How long does it take to recover from a tummy tuck or liposuction? Recovery times are variable from patient to patient and they depend on the extent of the procedure. Small areas of liposuction may take only a weekend to recover, while suction of multiple areas and larger volumes may take 1-2 weeks.: In for Tummy Tuck general you need to be ambulatory from day one. By the second week you will be comfortable, and by the end of the third week you can be active. Most patients can go back to work by the second week with no heavy activity. Back in the gym in 4-6 weeks.