Tummy Tuck

You can expect some discomfort after a tummy tuck, especially in the first few days following surgery, but the pain is generally manageable with prescribed medication. Most patients describe it as a deep soreness or tightness in the abdominal area, particularly where the muscles were tightened. You’ll have pain relief options, including long-acting numbing medication during surgery and oral medications to help you stay comfortable during recovery.
As your body heals, the discomfort will gradually subside over the first one to two weeks. Most patients are up and walking within a day or two, and report significant improvement in pain levels after the first week.

Generally, you can expect approximately three to five appointments, from the initial consultation through to full recovery. The process begins with your initial consultation with Dr. Groves, followed by a pre-operative visit where you’ll finalize your surgical plan, complete any necessary labs, and receive detailed instructions. After surgery, you’ll return for several follow-up visits to ensure you’re healing well and to monitor progress. The first follow-up is usually within the first week, with additional check-ins over the next few months.

You’ll notice an immediate difference in your abdominal contour right after surgery, but swelling will temporarily obscure your final results. Most patients begin to see more defined results within 3 to 6 weeks, as the swelling continues to go down and their body adjusts to the new shape.
It typically takes about 3 to 6 months for your final results to become fully visible, once all swelling has resolved and your tissues have fully settled. Scars will continue to fade over time, often becoming significantly less noticeable by the one-year mark. To maintain your results long-term, it’s essential to maintain a stable weight and adhere to a healthy lifestyle.

A tummy tuck does leave a scar, but Dr. Groves places the incision low on the abdomen— just above the pubic area—so it can be easily concealed beneath underwear or swimsuit bottoms. The length of the scar will depend on the extent of the surgery: a full tummy tuck usually requires a horizontal incision across the lower abdomen, while a mini-tummy tuck uses a shorter incision. In the months following surgery, your scar will appear red or pink and may feel slightly raised. With proper care and time, the scar will gradually flatten and fade.

Most patients can resume light walking within a few days after surgery, which helps promote circulation and aid in the healing process. However, avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and core exercises for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Overexerting yourself too soon can compromise healing and increase the risk of complications. Typically, full workouts can be gradually reintroduced after about 8 weeks, once your incisions and internal muscle repairs are fully healed.

A common combination is the “mommy makeover,” which typically includes a tummy tuck, breast lift or augmentation, and liposuction to restore a more youthful figure after pregnancy or weight loss. Combining surgeries can also reduce overall recovery time compared to having them done separately.

During your consultation, we will discuss your goals and help determine which procedures can safely be performed together. Whether you’re interested in enhancing your breasts, removing excess fat from stubborn areas, or achieving a full-body transformation, we’re happy to go over options and create a plan that’s right for you.

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with a tummy tuck. These may include bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation (seroma), poor wound healing, blood clots, or changes in skin sensation such as temporary numbness or tingling. In rare cases, patients may experience complications with scarring or require revision surgery.

Dr. Groves will review your full medical history, discuss all potential complications in detail during your consultation, and ensure you’re well-informed and prepared before surgery.

Finding the best plastic surgeon for a tummy tuck in Macon starts with researching board certification, credentials, and real patient results. Look for a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) — the gold standard in plastic surgery training and safety. It’s also important to review before-and-after photos, patient testimonials, and the practice’s reputation within the community.

Dr. Joshua R. Groves is an ABPS board-certified plastic surgeon and a proud member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), with years of experience helping patients in Macon, Warner Robins, and the surrounding counties achieve flatter, firmer abdominal contours through abdominoplasty.