How to Best Recover from a Tummy Tuck
Dr. Otto Placik is a double board-certified plastic surgeon in Chicago who has helped thousands of men and women to rejuvenate, restore, and enhance their body, breasts and face. Recognized as a true artist in the field of plastic surgery, Dr. Placik goes above and beyond in patient care, focusing upon creating a result... more
The tummy tuck is one of the most invasive cosmetic surgery procedures, but it can make your belly flat and trim, so it’s popular with many patients. In addition, women often undergo a tummy tuck after pregnancy to turn back the clock and make them look slimmer.
This procedure also is helpful for people who have lost a significant amount of weight and want to eliminate the extra fat and skin that accumulates in the midsection.
Before you undergo a tummy tuck, it’s important to remember that this is a serious surgery, and weeks of recovery are required. But you can recover faster from a tummy tuck if you follow these tips:
Select A Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
The decision to have a tummy tuck is a serious one, which is why it’s critical to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon for your procedure.
The best tummy tuck surgeon will take the time to understand your body and needs and then remove loose skin and tighten the abdominal muscles. They also have a keen aesthetical eye and the dexterity to make your tummy tuck the best possible according to your unique anatomy.
Choosing the best plastic surgeon ensures the procedure will be done well, and that will give you a shorter and less uncomfortable recovery.
Move Around
After your tummy tuck, you won’t be able to engage in vigorous exercise for several weeks. But that doesn’t mean you should sit around on the couch all day.
It’s important to move every day to get your blood flowing to speed the healing process. Also, sitting too much after significant surgery can cause blood clots to form in the legs, which can have serious health consequences.
Doctors recommend going for a daily walk after tummy tuck surgery and pumping the leg muscles every few hours when you’re sitting.
You may need to walk slightly bent over for the first week after surgery, but that’s ok. Just keep moving so you can get your recovery over quickly.
Have Realistic Goals
A tummy tuck can make you look slimmer and trimmer, but there is quite a bit of recovery involved before you see the outcome.
Remember that you will be sore and unable to do too much for two or three weeks. In addition, your abdomen will feel tight and painful, and you may have back pain, too. But these issues will resolve after a few weeks, so be patient and know that things will get better soon.
Don’t Do Too Much
Sitting around too much after surgery isn’t good, and neither is trying to do too much. You do need to go for walks after your tummy tuck, but you shouldn’t overexert yourself.
Engaging in vigorous exercise such as running or lifting weights after surgery can cause swelling, pain, and damage to your incisions. Doctors recommend not lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds for six weeks after surgery. This means you may need help at home if you care for small children.
Follow Surgeon’s Instructions To Avoid Infections
Some doctors recommend bathing in a chlorhexidine solution the day before surgery to reduce the chances of bacterial contamination during surgery. It’s also critical to keep your incisions clean and change your bandages according to your surgeon’s instructions.
Also, you should wear any support garments your surgeon gives you. The support garment provides support to the abdomen in the first few weeks and reduces swelling and speeds the healing process.
Take Time Off Work
Some patients can go back to work after a week, but you may need to take it easier. Many patients take up to two weeks off, especially if their job involves physical labor.
Fortunately, many people are currently working from home during the COVID era, so you may be able to take it easy at home without taking any days off.
Avoid Constipation
Prescription pain drugs and anesthesia can make it harder to have a bowel movement after surgery.
To avoid straining in the bathroom, ask your doctor to recommend a stool softener two or three days before the procedure.
Be Careful What You Eat And Drink
It’s wise to eat a low-sodium diet and not eat processed foods with sodium before and after surgery. This will lower the amount of swelling and fluid retention you have after your tummy tuck.
Also, avoid drinking alcohol for at least the initial week after surgery and while you’re taking medications after the procedure. Alcohol may dilate the blood vessels and make you bleed more.
Last, eat more fiber to avoid constipation; the last thing you need after a tummy tuck is to strain when you are in the bathroom.
Outlook
Now that you know how to recover from a tummy tuck, you’re ready to talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon who can help you achieve the appearance you’ve been dreaming of.
References
Tummy Tuck Procedure by Dr. Otto Placik. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.bodysculptor.com/body/tummy-tuck/
Tummy Tuck. 8 Tips For A Successful Recovery. (2019). Accessed at https://www.smartbeautyguide.com/news/body-contouring/tummy-tuck-8-recovery-tips/#.YU3uXrhKiUk
What You Need To Know About Your Tummy Tuck Recovery. (2019). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-your-tummy-tuck-recovery
