What to Know for Your Tummy Tuck Recovery
The tummy tuck is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries. It successfully removes excess skin and fat and tightens loose abdominal muscles to leave you looking slimmer, smoother, and more contoured. While this surgery is an outpatient procedure, it’s still a big deal. Here are some things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.
It May Get Worse Before It Gets Better
Everyone desires to walk out of their procedure with their final results on full display. Unfortunately, this is an unrealistic wish. Tummy tuck surgery is an invasive cosmetic procedure, and the days following your surgery will likely reflect this. You may develop bruising and swelling in your midsection that will last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Even though this sounds undesirable, this shouldn’t be a deterrent. Instead, it is a stepping stone in the right direction. Short-term discomfort will lead to long-term results. This is one of those situations where you need to remember to look at the big picture. If you do, you’ll sail through your recovery.
Prepare Your House Ahead of Time
Everyone can relate to having some kind of pain or illness that kept them from doing even simple household chores like cooking, cleaning, or transporting children. This is similar to what the initial days of your recovery will feel like. The good news is that you can ease this discomfort by planning ahead. Fill all of your prescriptions ahead of time, plan for healthy, easy-to-prepare meals, arrange for someone to drive your children to school or activities, and set up a comfortable area in your bedroom or living room with easy access to anything you may desire (snacks, magazines, the remote control, etc.).
Don’t Smoke
You will be instructed to quit smoking at least three weeks before your surgery. You should continue this practice for three weeks afterward. Smoking decreases blood flow, essentially slowing your recovery, increasing the risks for complications, and impairing the healing of your scar.
Enjoy a Few Work-Free Days
Your tummy tuck recovery period will provide you with a break from your career. For a full tummy tuck, you can typically expect to take two full weeks off of work (the time will be less for a mini tummy tuck) and may vary slightly depending on the nature of your job.
Sit Back and Relax
Believe it or not, the best thing to do for your body and your recovery is to de-stress and simply rest. Although you will want to take a full six weeks off of any strenuous type of exercise, it is wise to get up on your feet the day after surgery. This will keep the blood flowing through the legs and help to prevent a blood clot from forming. Take relaxing, leisurely walks around your house and neighborhood. You have chosen to undergo tummy tuck surgery for yourself, and there is nothing wrong with putting yourself and your recovery first. Give your body this special time to heal.
If you are interested in more information about tummy tuck surgery or have questions regarding the expectations of the procedure, give Dr. Doezie’s office a call at 949-481-9850.