Blog Article
What to Expect for Tummy Tuck Recovery
Since a tummy tuck is a major surgery, it’s important to be prepared for the recovery period afterward. Many tummy tuck patients have a lot of questions about what to expect during recovery after tummy tuck surgery. Here, we will go over general tummy tuck post-operative instructions and information to help you get through recovery and on to enjoying your tummy tuck results.
Eating/Drinking
It’s not uncommon for patients to feel nauseated after waking up from general anesthesia, so you may not feel much like eating shortly after your surgery. However, your normal appetite should return soon. Nutrition is critical for a healthy recovery, so choose foods with higher nutritional value that are easily digestible. To reduce any nausea or discomfort, eat foods that sound appetizing to you. Eating smaller, more frequent portions may be more comfortable than eating full meals. Drink plenty of fluids to maintain optimal circulation, assist healing, and reduce constipation that may result from pain medications.
Medications
Medications will be prescribed for you and should be taken as instructed. These include antibiotics to reduce your risk of infection and pain medications to ease any discomfort. Be sure to always take pain medications with food to reduce the risk of nausea. As pain medications can cause constipation, consider taking an over-the-counter stool softer such as Colace, Senokot, or Milk of Magnesia.
Pain and Discomfort
It is common for tummy tuck patients to experience discomfort, pain, swelling, and bruising during recovery. These tend to worsen during the first few days after surgery. Pain medications can improve your comfort during this time, and a compression binder should be worn to reduce swelling. The abdominal binder, worn low on your abdomen, should be fitted snugly while still allowing you to breathe naturally. If the binder scrapes or rubs uncomfortably, a clean t-shirt may be worn underneath it for as long as the binder is needed. In general, pain and discomfort typically peak toward the end of week 1, at which point most patients start to feel better and better again each day. Swelling typically begins to go down between weeks 2 and 4 of recovery.
Rest
Your body will need a lot of rest to help it recover. Rest in a semi-reclining position with your torso supported and your knees bent. Maintain this position while sleeping to avoid contorting your surgical incision. While you will need rest, you should avoid staying sedentary for long periods of time. Raise your legs and flex your leg muscles frequently while resting to keep circulation flowing. Get up to walk around the house for 5 to 10 minutes at least four or five times each day. Initially, you may need to walk in a slightly stooped position to avoid straining your incisions. As your body heals, you will gradually need less rest, and you should progressively introduce light physical activities.
Exercise
During the first week of recovery, limit all exercise to short walks around the house as instructed above. You can move your arms to maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness, but avoid lifting more than 5 pounds in each hand. By the end of week 1 you may feel ready for longer walks and light activities. Between weeks 2 and 6 of recovery, you are encouraged to gradually reintroduce light, low impact activities. Do not reintroduce any strenuous exercise such as weight training or running until at least 6 weeks after your surgery. Avoid any direct abdominal exercises for approximately 12 weeks or until directed by your surgeon.
Cleanliness and Hygiene
Unless your discharge paperwork tells you otherwise, take a shower by 48 hours after your surgery. It is recommended that you use Hibiclens antibacterial soap for your first few showers. You should wash right over the wounds and drain dressings, taking care to keep the dressings intact. You may need to empty surgical drains two or three times per day (more detailed instructions will be provided).
Time Off from Work
Most people need to take two full weeks off from work after a tummy tuck. Your timeline for returning to work will depend on how your body is healing as well as the physical demands of your job. If your job is physically strenuous, you may need to take more time off to allow your body to heal.
Post-Operative Appointments
You will have several post-operative appointments to monitor your healing, incisions, and recovery. Do not skip these appointments as they help to ensure the best recovery experience. Should you have any questions, please ask them at your appointments or call the office directly at any time.
All things considered, your tummy tuck recovery will be short, and your tummy tuck results will be long-lasting. By following your post-operative instructions and keeping in close contact with your surgeon, you can help your recovery go as smoothly as possible. For more information about tummy tuck surgery recovery, please call (303) 232-8585 or contact us online today.
