Throughout the years, tummy tucks have remained a popular plastic surgery procedure. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, this was one of the top five cosmetic procedures for men and women last year. And many people are unaware of what to expect when recovering from this surgery, despite its popularity.
It is worth noting that the tummy tuck procedure is an intensive procedure meant to create a tight and toned appearance for your midsection. It greatly helps women who have had multiple pregnancies, tummy tuck is also performed on weight loss patients who want to get rid of extra skin that typically sticks around the midsection, or on patients with a protruding stomach due to a weak abdominal wall. Patients can make the tummy tuck procedure more manageable by understanding the recovery process and timeline.
Different people recover at different rates
There is a general time frame for any surgical procedure, but individual recovery depends on a variety of factors. So it is impossible to give a definitive answer to how long it will take to recover from a tummy tuck. Reason is recovery is dependent on the person’s general health, age and the type of care they receive after the surgery.
Usually, most patients feel more normal after eight weeks following a procedure, which your surgeon will discuss in greater detail after the procedure is complete.
Tummy tuck recovery tips
Make sure you eat a healthy, balanced diet. After undergoing body contouring, eating nutritious foods is essential to ensuring that your body heals quickly. Make sure to eat protein-rich foods like salmon and chicken, and add some healthy fats to your diet so your skin can recover and heal properly.
Make sure you stay hydrated as well. In order to help your body rid itself of toxins and reduce complications, you should drink plenty of water before and after your procedure. Maintain a routine of drinking plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration and to promote recovery.
Avoid constipation at all costs. There is no way to keep what goes in from coming out. Following a tummy tuck, it’s important to remain healthy. You shouldn’t strain your abdominals or overexert when you’re in the bathroom. So it is advised that both recovering patients eat fiber rich foods such as bananas and take over-the-counter stool softeners.
Be watchful of what you eat and drink before and after the tummy tuck procedure. Avoid processed and packaged food items that are high in sodium. This will help reduce swelling and fluid retention after a tummy tuck. In addition, avoid drinking alcohol for at least a week and while you’re taking any prescription medications, as it may dilate blood vessels and cause unwanted bleeding.
Get up and walk. Following a tummy tuck, you will be limited to walking for exercise so head outdoors for a 20- to 30-minute walk every day, or hit the treadmill for some light exercise. After surgery, walking can support the recovery process by improving circulation and brighten up your mood.
But exercise Moderation. After surgery, take it easy, even if you feel fine. You should walk as much as possible during recovery, but avoid overexertion or doing anything strenuous for several weeks following surgery. If you overdo it, you may experience swelling and increased pain. For about six weeks, you will need to refrain from lifting heavy items.
Wear compression clothing recommended by your surgeon. The treated area will be swollen for weeks following the procedure. You may be recommended to wear a girdle or binder while you sleep to aid the healing process. After surgery, this can ease some of the swelling and help the skin re-drape.
Always be positive and proud of your accomplishments, and remember patience is a virtue. Emotional roller coasters can result from the appearance of wounds plus swelling and pain. Remind yourself that it is normal to feel sad and depressed after surgery.
Never hesitate to contact your surgeon during the tummy tuck recovery process for any concerns. Finally, be happy and thankful that you finally took the first step towards a better you!
If you plan to undergo a tummy tuck procedure in Miami soon, don’t hesitate to book a FREE consultation or visit our plastic surgery locations in Miami, FL, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
