After a tummy tuck surgery here come the recovery period or rather the healing period. Your surgery is successful and you have been released to go home.
You may have read so many reviews and stories about what tummy tuck recovery will involve.
However, one thing to know, Tummy Tuck healing is different for everyone.
Its every patient’s wish to recover quickly and resume her usual activities. Taking the right steps to ensure a healthy recovery is more important.
Below are important tips to help you recover quickly.
What to expect after your surgery
After surgery, your surgeon will give you a set of instructions to help you recover quickly while you are at home.
You will be told:
- How to take care of the surgical incisions and drain tubes.
- How to avoid infections by taking care of your overall health.
- When to see your Surgeon for Checkup.
- What to do and avoid in terms of physical activities.
- How to reduce Tummy Tuck Swelling after Surgery.
- How long to wear the abdominal pressure garment.
- What to eat and how much time to rest.
You will be given antibiotics and maybe some medicine which you apply on the surgery.
You will also need someone to drive you back home since you will not be able to drive yourself.
Ensure that you follow all the instructions given by your surgeon for a smooth recovery process.
Possible Tummy Tuck Risks
There are a lot of risks that may accompany a tummy tuck surgery, but all of them can be managed by doing the right things.
Look for an experienced board certified surgeon, you can use our guide on How to Choose the Best Plastic Surgeon for your Surgery.
Here are some of the tummy tuck risks you may encounter after surgery;
- Bleeding. Bleeding may occur after a tummy tuck surgery. This may be due to suture abscess making its way out through the skin. It is treated by removing the remaining suture completely. It is also recommended to keep the area clean and follow post Op instructions given by your surgeon.
- Infection. Sometimes an infection may affect the area of incision if the tummy tuck wound is not well taken care of. Talk to your doctor immediately if you notice any first sign of infection. Some common signs of infection include; unusual swelling at the surgical site, pus or any other discharge from the incision area, and fever.
- Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling. Skin discoloration with prolonged swelling may be a sign of infection. Follow up with your plastic surgeon at your next appointment or call if it looks anything concerning.
- Poor wound healing. Healing of a tummy tuck wound is different for everyone. your wound may begin to separate along your incision area. Your doctor gives you an antibiotic to apply after surgery to avoid infection.
- Fluid accumulation (seroma). Seromas may develop after a Tummy Tuck and may go away after a few weeks. If you get an infection, the seroma develops into an abscess. Abscess do not disappear on their own and may spread to the bloodstream and make you sick.
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation. During a tummy tuck surgery expect numbness due to the repositioning of the abdomen superficial sensory nerves. This should be able to go away after a few weeks.
- Anesthesia risks. General anesthesia is very safe. However, if you are old, you may develop conditions such as; sleep apnea, seizures or even blood pressure. Some patients even wake up in the middle of operation depending on the amount of anesthetic given.
If you have any concerns or questions, be sure to check in with your surgeon or nurse.
Here are The Do’s and Don’ts after A Tummy Tuck Surgery.
Do’s
- Drink plenty of water to flush out toxins and reduce swelling.
- Do Eat a well-balanced diet.
- Do Eat fresh fruits and vegetables as many as possible.
- Do Take a staphysagria supplement to heal your incision.
- Do follow your surgeons instructions
Don’ts
- Don’t Smoke or Drink Alcohol
- Don’t do heavy activities before you recover fully.
- Don’t be too Hard on Yourself as You’re Recovering.
- Don’t Overwork Yourself after Your Procedure.
[expand title =”References ⌵”]
- Mayo Clinic Stuff (2018) Tummy tuck Overview https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/tummy-tuck/about/pac-20384892
- Tummy Tuck Recovery: Timeline, Tips, and More (2017). https://www.healthline.com/health/tummy-tuck-recovery
- Tummy Tuck Risks and Safety (Abdominoplasty) (n.d). https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck/safety.
- Dos and Don’ts for Tummy Tuck Surgery (2018). https://instituteofaestheticsurgery.com/dos-donts-tummy-tuck-surgery/
- General anaesthesia Last Visited on 23 March 2018. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/general-anaesthesia/#complications-and-risks
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