When Will I Feel Normal After Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty is a significant operation. Recovery can take time, and most patients find it takes a couple of months before they feel like they are returning to their usual routine.
Just tell me the answer
Every patient is different, and so is every operation. The larger or more complex the abdominoplasty, the longer recovery usually takes. Based on Dr Beldholm’s experience, many patients report feeling “normal” again at around three months after surgery. Even at this stage, however, there is usually still some swelling, and the scar will remain red.
Recovery stages
Below is a general overview of what recovery after abdominoplasty can look like. Timelines vary depending on the type of surgery performed (for example, a mini abdominoplasty usually involves a shorter recovery than an extended abdominoplasty with suction-assisted lipectomy).
Week 1
- This is typically the most difficult stage. Pain, swelling and bruising are common.
- Walking is important, even if only for a few minutes every few hours. At this stage you will likely be walking slightly bent over.
- Driving is not recommended.
- At around 7 days, you will usually attend a follow-up appointment. At this visit, dressings such as PICO negative pressure dressings may be changed.
Week 2
- Discomfort gradually decreases, but swelling and numbness in the lower abdomen are common.
- The abdominal area will still be tender, and assistance at home may be needed.
- By around day 10, many patients are able to stand upright.
Week 3
- Many patients are cleared to drive between 2–3 weeks post-surgery.
- Independence increases, though heavy lifting is still best avoided.
- Swelling and bruising continue to settle.
- Numbness in the lower abdomen is normal at this stage. Sensation usually improves over the coming months as nerves recover.
Week 4
- A large proportion of patients return to work around 4 weeks after abdominoplasty, depending on the type of work they do.
- Returning to work can help patients feel like they are regaining normalcy.
Weeks 5–8
- Recovery generally becomes much easier.
- The worst swelling usually starts to resolve by 1–2 months.
- Most patients can resume a full exercise routine at around 8 weeks (once cleared by their surgeon).
- Lifting heavier objects becomes more comfortable.
Week 9 (Three months)
- Many patients report feeling back to normal around the three-month mark.
- Some swelling may still be present, but discomfort has usually resolved.
- Surgical scars remain red but will mature with time.
- Independence is fully regained.
Beyond three months
- Swelling continues to improve over the following months.
- The final results of abdominoplasty are usually visible between 12–18 months, once swelling has completely resolved and scars have matured.
How long until I see the results of abdominoplasty?
While there is an immediate change in the abdominal contour after surgery, swelling can obscure the outcome for some time. It generally takes 12–18 months to see the final results. Patients typically feel back to normal by three months, but scar fading and resolution of swelling take longer.
