Tummy Tuck recovery — week by week

What healing actually looks like — week by week — for tummy tuck.

Recovery timeline

1. Days 0–3
   Drains placed. Hunched walking. Recliner sleeping. This is one of the more painful cosmetic recoveries.
2. Week 1
   Drains removed by day 5–10. Most patients walk upright by end of week 1.
3. Weeks 2–3
   Desk work resumes. No lifting over 10 lbs. Compression garment 24/7.
4. Weeks 4–6
   Light cardio cleared. Garment moves to 12 hours/day.
5. Months 2–3
   Full activity. Scar still red — silicone sheeting and SPF essential.
6. Months 6–12
   Final scar maturation. The scar fades but never disappears.

Quick reference

Back to work

10–14 days for desk; 4 weeks for physical work.

Exercise

Light walking immediately; cardio at 4 weeks; abs and lifting at 8 weeks.

What's normal vs. what to call about

Some swelling, bruising, asymmetry, numbness, and tightness are expected in the first weeks. Sudden severe pain, fever above 101°F, drainage, spreading redness, or one-sided swelling that worsens after improving warrant a same-day call to your surgeon.

See tummy tuck results across the recovery curve on the main Tummy Tuck page.