While the tummy tuck can give you a flatter and more toned abdomen, the recovery process that is needed- before you finally achieve that flatter and more toned abdomen- is known to be lengthy and unpleasant. The tummy tuck, after all, is an invasive surgical procedure that involves the tightening of the abdominal wall muscles as well as the excision of excess skin, and if needed, fat. Even though the tummy tuck recovery process isn’t exactly known to be a cakewalk, there are steps that patients can take to ensure that their recovery is as quick and painless as possible.
- Wear loose clothing. If you do not have a lot of loose, comfortable clothing, go out and get some clothing that can easily be put on and taken off as your abdominal area will be fairly sensitive for the first few weeks after the tummy tuck procedure.
- Exercise lightly. Of course, you should take care to get plenty of rest while recovering from a tummy tuck- or from any plastic surgery in Beverly Hills for that matter- but it is also important that you take the time to move around and exercise very lightly during your recovery. This will not only improve blood flow- thereby preventing the formation of post-op blood clots- but it will also help slowly strengthen muscles that will help the recovery process move along; fit patients will recover quicker than sedentary patients.
- Wear compression garments. The purpose of post-surgical compression garments is to reduce the amount of swelling- reducing the amount of swelling will also decrease the amount of discomfort experienced during the first few days after the procedure. The compression garment should fit tightly, but comfortably around your abdominals.
- Avoid sleeping on your stomach. You should sleep on your back or your side as long as you are experiencing any soreness at the surgical sites. Sleeping with additional pillows under your head, back, and knees may alleviate discomfort while sleeping.
- Do not force your recovery. All patients will recover at varying speeds, so do not worry if your recovery seems to be taking a little longer than the average patient’s recovery; some people will feel well enough to return to work within a few days of the procedure while others may need a couple of weeks. Remember, that most tummy tuck before and after pictures of patients were taken at least a couple of months after the completion of their plastic surgery procedures so the results of your tummy tuck will take at least as long, perhaps longer.
- Apply anti-scarring ointments. Once your incisions have healed, your cosmetic surgeon will give you topical ointment with the purpose of reducing the visibility of surgical scars. You should follow any and all specific directions that your cosmetic surgeon gives you regarding the application of the ointment or any other aspects of your tummy tuck recovery.