garment is worn 24/7 for the first 6 weeks. Swelling takes 3-6 months to fully resolve, and the scar continues to improve for 12-18 months. For moms, arrange childcare help for at least 2 weeks—you won't be able to lift your kids during early recovery.