What to expect after your tummy tuck procedure?
After your tummy tuck procedure, it is very common to experience some pain and discomfort. In most cases, this can be managed with medication prescribed by the surgeon. If you are experiencing any other symptoms that concern you or that do not go away within a few days of surgery, please contact us at once so we can determine what needs to be done.
Here is what to expect after your Tummy Tuck procedure.
Please know, it is completely normal for patients to be sore and uncomfortable. This soreness, which is probably throughout your abdomen and upper ribs generally lasts for a few days after the operation. This will gradually go away and every day you will feel more and more like yourself. In most cases patients notice their discomfort level going down and are back to their normal routines or close to it within one to two weeks.
Movements
A tummy tuck is an outpatient procedure which means you get to recover at home which makes all the difference in the world. This means you will be up and walking the same day as your surgery. Don’t be afraid to move around, it gets your blood flowing, preventing blood clots, and it helps increase the healing process. Obviously don’t do any ab workouts yet but walking is a great idea. Take it easy but keep moving forward. It always depends on each individual but about a month after your tummy tuck you should be feeling about back to normal. Actually, hopefully better than normal right? Also, you may want to hunch over but don’t be afraid to stand up straight. Honestly, standing up straight is always a good decision.
Clothing and Garments
Something you will need to do after your tummy tuck procedure is to get fitted for a custom compression garment that you should wear for about three or four weeks afterwards. The reasoning behind this garment is to help shape you, in a way. Think of it as a finishing touch if you will. This garment also helps reduce the buildup of fluids. These fluids are normal too, so don’t worry.
Sleeping and Rest
Let’s go over how you should sleep after your tummy tuck. It is ideal to sleep on your back and on an incline. Just make sure your head is elevated with pillows or whatever you want to use, this is up to you because you get to recover at home. This keeps the pressure off of the incision site and helps the drainage of fluids. This position will feel the most comfortable too. Sleeping this way is only necessary for the first few days then feel free to lay flat again if that is more comfortable but please continue to sleep on your back. It’s for your own good.
It would be wise to have someone stay with you and help you at least for the first 24 hours because you may feel lightheaded at times. So having someone who can escort you to the restroom or wherever is a good idea. Make sure to plan for help with child and pet care or take the necessary time of work if needed. Focusing on your recovery is important and is the last stretch of your tummy tuck journey. It would be a good idea to make sure wherever you are recovering is comfy and you have plans for meals. Your recovery environment needs to be customized to you.
Other Things to Consider
You can resume sexual intercourse after two weeks. What happens if you get pregnant, gain weight, or lose weight after your tummy tuck? With pregnancy and weight loss or gain there would be changes to the tightness of the skin and soft tissue. If this happens it can be fixed or redone.
Just like after any other surgery, drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated. Drinking fluids will help keep evil nausea away. Make sure to drink good fluids like water, Gatorade, Pedialyte, etc. You will experience some pain after the surgery but mostly discomfort. If you are prescribed a pain killer take it as needed but try Tylenol or something natural first. Obviously, take your antibiotics until the prescription runs out and don’t forget to put antibiotic ointment on your incision site. You should be applying this ointment twice a day, for about two weeks. Just make sure to keep this area clean and watch out for redness.
The recovery time for everyone is different because everyone is different so keep that in mind. Listen to your body and be mindful of your activities. You will have to decide when to go back to work or when to start exercising again. You know yourself the best so you be the judge. Be patient, you will get to your end results, you will reach your goal.
No one enjoys being in pain, but after having a tummy tuck you might experience some discomfort for a while. However, this is temporary and will be worth it when you are out of the recovery process with your new body looking great! If you’re ready to take the next step towards achieving that dream figure, contact us today to schedule an appointment. We can help answer any questions or concerns about what’s involved before scheduling your surgery date.
