Tummy Tuck Recovery Tips

With the latest medical advancements and a skilled cosmetic surgeon, while a Tummy Tuck is very common, it is still surgery. The medical team at Coastal Cosmetic Center shares important prep and post-surgery considerations to ensure the best possible recovery and results.

During a Tummy Tuck, also known as abdominoplasty surgery, your plastic surgeon will remove fatty tissue deposits, along with excess skin. He will also recontour the muscles of the abdomen to make them more toned and stronger. After this, they will close the incisions using several medical stitches.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Healthy Diet Before & After: Beginning a nutritious, healthy diet before surgery and keeping it after can not only help with the recovery process but also in keeping the results.

Staying Regular: Patients can start an over-the-counter stool softener before surgery in anticipation of some constipation due to the prescription medication, the limited mobility, and possibly swelling.

Take Time Off: Usually patients can return to a sedentary job after one week, but jobs which require a lot of standing or activity should take two weeks.

Managing Pain: Patient can expect to have pain in the front and in the back of their torso, which unfortunately makes it a challenge to get comfortable. While the prescribed pain medication will help to manage it, pain and tenderness will last couple of weeks. If you follow the rest recommendation, avoid the restricted activities, the second and third weeks are better. Keep in mind the full resolution of swelling and tightness from a Tummy Tuck typically takes a few months.

When to Get Moving: Because of the anesthesia or sedation used and the amount of tissue alteration involved, it will be important to arrange for a ride home after the surgery. Patients will also need someone to assist them at home for a few days. Needing help for things such as getting up from a reclined or lying down position or help using the bathroom is to be expected for the first few days. At first, consider shuffling as opposed to walking quickly or easily. Since mobility will be decreased, patients can work to do movements such as pump their legs or walking throughout the day to prevent blood clots.

When to Get Active: Activities are restricted to ones that do not require using the abdominal muscles, as this can irritate the surgery site. Commonly included is most exercise such as weightlifting or running. It is recommended to avoid any strenuous activities for three months. Walking is permitted as long as it feels comfortable.

Fun but Not Too Much: Mixing alcohol, recreational drugs, and strong prescription pain medication is to be avoided for anyone who has just undergone a Tummy Tuck or any other surgery. Once the prescriptions have been completed, it is best to talk to your doctor about when it is safe to begin consuming a moderate amount of alcohol.

Realistic Expectations: Having realistic expectations is important for any cosmetic surgery procedure. Looking at a Before & After Gallery can help. Understanding that the outcome varies from person to person, as well as with technique, is also important. While a Tummy Tuck is a procedure that can produce dramatic changes the patient may absolutely love, initial recovery takes weeks, and for some a few months. It is also important to have realistic expectations and a thorough understanding of the time it takes scars to heal and for activities to resume to normal.

Following these tummy tuck recovery tips are important to avoid risks, ensure a smooth recovery and gain the desired results of any procedure. Meet with a qualified medical professional to discuss your abdominoplasty procedure – meet with board-certified plastic surgeon Doctor Timothy E. Fee at our office in Jacksonville. Contact us to make an appointment at (904) 332-6774.