Tummy Tuck

You can expect some discomfort for a few days after undergoing a tummy tuck in Washington, DC. Tightness and soreness in the abdomen might persist for a couple of weeks. You will be given a prescription for pain medication to use immediately post-op, and can change to Tylenol after a few days.

Patients will have an initial consultation to discuss their goals, medical history, and surgical plan. A pre-operative appointment may also be scheduled to review final details, answer any remaining questions, and ensure you are fully prepared for surgery. After the procedure, most patients will require several follow-up visits to monitor healing, remove sutures or drains as necessary, and assess the results. The first follow-up usually occurs within the first week, with additional appointments scheduled at key recovery milestones, such as one month, three months, and six months post-surgery.

You will have one long incision across your abdomen, usually extending upward from hip to hip. You will also have an incision around your belly button. You will have an adhesive glue or Steri-Strips covering your incisions. Your incisions can get wet 48 hours after surgery, so do not apply any ointment or scar products to your incision until discussed with Dr. Pittman. Many patients will often choose to undergo FraxisPro laser treatment on their incisions to help optimize the long-term cosmetic result.

Following a tummy tuck, patients should avoid strenuous exercise for at least 6 weeks to allow the body to heal properly. Light walking is encouraged soon after surgery to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots, but high-impact activities such as running, weightlifting, and core workouts should be postponed until cleared by Dr. Pittman. Over time, you can gradually reintroduce physical activity, typically starting with gentle movements around the 4-week mark. By 6 to 8 weeks post-surgery, most patients can resume moderate workouts; however, exercises that heavily engage the abdominal muscles, such as crunches and planks, may require additional healing time.

Commonly paired surgeries include liposuction for enhanced contouring, breast augmentation or a breast lift for upper body enhancement, and body contouring treatments like arm or thigh lifts. This approach is often referred to as a “Mommy Makeover,” which is designed to address multiple areas of concern in a single surgical plan. Combining procedures can offer several benefits, including a single recovery period and a more harmonious overall result. However, the suitability of multiple surgeries depends on factors such as your health, aesthetic goals, and the extent of the procedures being performed.

Potential risks include infection, bleeding, poor wound healing, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Some patients may also experience changes in skin sensation, prolonged swelling, or fluid accumulation (seroma), which can typically be managed with proper post-operative care. Scarring is another consideration; however, an experienced surgeon will strategically place incisions to minimize their visibility. In rare cases, complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), asymmetry, or tissue necrosis may occur.

A consultation is a crucial step in selecting the right surgeon, as it enables you to discuss your goals, ask questions, and evaluate their approach to patient care. The best surgeons prioritize safety, personalized treatment plans, and natural-looking results. Selecting a highly skilled and reputable plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Troy Pittman, ensures you receive top-tier care.

Finding the best tummy tuck plastic surgeon in Washington, D.C., requires thorough research and careful consideration. Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in body contouring procedures, particularly abdominoplasty. Reviewing before-and-after photos, patient testimonials, and credentials can help you gauge a surgeon’s expertise and aesthetic style.

You will experience mild to moderate swelling and bruising of your abdomen, which may persist for several weeks. When you leave the surgical suite, you will be given an abdominal compression garment to wear, which helps to reduce swelling and protect your incision. You should be able to resume normal activities in a few days. You may take small walks as long as you are not dizzy, but strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and abdominal exercises are restricted for six weeks.

Your first postoperative visit will typically occur within one week after surgery. We will inspect your incisions, monitor for signs of infection, and assess your recovery. We will then see you on a weekly basis until your drains are ready to be removed. Sometimes, after the drain is removed, a collection of fluid in the abdomen called a seroma can develop. This is not a serious issue, but it can be uncomfortable and put stress on your incision. If this occurs, we will remove the fluid with a small needle in our DC office. This should be done once or twice a week until the body has absorbed the fluid. This is not a painful procedure.

You should be able to return to work in about two or three weeks. If your job requires physical labor, consider taking 4-6 weeks of leave or returning to work with lifting restrictions.

You can drive as soon as you are off the narcotic pain medication and feel alert enough and physically able to do so.

Patients who have a tummy tuck go home the same day. Someone will need to drive you home and stay with you the first night.

You may have sex when you feel comfortable enough. However, we suggest waiting a week to give your incision time to heal. Too much stress on your incision can cause it to reopen.

A small surgical drain is usually necessary to help collect fluid that accumulates in your abdomen following surgery. You will need to empty and measure the output of the drains at least twice daily. The recovery room nurse will show you how to empty the drains before you leave the surgical suite. The duration for which the drains remain in place varies from patient to patient, but they typically stay in place for approximately 10 days. They are usually concealed when secured under loose garments.

You can shower 72 hours after surgery. You should not submerge your incision under water for 6 weeks after surgery.

Narcotic pain medication can cause constipation. We recommend taking Miralax, which is available over the counter at your local pharmacy. You should begin taking this medication when you get home and continue as long as you are on the narcotic pain medication. Increasing your fiber intake, eating fruits and vegetables, and drinking plenty of fluids also help. If constipation becomes a serious problem, we suggest using either a Dulcolax suppository or drinking a solution of Citrate of Magnesium.

Dr. Pittman typically uses dissolvable sutures during a tummy tuck procedure. They are not noticeable and are absorbed by the body. You will have one suture holding each drain in place, which will be removed along with the drain.

Abdominoplasty will not interfere with your ability to become pregnant. However, pregnancy will interfere with your surgical result. Skin and tissue are removed from your abdomen, but your remaining abdominal skin will stretch to accommodate your pregnant belly. Women who have had children and want to rejuvenate their bodies can discuss getting a mommy makeover package, which often includes a tummy tuck and a breast lift or augmentation, among other procedures.