While ultimately rewarding, the experience of undergoing a tummy tuck can involve ups and downs along the way— both physically and emotionally. Austin, TX, patients considering a body contouring procedure should be ready to experience a wide array of emotions as they recover, and it’s important to know these feelings are normal and temporary.
In this blog post, I’d like to share a few feelings you’re likely to experience during tummy tuck recovery.
Doubt
The initial recovery period can feel unfamiliar and even a bit uncomfortable. It’s normal to have feelings of doubt or regret as your body works through the first week or 2. You may feel especially tired, and while discomfort is easily managed with medication, the experience is still a lot for your body and mind to handle.
It’s not uncommon to question whether you’ve made the right decision. Don’t worry—our past patients would be quick to tell you this feeling won’t last. We will only perform a tummy tuck if we’re confident it will transform your life for the better.
Impatience
Once you start feeling better, you’ll be eager to get back into the swing of things. While you’ll be able to return to light activity within 10 to 15 days, it may be a few weeks before you’re able to fully return to exercise and all physical activity.
During this time, you’ll likely feel a bit antsy. Remember how important it is to give your body as much time as it needs to heal—this will allow you to look and feel your absolute best when it’s time to ease back into things. Taking your time will be worth it. Learn more in our previous blog post.
Accomplishment
About 6 weeks after your surgery, you’ll likely be cleared to ease back into exercise. This process will take a couple of weeks, and it’s important to pay attention to your body’s reaction as you gradually resume your routine. Returning to core training and ab workouts typically takes a bit longer, usually around 2 months.
When you’re fully back on your feet, you’ll feel proud of yourself for sticking through it, and accomplishments like working out again for the first time with your new figure will have you feeling unstoppable.
Confidence
Of all the feelings you’ll experience, this is the one that will last a lifetime. You’ll finally get to enjoy the new shape you’ve been dreaming of. Over the next 6 to 12 months, your scar will continue to soften, fade, and flatten until it becomes even less noticeable. Not only will you feel like yourself again, but you’ll feel like an even better you than before.
To see examples of the tummy tuck results you can expect, please visit our before-and-after photo gallery.
If you’re interested in learning more about tummy tuck options at our Austin, Texas, practice or would like to explore more body contouring procedures, please contact us online or call (512) 244-1439.
Leave a Reply