Do Tummy Tuck Results Look Better after a Few Months?

Updated December 2018

A tummy tuck can offer noticeable results, but don’t expect to look instantly slimmer the minute you get home from your appointment. Since abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure, it’s normal to experience some swelling, bruising and other minor side effects, so don’t be alarmed if you don’t see the new look you want right away.

Here’s a timeline of what you can expect during the first stages of tummy tuck recovery, and when you should start seeing your new look.

Your First Month Post-Tummy Tuck

During the first several weeks to a month after your tummy tuck surgery, expect to still see significant swelling. Because of this, it might seem like you gained rather than lost fat at first, but just try to stay patient with the recovery process.

Your plastic surgeon will likely send you home with a compression garment to wear for at least the first month. This can help to reduce swelling and fluid buildup to minimize the risk of complications and help you feel more comfortable during recovery.

Including a tummy tuck in a customized procedure like a mommy makeover can offer even more dramatic results with a similar recovery timeline.

Tummy Tuck Results after 3 Months

Around 3 months after your tummy tuck, you should start to see a noticeable improvement in swelling, which means that your final results are beginning to take shape. At this stage, you should be back to your normal routine and daily activities.

Everyone will recover at a different pace, so allow your body to heal at its own speed. For some people, swelling can take around 6 months to fully dissipate.

Author: Dr. Francesco Campanile

Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Francesco Campanile is a cosmetic surgeon in Denver who is focused on body contouring and breast enhancement. Time and time again, the women and men who choose Dr. Campanile say that they’ve found “the whole package” – a doctor who cares deeply about the quality of their results and has the skill to achieve excellence.