Experience a Successful Tummy Tuck Recovery
The stomach is an area of the body that tends to collect excess fat stores. Following certain life experiences, such as pregnancy or fluctuations in weight, it is also common for the stomach muscles to stretch and for abdominal skin to loosen. All of this can leave individuals with a tummy that is flabby and disproportionate to the rest of the body.
Tummy tuck surgery eliminates excess fat and skin from the midsection, while repairing stomach muscles to restore a firmer, flatter stomach. A tummy tuck is a highly successful plastic surgery procedure with minimal risk of complications. However, the alterations made during a tummy tuck procedure are often extensive, so patients should be prepared for a pretty lengthy recovery.
Dr. Anya Kishinevsky discusses tummy tuck recovery with her Fairfield, CT patients and provides them with post-surgical care tips that will ensure the body heals as it should.
Tummy Tuck Side Effects
Side effects are an unfortunate reality of all surgical procedures. While the side effects of a tummy tuck can be unpleasant, they will not be permanent. With proper post-surgical care, most patients can minimize any discomfort associated with the most common tummy tuck side effects, including the following:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tight, itchy skin
- Pain or discomfort
These side effects will be most severe during the first week of recovery. We encourage patients to rest as much as possible during this early stage of recovery. It is important to allow the body the time it needs to recover. Prescribed pain medication can be used as directed to minimize discomfort.
Most patients also find that ice packs or cold compresses can be useful in controlling discomfort, bruising, and swelling. Side effects may persist for several weeks (most notably, bruising and swelling), but patients should notice a marked improvement during the second week of recovery.
Recovery Tips
There are several steps a patient can take to ensure that tummy tuck recovery goes smoothly. Each patient will receive specific post-surgical care instructions that should be closely followed. Below are some general guidelines for avoiding complications and easing discomfort during tummy tuck recovery:
- Use all prescribed medication as directed
- When resting, keep the torso slightly elevated
- Wear compression garments as instructed
- Avoid strenuous physical activities and heavy lifting
- Drink lots of fluids, especially during the first 72 hours of recovery
- It is important to empty drain bulbs frequently and record the amount of fluid that the drains are collecting
- Ease back into routine activities and listen to cues from the body to avoid fatigue
- Refrain from driving during the first several weeks of tummy tuck recovery
- Report any unusual side effects to Dr. Kishinevsky as soon as possible so that potential complications can be ruled out, or treated
Schedule an Appointment
A tummy tuck slims the midsection and allows patients to improve body proportions and contours. If you are interested in finding out if you are an ideal candidate for abdominoplasty surgery, or have questions about tummy tuck recovery, schedule an appointment with Dr. Anya Kishinevsky at your earliest convenience.