Extended Tummy Tuck Recovery: What I’m Doing to Heal Faster After Muscle Repair and Lipo

Recovery after a major surgery like an extended tummy tuck with muscle repair and liposuction takes time, patience, intention, and maintaining a positive attitude. While the body naturally heals itself, I wanted to do everything I could to support that process.

I am currently about five weeks into my recovery, and although swelling and tightness are still very much part of the journey, I am already loving my results. Because of that, I decided to share some of the things I personally chose to incorporate to help support my body during the healing process.

Everyone’s recovery will look different, but this is what I have been doing so far.

Starting Peptide Therapy After Returning Home

Nine days after my surgery in Miami, I returned home and immediately contacted my doctor locally to discuss additional ways to support healing.

With their guidance, I began peptide therapy, including:

• CJC-1295

• Ipamorelin

• BPC-157

• Thymosin Beta 4

These peptides are commonly used in regenerative and functional medicine settings to support tissue repair, recovery, and overall healing processes in the body. Because surgery places a significant demand on the body, my goal was to give my system as much support as possible during this time.

NAD+ and Glutathione

When I arrived home, I already had NAD+ and Glutathione available, so I administered both the same day.

These compounds are often used to support cellular health and recovery. Glutathione in particular is known for its role in supporting detoxification and reducing oxidative stress in the body.

Adding NMN to My Supplement Routine

In addition to the vitamins I already take regularly, I added NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide).

NMN is commonly used to support cellular energy production and may play a role in maintaining healthy NAD levels within the body, which is important for recovery and cellular repair.

Arnica and Pineapple Tea for Bruising and Inflammation

While I was still in Miami recovering, I was already drinking arnica and pineapple tea to help with bruising and inflammation.

When I returned home, my massage therapist, who is also a registered nurse, recommended increasing the tea to three times per day.

I truly noticed a difference. My bruising faded much faster than I expected, and I believe this simple routine played a role in that.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage for Tummy Tuck Recovery

One of the most important parts of post surgery care for procedures involving liposuction is lymphatic drainage massage.

These massages help move fluid through the lymphatic system, which can reduce swelling and help prevent fibrosis during recovery. I was receiving lymphatic drainage massages while I was in Miami, but once I returned home I had to find someone locally to continue them. After my first massage back home, I could immediately feel how much fluid my body had been holding during the two weeks I had gone without one.

Since then, I have continued getting lymphatic drainage massages once or twice a week, alternating depending on how my body feels that week. Right now we are focusing mainly on my sides and flanks, where the liposuction was done.

Every time I go, I notice a difference in how my body feels afterward, and it has been a really important part of helping manage swelling during recovery.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Another treatment I tried was Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) at my doctor’s office.

HBOT increases oxygen delivery throughout the body, which can support tissue repair and healing. After just one treatment, I genuinely felt a difference in my body.

Unfortunately, my family caught a bug shortly afterward and we all ended up dealing with sinus congestion. Because HBOT requires the ability to equalize pressure in your ears and sinuses, it is not something you want to attempt while congested.

Once we are fully recovered, I do plan to continue those treatments.

Glow Peptides

While waiting to resume HBOT, I continued looking for additional ways to support healing and spoke with my doctor about Glow Peptides.

I decided to try a vial and started a 30 day protocol, five days on and two days off.

The blend I’m using includes:

• GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide): helps boost collagen production, improve skin firmness, and support wound healing.

• BPC-157: known for supporting muscle, tendon, and skin repair while also helping reduce inflammation.

• TB-500: helps enhance healing, reduce scarring, and support overall tissue regeneration.

My goal with this protocol is simply to continue giving my body the support it needs while it does the work of healing.

Hydration and IV Therapy

One of the biggest things emphasized during recovery is hydration, especially when dealing with swelling.

I have been drinking a lot of water every day, usually around three full 40oz Stanley cups, plus the teas I mentioned earlier. Even with all that hydration, I still felt incredibly thirsty.

So I decided to try an IV treatment at Prime IV, where I received the Inflammation Relief IV along with an amino acid blend.

And I could feel the difference the very next day. Getting out of bed and moving around was noticeably easier, and I could feel a difference in my stomach almost immediately. My swelling had also gone down even more afterward, which was incredibly encouraging.

Nutrition Has Always Been a Big Part

Nutrition has always been something I take seriously, even before surgery. I already ate very healthy and have always been mindful about what I put into my body, especially because I have to follow a strict diet due to celiac disease and a dairy allergy.

Before surgery, I was also doing Pilates and working out regularly, so going into this recovery I already had a strong foundation when it came to taking care of my body.

One thing that really stood out to me after surgery was how strongly my body seemed to crave meat and protein. It was not like a normal craving, it honestly felt like my body was telling me exactly what it needed. It was such a weird but eye-opening reminder of how much your body is working behind the scenes to repair and heal.

Since surgery, I’ve continued to focus on getting in plenty of protein, along with fruits and vegetables, because I truly believe nutrition plays a huge role in recovery. When your body is trying to heal from something as major as an extended tummy tuck with muscle repair and liposuction, it needs real nourishment and support.

For me, healing has not just been about what I’m doing on the outside, it’s also been about continuing to support my body from the inside out.

The BEST Dr’s in Az

I also have to share how deeply thankful I am for Dr. Lauren Beardsley and Dr. Saman Rezaie at Blocks of Health here in Scottsdale, Arizona. I have been seeing them for years, and they have been such an important part of my health journey. After hemorrhaging and nearly losing my life after having my last son, it took me years to fully get back to feeling like myself again. That season of my life was incredibly hard, and they were a huge part of helping me rebuild my health and get back to where I used to be before having him. Honestly, they are a big part of the reason I was healthy enough to even have this surgery in the first place. Because of that, I have complete trust in their guidance as they help support my recovery and get me healing as quickly and as well as possible. Recovery is not just physical, and having doctors who genuinely care about your healing, your health, and your overall well-being makes such a huge difference. I am so incredibly grateful for them and for the care they have given me and my family over the years.

Trusting the Healing Process

Even with all of these things, recovery still takes time.

Right now I am still dealing with swelling, tightness from muscle repair, and the normal ups and downs that come with healing. Final results from a tummy tuck can take months, and sometimes up to a year, to fully settle.

But every week I see more changes, and I truly love how everything is shaping up.

I am doing everything I can to support my body so it can heal as well as possible. So far, the results are looking amazing, and I am excited to continue sharing updates along the way.

Other Things Helping My Recovery

Along with the therapies and supplements I mentioned, there are a few other things that have been a consistent part of my recovery.

Walking and Posture

Because I had muscle repair, my core is still very tight. I am still walking slightly hunched over at times, which is completely normal after this type of surgery. The muscles were repaired and tightened, so it takes time for your body to gradually return to standing fully upright.

Each week it gets a little better, and I can feel my body slowly adjusting.

Wearing My Faja

Compression has been a big part of my recovery as well.

I have been wearing my faja every single day since surgery, with foams and it has really helped support my body while everything heals. The compression helps control swelling and keeps everything supported while the tissues settle into their new shape.

At this stage of recovery, consistency with compression makes a big difference.

A Reminder to Trust the Process

One of the biggest things this experience has taught me is patience, and most importantly, to listen to my body. Healing from a surgery like this is not instant, and every body recovers at its own pace. Some days the swelling is frustrating, some days I feel amazing, and most days are somewhere in between. What I keep reminding myself is that my body is doing exactly what it is supposed to do, healing.

I’m choosing to stay patient, keep a positive mindset, listen to what my body needs, and continue supporting it in every way I can. Week by week I can see the changes, the swelling slowly improving, the shape becoming more defined, and the results becoming more visible.

This journey has reminded me how incredible the body truly is. When you give it the support it needs, listen to it, and allow it the time to heal, it does amazing things. I already love my results, and I cannot wait to see how everything continues to evolve over the coming months.

Healing is a journey, and I’m choosing to give my body the patience, support, and trust it deserves so the final results can truly shine.

Important Note

This post reflects my personal experience and the choices I made during my recovery. Every person’s body heals differently, and what works for one individual may not be appropriate for another.

The information shared here is not intended to be medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your surgeon, physician, or qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplements, peptides, therapies, or treatments during recovery.

Many of the therapies and supplements mentioned, including peptides, IV treatments, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, should only be used under the supervision of a licensed medical professional.

I also want to be fully transparent that I was not paid, sponsored, or compensated in any way to share this blog or any of the treatments, providers, or products mentioned. Everything shared here is based entirely on my personal experience and the decisions I made for my own recovery.

My goal in sharing this experience is simply to document my recovery journey and the steps I personally chose to take to support my healing.