What Helps Tightness After a Tummy Tuck?

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that tightens and reshapes the abdominal area for improved waistline definition. In 2022, the tummy tuck was the third most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in the U.S., according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. As you heal post-surgery, feeling tightness in the stomach is common. While this natural side effect is not a cause for alarm, it can be uncomfortable. Thankfully, there are things you can do to help tightness after a tummy tuck.

What Causes Tightness After a Tummy Tuck?

During a tummy tuck procedure, the surgeon removes excess skin and fat. In many cases, they also tighten the abdominal muscles. These changes naturally lead to a feeling of tightness as the body adjusts to its new contours. Also, the surgeon must cut some nerves when they make the incision. These nerves then need time to reconnect. As they heal, you might feel tingling, itching or burning sensations in addition to tightness. Post-operative swelling also contributes to a tight feeling.

How Long Does Tightness Last?

While every patient is unique and the time to heal can vary, tightness in the abdominal area can last from six to 12 weeks. It can take the nerve endings up to one year to be fully functional again. That might sound like a long time, but rest assured that 97% of tummy tuck patients report that it was worth it and they would undergo the procedure again, per a study published in the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

How To Help Tightness After a Tummy Tuck

One of the main things you can do after a tummy tuck is to wear compression garments to help reduce swelling and promote healing. Post-surgical garments allow for easy drainage of accumulated fluids and are easy to put on and take off. Your surgeon will advise you on how long you should wear your tummy tuck compression garments during your recovery. Initially, you will most likely need to wear a compression garment 24/7. Later, you’ll transition to wearing it daily but not all day and night.

Leonisa compression garments are designed to help the recovery process by providing support and comfort to address the common issue of post-surgery tightness. Our garments are made of special fabrics such as our PowerSlim® firm compression fabric. This material provides the necessary snugness to support your newly contoured abdominal area, reducing the feeling of tightness from swelling and surgical changes. It has an inner layer of soft fabric to make it comfortable to wear your garment for extended periods. Our post-surgical abdominal binder is made of seamless SkinFuse® compression fabric and has adjustable belts so that you can customize the compression level across three sections of the garment.

Your surgeon will advise you to take things easy following your surgery and will prescribe when you should start increasing your activity level. Getting in some light movement with your doctor’s approval will help reduce swelling. You can help retrain your nerves and stimulate their healing by gently touching items of varied textures to your abdominal skin, such as terry cloth towels, cotton sheets or rough loofahs. Gentle massages, such as lymphatic massages, can help to drain fluids and stimulate circulation. Naturally, make sure to closely follow your doctor’s instructions for an optimal healing process.

Embrace the Tummy Tuck Difference

At Leonisa, we are committed to supporting you in your recovery after a tummy tuck. Our specially designed compression garments offer a host of supportive features, and we’ve tailored them to ease the tightness and discomfort associated with post-surgical recovery. Every step in your recovery matters, and with Leonisa’s compression garments, you’re well equipped to embrace this transformative journey with confidence and comfort.