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January 13, 2026
Considering a tummy tuck in Dubai but feeling anxious about the recovery? You’re definitely not alone. Many patients in Dubai seeking a tummy tuck often find themselves more concerned about the healing process than the procedure itself. Understanding what lies ahead can ease these concerns, and carefully following our post-operative guidelines can help make your recovery as smooth as possible.
In this article, we’ll share practical tips to help prevent delayed healing or complications and give you a clear picture of what to expect during your tummy tuck (also known as abdominoplasty) recovery.
Starting Off Right
At the top of most abdominoplasty in Dubai patients’ concerns is the discomfort experienced during recovery. Naturally, this varies depending on each person’s pain tolerance and the scope of the procedure—whether it’s a mini tummy tuck, full tummy tuck, or extended tummy tuck, and whether simultaneous liposuction is performed and on how many areas. To help improve comfort in the first few days after surgery, Dr. Matteo Vigo employs nerve blocks during the procedure. Before completing the cosmetic closure, he numbs the entire incision with long-acting anesthetic. However, it’s often not the incision itself that causes discomfort, but the tightening of the abdominal muscles during the tummy tuck. For this reason, the Best Tummy Tuck Surgeon in Dubai, Dr. Matteo Vigo, also applies the anesthetic directly to the muscles to ensure improved comfort during the recovery process.
Dr. Matteo Vigo uses a special FDA-approved medication called Exparel, a local anesthetic that numbs the surgical sites and significantly reduces pain for up to 72 hours—or longer in some cases. Many patients find that over-the-counter pain medications alone are sufficient to manage their discomfort. The routine use of Exparel in all tummy tuck surgery in Dubai, mommy makeovers, and body lifts has been transformative for his patients’ recovery experience.
Nutritional Support is Critical
Preparing your body for optimal healing is essential. Nutritional status plays a critical role in recovery, yet it is often overlooked in cosmetic plastic surgery. Full Tummy Tuck Dubai patients who are nutritionally optimized tend to heal more quickly, experience faster scar fading, and achieve excellent results more efficiently. On the other hand, those who are nutritionally depleted experience slower healing. It’s often noted that many people, despite having ample access to food, are still undernourished, with some suggesting that typical Western diets lack key nutrients.
Dr. Matteo Vigo evaluates every patient for a special Enhanced Recovery Protocol. When reviewing Tummy Tuck Before and After Dubai results, he emphasizes the importance of a high-protein diet and often recommends targeted nutritional support, including specialized multivitamin packs, to maximize each patient’s healing potential.
A Recovery Timeline
Just as patients have varying levels of pain tolerance, the healing process differs from person to person. A recovery timeline that outlines general milestones can serve as a helpful guide, but it isn’t meant to apply identically to everyone. This is especially important to remember if your body signals that you need additional rest—returning to work within 10 days, for instance, may not be the best choice.
The First 7 to 10 Days
You’ll need plenty of rest during your recovery, but it’s still essential to move each day, even if it’s just slowly walking around the house for a few minutes at a time. Gentle walking supports the healing process and reduces the risk of complications related to poor blood circulation. For the first week or so, expect to walk bent at the waist. After a Mini Tummy Tuck in Dubai, you can gradually return to an upright posture, but it’s important to progress very slowly to protect your healing tissues.
Dr. Matteo Vigo also advises patients before surgery to prepare a sleeping area where they can rest in a reclined—but not fully flat—position. You’ll be sleeping in this slightly flexed posture for about 10 days, which helps your incisions heal properly while allowing you to get adequate rest. Most tummy tuck patients are able to return to desk-based work approximately 10 days after surgery.
10 to 14 Days After Surgery
At this stage, many patients begin to feel nearly back to normal. Of course, this is a general observation, and some individuals may take longer to reach their baseline comfort and energy levels. Even patients who feel relatively well still need to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for the next 4 to 6 weeks. Prematurely resuming such activities before the healing process is complete can compromise the results.
Tips for a Positive Recovery Experience
The most important advice Dr. Matteo Vigo gives all his patients is that strictly following post-operative instructions will help you recover more quickly and with less discomfort. In addition, be sure to:
- Arrange for help at home. Enlist a friend or family member to assist with daily tasks. For those used to being independent, even small chores like doing dishes can strain your body and slow your recovery.
- Listen to your body. Don’t underestimate the value of rest. Taking an extra day or two, even if you feel fine, can make a significant difference in your long-term healing.
- Plan activities for entertainment and mental stimulation. Set up a comfortable space with easy access to electronic devices (and chargers), books, TV remotes, puzzles, or any other hobbies that allow you to relax while staying engaged.
- Respect activity restrictions. Even with advanced pain control techniques, avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for about 5 weeks to ensure proper healing.
At our Dubai Tummy Tuck Clinic, Dr. Matteo Vigo encourages anyone considering a tummy tuck to explore the gallery of real patient before-and-after photos to better understand the types of results you can expect. You can also reach out to us through our online contact form.
FAQs
Recovery times vary depending on the type of tummy tuck (mini, full, or extended) and whether additional procedures like liposuction are performed. Generally, most patients start feeling closer to normal within 2–3 weeks. However, complete healing—including the resolution of swelling and scar maturation—can take several months. Patients are usually advised to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 4–6 weeks to ensure the best results. Following post-operative instructions closely can help speed up recovery and minimize discomfort.
Pain levels differ from patient to patient, but advanced pain management techniques can make recovery much more comfortable. Dr. Matteo Vigo uses nerve blocks and long-acting numbing medicine, including an FDA-approved local anesthetic called Exparel, which can significantly reduce discomfort for up to 72 hours. Over-the-counter pain medications are often sufficient once the initial pain subsides. Additionally, resting adequately and avoiding unnecessary strain on your abdominal muscles are key to minimizing discomfort during recovery.
Sleeping in a slightly reclined or flexed position is essential during the first 10 days after surgery. This posture helps protect your incisions and abdominal muscles while still allowing you to rest and get quality sleep. Preparing a comfortable sleeping area with pillows or an adjustable bed can make this easier. Patients are advised to avoid lying completely flat until cleared by their surgeon, as bending slightly at the waist supports healing and reduces tension on the surgical site.
Most patients with desk-based jobs can return to work approximately 10 days after surgery, provided they feel well enough. Light walking is encouraged daily to improve circulation, but heavy lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided for 4–6 weeks. It’s important to listen to your body—rushing back into physical activity too soon can compromise healing and the final results. Planning for adequate rest and gradually resuming daily tasks ensures a smoother recovery.
Good nutrition is a critical but often overlooked factor in recovery. Patients who are nutritionally optimized tend to heal faster, see scars fade more quickly, and achieve better overall results. Dr. Matteo Vigo encourages high protein intake and may recommend specialized multivitamin or nutritional support packs to enhance healing potential. Conversely, patients who are nutritionally depleted may experience slower recovery and increased risk of complications. Prioritizing nutrition before and after surgery can significantly improve outcomes.