Men and women can choose specialized cosmetic procedures to help improve the shape and function of the abdominal wall. A tummy tuck is often considered after significant weight loss that leaves you with excess skin and fat, such as post-pregnancy or C-section surgery.
A tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure, and you will need to take time to heal afterward. We encourage you to call our office today and schedule your consultation with Dr. David Abramson so you can learn more about recovery from a tummy tuck in Englewood.
What Happens in a Tummy Tuck Surgery?
A tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty addresses excess skin and fat in the abdominal area. You are under general anesthesia for the surgery, and an incision is made above the pubic hairline and below the navel. The length and shape of the incision depend on the type of tummy tuck and the amount of excess skin and tissue to be removed.
During this body contouring procedure, Dr. Abramson may also use liposuction to remove excess fat deposits around your waist and flanks. However, tummy tuck and liposuction are not weight loss options. You must first achieve your desired weight goal and maintain that for several months before surgery.
How to Prepare for Recovery from a Tummy Tuck
Preparation is the key to any elective surgery, and the more you prepare for your recovery, the smoother it will likely go. Arrange to have some assistance at home for two to three days and help with housework, childcare, or pet care for the first two weeks.
Before surgery, set up a comfortable area where you can rest but still have easy access to things you might need, like pillows, medication, snacks, and entertainment.
You will want to avoid unnecessary movement to stay as comfortable as possible, but you must get up and walk several times daily to keep your blood moving and reduce the risk of blood clots. In addition, you must avoid all smoking and alcohol for six weeks before and after surgery. Nicotine increases the risk of complications, including infection.
Expectations and Tips for Recovery
Recovery typically takes several weeks. Post-surgery, your abdomen will likely be swollen, bruised, and painful. Dr. Abramson can prescribe pain medication at our Englewood office to help manage discomfort and make the tummy tuck recovery smoother.
During the first several days, you may experience some bloating, pressure, and swelling, which usually resolves spontaneously. When you wake up, drains will be placed near the incision lines. These help to remove excess fluid and blood that may build up under the incision, reducing the risk of infection and speeding healing. The drains are usually removed during your first follow-up appointment.
When you first come home, you may have difficulty bending, lifting, or standing, so it is vital to have a trusted friend or relative stay with you for the first 48 hours.
Follow Your Post-Op Instructions
You must follow your post-op instructions closely to reduce the risk of postoperative complications, including infection. If you have small children at home, you will want help with childcare for the first one to two weeks. After this, cooking, shopping, and driving are typically manageable. Most people take one month before they can go back to work if they do not have a physically demanding job.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
It is important to remember that recovery after tummy tuck surgery in Englewood is a gradual process. To give your body the nutrition it needs to heal appropriately, you should focus on eating nutritional foods and steer clear of an ultra-processed diet.
Get at least eight hours of quality sleep each night so your body can build new tissue to repair the area. You will go home with compression garments to help keep the tissue in place as it heals. Take special care to continue to wear these compression garments until Dr. Abramson tells you it is okay to stop. They help keep the tissue in place so it heals correctly and reduces swelling and discomfort.
Learn More About Recovery from a Tummy Tuck at Our Englewood Office
A tummy tuck procedure can help you regain and restore a flat and smooth abdomen, giving you a more youthful silhouette. Call our office today to schedule your initial consultation!
Dr. Abramson can provide more information about recovery from a tummy tuck in Englewood. Find out how to prepare for this innovative surgery and how it can meet your cosmetic goals.
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