Tummy Tuck

Most patients experience moderate pain in the first 48–72 hours that is controllable with oral and, when needed, short-term prescription pain medication. Pain typically decreases quickly over the first week; by two to three weeks, many patients are comfortable with over-the-counter pain relievers. You will also experience tightness, numbness, and a pulling sensation, which are normal and gradually improve over months.

Expect an initial consultation, pre-operative clearance or testing (one visit or remote depending on your health), the surgery day, and routine post-op visits at approximately 1 week (for drain check/removal as indicated), 6 weeks, 3 months, and as needed until healing is complete. Additional visits may be scheduled for scar care, photo documentation, and any minor in-office procedures, such as suture removal or seroma aspirations. Your exact follow-up schedule will be given at your consultation.

You will notice an immediate change after surgery, but swelling, dressings, and postoperative positioning obscure early results. Significant contour improvement is typically visible by 6–8 weeks as swelling subsides; the most refined, final result may take 6–12 months as scar tissue softens and tissues settle. Scars continue to mature and fade over 12–18 months. Maintaining a stable weight preserves results.

Tummy tuck scars are placed low on the abdomen so they can be hidden under most underwear and swimwear. Scars are initially red and firm, then soften and fade with time; their final appearance depends on genetics, skin type, wound care, and smoking status. Dr. Fournier provides guidance on scar management (silicone, massage, sun protection) and will discuss realistic scar expectations during the consultation.

Gentle walking begins immediately and is encouraged daily to reduce the risk of clotting. Light, non-strenuous movement can usually be resumed within the first 1–2 weeks. Moderate cardiovascular exercise can begin around 3-4 weeks. Avoid core exercises for 6–8 weeks (sometimes longer for athletes), and obtain explicit clearance from your surgeon before returning to full exercise routines.

Yes, many patients combine abdominoplasty with liposuction to the flanks, breast procedures (breast lift/augmentation) as part of a “mommy makeover,” or body contouring procedures like thigh or arm lifts when appropriate. Combining procedures increases operative time and recovery complexity, so the decision is individualized based on safety, total anesthesia time, and your goals.

As with any major surgery, risks include bleeding, infection, fluid collections (seroma), delayed wound healing, skin or fat necrosis, altered sensation or numbness, unsightly scarring, asymmetry, and the uncommon but serious risk of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolus. Risk magnitude relates to patient factors (smoking, obesity, comorbidities), extent of surgery, and perioperative care.

Look for an ABPS-certified plastic surgeon with hospital privileges and demonstrated experience in abdominoplasty. Steps that help you choose: verify board certification on the American Board of Plastic Surgery site, review before/after photos for consistency and outcomes similar to your goals, confirm facility accreditation and anesthesia credentials, read educational material and patient testimonials (with caution), and schedule consultations with specific questions about technique, complication rates, and revision policy. Avoid surgeons who pressure you into booking quickly or advertise “too-good-to-be-true” pricing; an approach to safety and individualized planning is worth the investment. Dr. Fournier’s practice information, training, and local hospital affiliations are listed on his site and provider profiles for your review.