Tummy Tuck Recovery
Following tummy tuck surgery, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you are likely to feel some pain and discomfort, which can be lessened and controlled by scripted pain medication.
What Can I Expect in a Tummy Tuck?
Depending on the type of tummy tuck surgery you've had - a complete abdominoplasty or a mini abdominoplasty -- you may be released within a few hours or you may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days.
Common side effects during tummy tuck recovery include discomfort or pain which can be easily controlled, although there will be bruising as well as some swelling of the abdomen region.
Some patients also experience numbness of the central part of the abdomen below the navel. There's occasionally nausea and/or vomiting after general anesthesia.
Three Stages of Tummy Tuck Recovery
In any tummy tuck recovery process, there are few distinctive phases:
- The first step to optimal tummy tuck recovery is your post-operative care. After a tummy tuck procedure you may spend a few hours or several days in initial tummy tuck recovery, resting in the hospital and adjusting to the regimen of antibiotics and painkillers. The physician will recommend you relax for at least two days in bed. When in bed you should bend your legs at the hips to reduce the strain on the abdominal area. During that time it is also recommended patients wear tummy tuck compression garments.
- The second phase in a tummy tuck recovery is when the patient returns home. Virtually all surgeons give their patients explicit, personalized instructions regarding their recovery based on previous interviews. These instructions have to do with ways to prevent blood clots, monitoring for infection as well as optimization of your recovery, including ways to prevent excessive scarring.
- The third recovery phase involves proper maintenance of your new abdomen. This is when you should pay special attention to exercising and keeping a good diet regimen. Gentle exercise reduces tummy tuck swelling, lowers the chance of blood clots and tones muscles.
In most cases tummy tuck recovery success depends on how fit the person is. A person with strong abdominal muscles will take less than two weeks to recover, while someone who is not used to exercising may take significantly longer.
Full tummy tuck recovery generally takes six months - this is how long it takes for all the swelling to go down and for the new body shape to emerge.
Free Consultations with U.S. Board Certified Tummy Tuck Surgeons
To learn more about Tummy Tuck Surgery and it's related cost please fill in the contact form below or call us today at the number found in the upper right corner of this page. You will also have the option to schedule a free consultation with a Board Certified Surgeon in Your local area. The majority of surgeons have financing plans and options available to offer their customers.
