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A Quick Guide to Tummy Tuck Recovery

Zoom Local News > Health > A Quick Guide to Tummy Tuck Recovery

A Quick Guide to Tummy Tuck Recovery

Do you wish you could improve the appearance of your abdomen? If your abdomen has excess skin and fat, you might want to undergo a tummy tuck. This is a surgery that tightens the muscles in the abdominal wall.

If you consider getting a tummy tuck, you need to know about the recovery time. This information will help you know how to prepare for a tummy tuck recovery.

Want to learn more about what tummy tuck recovery looks like? Read on to more about it.

Recovery Is Different for Everyone

You should know that tummy tuck recovery is different for everyone. This is a guide that’ll help you understand what recovery involves.

Recovery will depend on several factors. These include age and body weight. The type of tummy tuck you have will determine how much time you’ll need to recover.

You want to set a time frame for your recovery. During this time, you’ll heal as you rest.

What To Expect After the Surgery

You won’t be able to drive yourself home. It’s important you have someone drive you home. You must also have someone take care of you for the first few days after the tummy tuck procedure.

After the surgery, your abdomen will be secured with an abdominal binder. Expect to wear the abdominal binder for about six weeks. It’ll help prevent fluid buildup and support your abdomen.

You’ll have a mesh strip surgical dressing placed on the incisions. Around them will be small tubes.

The small tubes will drain fluid. These small tubes will be left in for a few days following the surgery. You’ll be provided with information so you know how to care for the drain tubes, as well as how to empty them.

After 48 hours, you can remove the drain tubes and shower. Before the 48 hours are up, you can take a sponge bath.

Right after the tummy tuck surgery, you can’t engage in strenuous activity. You must refrain from vigorous exercise, but you do have to move about. Moving about is important as it’ll help prevent any blood clots.

Recovery at Home

Once you’re at home, you’ll need help because of your limited mobility. You can expect to experience difficulty bending, lifting, and standing for long periods.

Experiencing pain and tenderness at the surgery site is common. Your surgeon might prescribe you antibiotics and anticoagulants. Make sure to take them as directed. Some surgeons may prescribe a topical cream to apply around the incision site.

You’ll have to wear an abdominal support garment during this time. The garment will help with swelling and discomfort.

Smoking and drinking alcohol are off-limits. Both can hinder the healing process. It’s best not to smoke or drink alcohol for at least three months post-surgery.

Guidelines for At-Home Recovery

To prevent any post-surgery issues, you must follow the instructions provided. Rest is an important aspect of the tummy tuck recovery process.

For the first few days after the surgery, you might need to sleep on an incline to prevent swelling. This involves keeping your upper body raised slightly. Keep your knees bent at an angle.

If you have trouble resting, speak with your surgeon. Your surgeon can help you find an optimal resting position. Try to rest as much as possible as you may feel tired.

You can expect to feel pain during your recovery. The good news is that the most intense pain will last the first few days following surgery.

When you try to stand up, you might feel like your abdomen is being pulled. You might also feel numbness around the area. This is a side effect you may feel for months after the surgery.

Don’t be alarmed if you see bruises. It’s normal to have bruises around the abdominal area post-surgery.

You might have a scar. Above it, you might see fluid-filled swelling. The scar will fade away with time.

Tips for Recovery

Focus on taking steps that will promote a healthy recovery. It’s important that you are as healthy as possible during this time.

Consider setting up a space at home where you can relax. Have a support team who can help you as you recover. The support team should focus on meeting your needs.

It’s ideal to allow yourself to rest for at least two weeks. Most people take up to a month off work, so if this is a possibility for you, do it.

Make sure to drink lots of water. The more water you drink, the easier it’ll be for your body to flush out toxins. Drinking water also helps to reduce swelling.

Do make sure you try to keep your diet as healthy as possible. The key is to eat as many fresh fruits and vegetables as you can.

There are other things you can do to improve your recovery. Take vitamin A and vitamin C supplements. You should also drink green tea as it can help boost immunity and antioxidant levels.

Some women may elect to undergo a tummy tuck procedure with another procedure. It’s common to undergo one with a hernia procedure. If you want to get more information about these two procedures click on this helpful link.

Focusing on Tummy Tuck Recovery

If you decide to undergo a tummy tuck, you need to know what to expect during the recovery process. Tummy tuck recovery is different for each person.

Make sure to follow this guide. It’ll promote the tummy tuck benefits and prevent post-surgery issues.

Make sure you explore the rest of our blog to continue reading more great articles.

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