Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, removes excess abdominal fat and helps to strengthen weak muscles. The results can create a desired abdominal profile that is smooth, tight and contoured.
Diet and exercises alone may not always be successful in giving someone theor desired abdominal shape. People who are in a normal, healthy weight range who are looking to lose excess abdominal skin can opt for a tummy tuck.
What should you expect after your surgery?
Abdominoplasty recovery times vary for many people. It can take as long as three months for someone to be completely recovered. Within weeks, most of the post surgical healing will occur. For six weeks, it is recommended that you avoid strenuous activities such as weightlifting and running.
After your procedure, your surgeon will provide you with compression garments. The compression garments will help to reduce swelling and will support your abdomen. It can be helpful to wear compression garments during stage 1 of plastic surgery recovery to accelerate the healing and recovery process. Here are some things that you should do as you recover from your surgery. The duration for which you wear compression garments will depend on the recommendation of your surgeon, but most people will wear them for at least two to three months. The body may take a year to heal and adjust to the new shape. As your body heals, scarring will disappear. Scars from incisions are typically low and hidden with underwear.
In order to ensure a swift recovery, be sure to follow the recommendations of your surgeon. Take pain medication as directed, use ice packs to help reduce swelling and pain, drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet. Rest is important so be sure to get an adequate amount of sleep during your recovery. It is important to keep your blood circulating, so be sure to move around your house and avoid staying in one position.
Many patients ask about how soon they can resume their normal activities following a tummy tuck. You should always consult your surgeon before you resume any activity. After your tummy tuck, you will need to rest. After surgery, you should not rush to resume normal activities. Each person’s recovery from tummy-tuck surgery is different, therefore there is no set recommendation for resuming activities such as exercising, driving, swimming, household chores and certain types of work. It’s best to follow your body’s lead and limit activity until you are fully healed. Your Tummy Tuck Houston surgeon can help you.
Immediately after surgery, you will be unable to drive. Anesthesia can cause confusion and tiredness. After waking up from anesthesia, you are not allowed to operate any vehicle or machinery for at least a few days. Surgery can also cause exhaustion and pain. Anesthesia drugs can stay in your body for as long as 24 hours before they are eliminated. You will need someone to drive you home after surgery.
Your body will feel tender after surgery. It can be difficult to do simple tasks like opening the car doors or turning your body to see a blind spot. It may be some time after your procedure before your surgeon allows you to resume operating a vehicle.
Do’s and Dont’s after having a Tummy Tuck
- DO follow the post surgical instructions of your cosmetic surgeon
- DO wear supportive compression garments for approximately six weeks
- DO wear comfortable underwear,, especially if they don’t place pressure on your incision.
- DONT drive, exercise, or swim until you feel clear.
- DONT go against your surgeon’s recommendation for any sort of physical activity after surgery.
