During tummy tuck surgery, you will be unconscious, sleeping peacefully under anesthesia. After surgery, it is common to experience swelling, bruising, and soreness that can last several weeks. Dr. Motykie does everything possible to minimize your discomfort by prescribing pain medications and providing you with a compression garment to reduce swelling. Most patients agree that the risk of discomfort after surgery is a worthwhile price to pay for the incredible sculpting results that can be achieved through abdominoplasty.

In addition to your consultation and surgery date, Dr. Motykie will want to see you for several follow-up visits at his West Hollywood office to remove your sutures and drains and make sure your incisions are healing nicely.

Changes after a tummy tuck emerge slowly as swelling and bruising gradually diminish after surgery. While you will see some positive changes after several weeks, your full and final results should not be assessed until around six months post-op.

Dr. Motykie takes great care to minimize the look of your scars, placing incisions in inconspicuous areas whenever possible. Additionally, he can recommend scar revision techniques and topical products after surgery to help further fade your incision lines.

Patients are usually cleared to resume exercise after 7-10 weeks with a tummy tuck. However, Dr. Motykie will provide more personalized instructions for you as part of your detailed aftercare plan.

There are many procedures that can be combined with your abdominoplasty to enhance results and add proportion to your new body. The most common procedures are often part of a “Mommy Makeover” and typically include breast rejuvenation surgery, liposuction, and/or a buttock lift.

While combining procedures can lead to dramatic results, it is essential to prioritize safety. Dr. Motykie will advise you on the safest amount of surgery to perform at one time and determine if your treatment plan should be divided into two separate surgical procedures.

A smooth and complication-free recovery is far more important than attempting to do too much surgery at once. Once you have safely recovered from your initial operation, there will always be time to consider additional procedures. Never feel pressured by any surgeon to undergo an amount of surgery that feels excessive or beyond what your body can safely handle

Potential complications are rare with abdominoplasty, provided that you choose an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Motykie in West Hollywood. A tummy tuck comes with certain risks, including but not limited to the following:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Pain
• Fluid buildup
• Poor wound healing
• Changes in skin sensation
• Asymmetry
• Poor scarring

When considering a plastic surgeon for your tummy tuck, it is critical to assess their training, credentials, testimonials, before and after photos, and background in the art of body sculpting. Also important is the need to meet with your surgeon in person to ensure there is a good rapport with the free flow of information and communication. Dr. Motykie, a Fellowship-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, welcomes patients to schedule a private consultation with him so they can determine if working together is a good fit. Call today to get started!

During your pre-operative appointment, Dr. Motykie will meet with you to discuss your personal surgical plan in detail and answer any questions you may have about your procedure. As part of this process, multiple photographic views of your abdomen will be taken to include in your medical record. These images will assist in surgical planning, provide a reference during surgery, and illustrate the difference in your abdominal contour before and after the procedure.

Dr. Motykie’s “safety first” approach ensures a thorough pre-surgical evaluation. You will be required to provide a complete medical history, undergo a physical examination, and complete specific laboratory tests to assess your overall health. If you are on a weight-loss plan, it’s best to be close to your target weight before surgery. Patients often ask whether it’s better to begin a diet and exercise program before or after surgery. The answer is both—beginning a wellness program prior to surgery improves your health for the procedure and makes it easier to resume that lifestyle post-surgery.

You will receive detailed post-operative instructions and prescriptions for medications to use during your recovery. It’s recommended that you fill these prescriptions before your surgery date and bring them with you to the procedure. Medications typically include pain relievers, a muscle relaxant, and antibiotics.

You will also receive a list of medications, vitamins, and herbs to avoid prior to surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen, blood-thinning medications, and certain herbal supplements. A comprehensive “Medications to Avoid” list will be provided at your pre-operative appointment and is available for download online.

If you are a smoker, you must stop smoking at least two weeks before and after surgery. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, which can impair healing, increase the risk of infection, and potentially lead to complications such as thickened scars or issues with lower abdominal skin healing. Avoiding sunlight or tanning beds before and after surgery is also crucial, as sun exposure can darken bruises and thicken incision scars.

Guidelines on eating and drinking the night before surgery, as well as instructions on what to prepare and bring on the day of surgery, will be included in your pre-operative packet. Avoid strict diets before or after surgery, as they can hinder your healing. If you develop a cold or any infection before surgery, notify Dr. Motykie’s office immediately, as your surgery may need to be rescheduled. Additionally, limit alcohol consumption in the week before surgery, as it increases the risk of bleeding. Alcohol should also be avoided while taking post-operative prescription medications, typically during the first week of recovery.

Post-Operative Recovery Options
Post-operative retreats with full-time nursing staff are available to support your recovery. Reservations for these retreats should be made in advance. These facilities provide personalized care and shuttle services to and from Dr. Motykie’s office.

If you choose not to stay at a retreat, ensure that someone is available to drive you home after surgery and care for you during the first day or two of recovery. You may also need transportation for your initial follow-up appointments.

Your recovery schedule will include several post-operative visits with Dr. Motykie to monitor your progress and ensure optimal healing.

Post-Operative Recovery Timeline

One Day After Surgery
The morning after your surgery, you will return to Dr. Motykie’s office for your first post-operative visit. Leave all dressings and drains intact until this appointment. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to a private examination room, where your dressings will be changed, and your operative site and incision evaluated. After the examination, you will be placed back into your compression garment and allowed to return to your recovery retreat or home.

During this visit, all your questions will be answered, and you will receive instructions for the following week.

One Week After Surgery
Your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that better aligns with your body type and weight. Initially, swelling and difficulty standing fully upright may obscure the final results as internal healing continues. Within the first week or two, you should begin standing upright and moving around your home without assistance.

Some patients return to work within a week, while others may require three to four weeks to rest and recover. Most patients can resume driving within 5–7 days post-surgery, but it is recommended to have someone drive you to your one-week post-operative visit. Recovery may be quicker and easier for those in good physical condition with strong abdominal muscles.

One Month After Surgery
It’s normal to feel slightly tired during this time. Full recovery can take several weeks or months. If you took one or two weeks off work, you should now be gradually returning to your regular routine, depending on the physical demands of your job.

Swelling may persist for several months, and some patients experience temporary weight gain due to retained water weight. This is a normal part of the healing process and will gradually subside.

Avoid vigorous exercise or workout routines for 4–6 weeks or until cleared by Dr. Motykie. Let pain be your guide—any activity causing discomfort should be avoided until you are further along in your recovery. Temporary sensory changes in the abdomen are also normal, particularly numbness between the belly button and incision, which will gradually resolve over time. An “itchy” sensation as sensation returns is common and can often be alleviated with over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl or Claritin.

Concerns About Scarring
While a tummy tuck is a significant surgery, advancements in scar treatments have greatly improved outcomes. Modern options like steroid injections, lasers, intense pulsed light, silicone sheeting, and topical creams can significantly minimize and lighten scars. Although the abdominal scar will not completely disappear, it will fade and improve over time, often taking 3–12 months to look its best.

Long-Term Results
Most patients see their final results approximately six months after surgery, with some continuing to notice improvements up to a year post-surgery. Over time, you’ll see swelling decrease, your weight drop, and your abdominal contour improve.

Commit to lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, to maintain your results and enhance your overall well-being. Using your surgery as a starting point for a healthier lifestyle will improve both your physical and emotional health, allowing you to enjoy the full benefits of your transformation.