Abdominoplasty and Tummy Tuck Recovery Tips
If you’ve agreed to have a tummy tuck, then you’re probably concerned about the recovery. Indeed, most patients who have decided that they are going to get a tummy tuck have asked numerous questions about the procedure, and most of these questions were not about the operation itself but about the outcome of the procedure.
So, what are you to expect after tummy tuck or abdominoplasty?
The Feeling
Perhaps the first thing that you will feel when you wake up after the surgery is some discomfort around the incision site. This is normal, and there will most likely be some swelling around the area where the procedure was done. In some cases, bruising has been reported. If you experience any pain, then simply consult your doctor and have him prescribe some pain medications.
Also, just like most major operations, you will have some disturbance in your bowel movements. If your stool is hard and difficult to excrete, then you might need some laxatives. Stool softeners help because they make the stool easier to pass. If the stool is difficult to pass, then you might start straining, and this might cause the stitches to come apart, which is obviously very, very dangerous for a postoperative patient. You could also use a strip of cloth to serve as support in the incision site. It’s also best if you have someone assist you while moving around so as to decrease the stress put on you. But by all means, don’t be idle. It’s best if you start walking around as soon as possible because this aids in your recovery and prevents complications.
Some doctors might place a drain in the incision site so that the dead blood won’t pool in the incision site and cause an infection. This drain, however, is removed after just seven to ten days. By this time, the stitches will also be removed.
Also, you might not be able to bathe during your recovery period so just content yourself with a bed bath for the time being.
If you’ve done well with the recovery period, you’ll be able to go back to work in just two to four weeks. But be careful to avoid any activities that would be too strenuous for you.
The Look
What’s more important, however, is the outcome. Unfortunately, there’s no telling how the surgery went until you get the stitches and bandages out. You’ll have to ride on your doctor’s assurances on this one. But the chance that you’ll be satisfied is always higher than the chance of you being disappointed.
Posted in Abdominoplasty