Plan on two weeks off work, a gradual return to most things over the following four weeks, and a build-up to full clearance at about twelve weeks. That is Dr Kumar’s standard advice after body contouring surgery, and it is a timetable rather than a range, so you can plan around it.
An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a bigger recovery than most patients expect, particularly where the abdominal muscles have been repaired.
Week by week
| When | What to expect | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | In hospital; drains in; tight across the abdomen; you will stand slightly bent | Walk with assistance from day one |
| Days 4–7 | Home; drains may still be in; swelling peaks then settles | Short walks around the house, hourly |
| Week 1 | First review with the nursing team; drains usually out | Standing straighter; most reduce pain relief |
| Week 2 | Moving comfortably in the garment | Desk work; driving once off strong pain relief and able to brake hard |
| Weeks 3–6 | Swelling settling; energy returning | Gradual return to most activities depending on effort involved |
| Week 6 | Second review; dressings and garment come off | Light gym, no heavy core work |
| Week 12 | Third review; full clearance for most patients | Full exercise including abdominal work |
| 6 and 12 months | Scar fading; final review at twelve months | — |
Dr Kumar reviews his surgical patients for twelve months after surgery. The nurses who prepare you for theatre are the same ones you see at every review afterwards.
Drains, dressings and garments
Dr Kumar uses drains in body contouring surgery. They are usually removed within the first week, once output has fallen, and they are less uncomfortable than patients expect. Prineo and Micropore go on the wound at surgery and stay for six weeks, and a compression garment is worn for the same six weeks, day and night.
The garment is not optional. It controls swelling, supports the repair and is part of why the contour settles the way it does.
Why you will be bent over at first
Skin has been removed and the abdominal wall tightened, so standing fully upright pulls on the closure. Most patients are hunched for the first few days and straighten up over the first week or two. Sleeping propped up with pillows under the knees takes the tension off and makes the first week considerably easier.
Muscle repair changes the first fortnight
Where a diastasis has been repaired, the abdominal wall is under tension and every movement uses it — getting out of bed, coughing, laughing. Expect more discomfort in the first two weeks than after skin excision alone, and follow the instruction to roll onto your side to sit up rather than curling forward. Abdominoplasty with muscle repair.
Getting ready before surgery
- Nicotine. Complete abstinence from all nicotine, not just smoking, for eight weeks before and after body contouring surgery after weight loss; six weeks for other procedures.
- Help at home. Arrange someone for the first week, particularly with small children.
- Set up downstairs. Stairs are manageable but tiring early on.
- Nutrition. Protein, iron, B12 and vitamin D are commonly low after bariatric surgery and wound healing depends on them. Dr Kumar’s practice offers dietitian input before surgery.
- Move. Walking from day one reduces the risk of blood clots.
What is normal, and what is not
Normal: swelling that shifts through the day and is worse by evening, numbness across the lower abdomen that improves over months, bruising tracking downwards, and a firm ridge along the scar that softens.
Worth a call: fever, redness spreading from the wound, calf pain or swelling, breathlessness, sudden swelling on one side, or a wound that opens. Dr Kumar’s nurses would rather see you early than late — 1300 267 726.
Common questions
When will I see the result? Swelling masks it for months. The contour at three months is close; at twelve it is settled.
When can I do core work? Around twelve weeks, and later where the muscle has been repaired.
Will the numbness go? Most of it improves over six to twelve months. A patch of permanent numbness below the scar is common.
Can I fly? Not in the first two weeks, because of clot risk. Tell the team your plans before surgery, particularly if you are travelling from Orange or further.
What about the belly button? It is repositioned and heals with its own small scar. Your belly button after abdominoplasty.
Next step
If you are planning around work or family, Dr Kumar’s nurses can talk you through the timeline for your situation before you book. Bring a GP referral — it is required to see Dr Kumar. Call 1300 267 726. More about abdominoplasty, costs and body contouring after weight loss.
The initial consultation with Dr Kumar is $400, with a Medicare rebate of approximately $88 where you have a GP referral. Surgical fees are quoted individually after your consultation, in a written itemised quote.
All surgery carries risks, and individual results will vary. Read more about the risks of surgery here. A GP referral is required to see Dr Kumar.
Dr Rohit Kumar (MED0001630444) Registered medical practitioner, specialist plastic surgeon (specialist registration in surgery – plastic surgery).
