Dressings & Compression
After surgery, dressings and an abdominal binder or garment may be worn. Your doctor will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressings.
Abdominoplasty Recovery • Marietta, Georgia
Tummy Tuck Recovery in the Atlanta Metro Area
Understand what to expect after abdominoplasty, from early discomfort and mobility to returning to work, exercise and your final results.
Planning for Downtime
What should I expect after a tummy tuck?
The goal is to maximize comfort while helping you return safely to work, family life and everyday activities.
Time, pregnancy, or weight loss can significantly affect the appearance of the midsection. If you are considering a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) in metro Atlanta, Georgia, one of the top considerations is downtime and discomfort following the procedure.
Because of the extent of tummy tuck surgery as well as the number of nerves found in the abdominal area, recovery following a tummy tuck at our Marietta practice can involve a few days of discomfort. However, post-operative discomfort is well controlled with prescription medication for most patients.
Dr. Corey Harkins will provide detailed instructions based on your procedure and individual recovery needs. If you have questions about how your healing is progressing, the Plastic Surgery Center of the South team is available to advise and help.
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Post-Operative Comfort
EXPAREL® pain management
In an effort to provide the best recovery experience, we offer an FDA-approved pain management system called EXPAREL®. This local analgesic medication is injected into the incision at the time of surgery and gradually released into the body during the next 3 days. EXPAREL can greatly reduce the need for oral pain medications in the days following your tummy tuck.
More About Tummy Tuck Recovery
Early healing, activity and returning to your routine
Your recovery progresses in stages. The first priorities are protecting the surgical area, beginning gentle movement and following your post-operative instructions closely.
Walking & Posture
You cannot stand fully upright at first, which is normal. Dr. Harkins encourages patients to start walking as soon as possible and gradually stand more upright as healing progresses.
Work & Activity
All sutures and drains are usually removed in 1 to 2 weeks. Some patients return to work at this point, while others need more time, especially with physically demanding jobs. Strenuous activity must be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.
Recovery Milestones
Tummy tuck recovery timeline
While every patient’s recovery period is unique, you can generally expect to reach certain milestones after surgery.
3 Days
Pain Management
EXPAREL pain medication wears off.
7 Days
Posture
Ready to begin standing more upright.
1–2 Weeks
Drains
Surgical drains are usually removed.
2 Weeks
Work & Daily Life
Ready to return to work and gradually resume normal activities for many patients.
4–6 Weeks
Exercise
Strenuous activities may be resumed when cleared.
6 Weeks
Compression
Compression garment is typically no longer needed.
6–8 Weeks
Swelling
Swelling resolves.
3–6 Months
Final Contours
Final results are generally reached.
9–12+ Months
Scar Maturation
Scars flatten and become faint over time.
These milestones are general guidelines. Individual recovery timing varies based on the procedure performed, your healing response and Dr. Harkins’ recommendations.
Featured Surgeon
Meet Dr. Corey Harkins
Dr. Harkins guides each tummy tuck patient through the full surgical process, including preparation, pain-management options, activity restrictions and post-operative follow-up. His goal is to pair thoughtful abdominal contouring with a recovery plan tailored to the patient’s anatomy, health and daily responsibilities.
During follow-up visits, he evaluates healing, addresses concerns and helps patients understand when they may safely progress to the next stage of activity.
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Body Contouring Experience
Personalized Recovery Guidance
Healing & Long-Term Results
What happens to tummy tuck scars over time?
Abdominoplasty strengthens weakened abdominal muscles and can create significant improvement in body contour, especially when combined with procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation or breast reduction.
Remember that your scars may appear to worsen during the first few months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it to take 9 months to a year for your scars to flatten and lighten in color. While they will never disappear completely, your abdominal scars are designed to remain concealed under clothing and bathing suits.
In most cases, tummy tuck results are long-lasting when supported by a balanced diet, regular exercise and a stable weight.
Safety & Surgical Considerations
Abdominoplasty risks
Thousands of abdominoplasties are performed each year across the United States. When performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, the results can be quite positive. However, there are always risks associated with any surgery.
Infection
Blood clots
Hematoma or seroma formation
Delayed healing with tissue loss
Changes in abdominal sensation
Plan Your Tummy Tuck Recovery
Get answers about tummy tuck surgery and recovery
To schedule an appointment with Plastic Surgery Center of the South, call (770) 421-1242 or request your consultation online. We treat patients from Roswell, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs and throughout Georgia.
Recovery milestones, discomfort, activity restrictions, scars and results vary by patient. This page is for general education and does not replace individualized medical advice or a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon.