Tummy Tuck Recovery 

Knowing what to expect during your tummy tuck recovery can make all the difference in your experience and outcome. At Parker Center for Plastic Surgery in Paramus, New Jersey, we’ve designed our entire process—from pre-op education to postoperative care—to help you heal faster, with less pain, and with more confidence.

What’s the Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline?

As part of Dr. Parker’s rapid recovery tummy tuck, most patients can expect the following milestones:

• 24 hours post-op: Shower, up and walking, and able to resume light activities
• 1–2 weeks: Return to non-strenuous work
• 2–3 weeks: Begin light exercise, as advised
• 4 weeks: Resume more vigorous physical activity
• 3-6 months: Enjoy final results as swelling fully resolves

Recovery can vary depending on your procedure type, such as a full or mini tummy tuck, and whether it’s combined with other procedures like liposuction or a Brazilian butt lift. For more guidance, read our Tummy Tuck Recovery Tips.

The Rapid Recovery Advantage

Dr. Parker’s Rapid Recovery Program is designed to accelerate healing, minimize discomfort, and help patients return to normal life sooner. Key components include:

• Short-acting anesthetic agents to reduce grogginess after surgery
• Anti-nausea medications to support early mobility
• Exparel® or similar injections into the areas of muscle tightening for long-lasting pain control
• Three postoperative medical lymphatic drainage massages by specially trained massage therapists at the Parker Center Med Spa to reduce swelling, bruising, and pain
• Advanced silicone based scar creams to improve the final scar appearance

Thanks to this approach, our patients typically experience less pain, faster healing, and lower complication rates compared to standard recovery protocols used elsewhere.

What About Scarring?

One of the most common concerns about the surgery is what the tummy tuck scar will look like. At Parker Center, we do everything possible to make your scar low-lying, discreet, and refined. Before surgery, Dr. Parker carefully marks your incision under your favorite swimsuit or underwear line before surgery, ensuring that your scar stays hidden beneath your clothing.

He also uses other techniques to ensure an inconspicuous scar, including:

• Multiple layers of absorbable sutures in closing your tummy tuck incision to reduce tension
• Internal quilting stitches to prevent fluid buildup
• Dr. Parker himself performs all of your surgery, including inserting all of your sutures—he does not have this done by another surgeon, PA, or other personnel as is often done elsewhere
• Post-op scar management protocols with medical-grade silicone-based scar creams

Will My Results Last?

A tummy tuck offers long-lasting results—especially if you maintain a healthy lifestyle, stable weight, and follow Dr. Parker’s recovery advice. He has many patients return years later for other procedures and proudly show him how well their tummy tuck results have held up. Learn how to protect your investment in our blog post on how long tummy tucks last.

Support Every Step of the Way

From your pre-op education session to your final follow-up, our team is here to guide, support, and celebrate your transformation. Patients often tell us they feel incredibly well-prepared and confident going into surgery—and that’s no accident. Our goal at the Parker Center is to hold your hand and guide you through the entire process.

Read more about our Patient Experience.

Take the First Step Toward a Smoother Recovery

When you choose Dr. Parker and the team at Parker Center, you’re not just getting exceptional surgical results—you’re getting a recovery experience built around your comfort and success. Request a consultation or call our office at (201) 967-1212 to get started.