You'll probably need to stay with us at least a night though sometimes people need to stay a little longer.
After this, you will be taken to your room or comfortable area where you can rest and recuperate until we feel you’re ready to go home.
Pain relief
You will feel some pain and swelling around your tummy immediately after the operation. This is normal and your symptoms should start to improve within a few weeks.
We will provide you with a supply of all the medicines your consultant feels you need to take home with you after you've left hospital, up to 14 days. This may be at an additional cost to some patients.
Suffering from pain could slow down your recovery, so please discuss any discomfort with your doctors or nurses.
Recovery time
When you get home you’ll need to take things easy at first. Arrange at least a week off work and you should gradually be able to return to normal activity within four to six weeks. Light activity should be comfortable after around two weeks but you shouldn't do anything too active - like go to the gym or take an exercise class - for around six weeks.
You will be asked to keep your knees and hips bent when resting, to take the strain off the stitches. A corset will also help reduce pain and swelling in the first month.
End results
There will be visible scars and you may feel that your tummy looks unnatural at first, but this is almost always temporary. Everyone is different but you should start to look and feel better within a few months. Your surgeon will talk to you about the results that are likely to be realistic for you and what you should expect after surgery.
How your loved ones can help
Once you’re ready to be discharged from hospital, you’ll need to arrange a taxi, friend or family member to take you home as you won’t be able to drive. You should also ask them if they can run some light errands, such as shopping and cleaning, as you won’t feel up to it at first.
Looking after you
Even after you’ve left hospital, we’re still looking after you every step of the way. After a tummy tuck our consultants will typically want to see you after your procedure to see how you are doing, a date for an appointment will be made for you before you leave hospital.
On rare occasions, complications can occur following surgery. The chance of complications depends on the exact type of operation you are having and other factors such as your general health. We will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.
If you have any questions or concerns, we’re ready to help.