Things needed for tummy tuck recovery skin#
Things needed for tummy tuck recovery full#

Patients may feel the post liposuction pain, inability to fully straighten their back, as well as the drains used to help with accumulated fluid.

This is why it may not be surprising when my patients don’t feel so great afterwards due to this extra time and care taken to transform the abdomen. Other surgeons may focus mainly on the removal of skin, which isn’t as extensive, so their patients will have faster recovery.

Things needed for tummy tuck recovery skin#

I perform tummy tucks with a lot of attention to tightening and sculpting with the added use of liposuction techniques on top of the expected muscle repair and skin removal. Why some patients recover faster than others Over the coming days and weeks they gradually straighten, but the firmness to start ensures a “wow” flatness to the tummy that is a hallmark of my technique. My patients finish the procedure in a “V” type shape – with legs bent upwards. I also use liposuction around the sides and flanks to ensure a smooth transition from front to back and reshaped waist. To ensure the reshaping my patients expect, I extensively use liposuction over the entire abdomen before redraping of the skin. Loose skin, fat, scars and stretch marks are removed and the abdominal muscles are tightened to flatten, contour and reduce any bulges.

Things needed for tummy tuck recovery full#

To truly understand a tummy tuck you need to see it as much more than a “removal of a bit of skin from the tummy”!Ī full tummy tuck surgical operation is designed to reshape the entire span of the abdomen. What happens during a tummy tuck procedure? In this article, I’ll explain why tummy tuck recovery is more challenging and what you can do to help make the process a little easier, both before and after surgery. (703) 560-2850 to schedule an appointment.Have you been thinking about having a tummy tuck but your research says the recovery is a little more complex than other surgeries? If you would like to learn more about tummy tuck surgery and you’re in the Chevy Chase and Bethesda, MD, area, please request a consultation online or call You can ask any new questions you may have at your follow-up appointment after surgery or call your surgeon’s office.Īs results from our past patients show, final tummy tuck results are worth the wait and effort. Follow any directions provided by your surgeon, and they will help you stay safe and comfortable throughout the recovery process. Your doctor will give you specific guidelines regarding recovery, medication, special garments, drains, and more. Be sure to gently pat it dry after each wash. You will need to clean this incision each day with gentle soap and running water in order to prevent infection.

Tummy tuck surgery involves a hip-to-hip incision placed below the bikini line. After 5 to 10 days, you can try light walking to promote blood circulation and help you heal quicker. While you may be eager to get back into your workout routine, limit strenuous physical activity for at least 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Your doctor will let you know how many hours per day you will be required to wear the garment. This compression helps reduce swelling and prevents excess fluid buildup from gathering around the surgery site. You will be given a specialized garment that puts gentle pressure on the midsection during recovery. Eat nutritious foods with plenty of protein and iron to support proper blood flow. Giving your body the fuel it needs will help you heal as quickly as possible. You can achieve this by propping yourself up with pillows (behind your back and under your knees) or by sitting in a reclining chair. Sleep bent at the waist for around a week after the procedure to ease any discomfort. You will feel swelling and tension around your midsection after tummy tuck surgery.

Avoid overexerting yourself as this can delay your recovery. You will need to take time off from work and may require help around the house when it comes to chores, child care, and meal prep. Let your body get the rest it needs after something as taxing as surgery. Here are a few things to keep in mind during this time. This is why it is essential to make your health and safety a priority while you recover at home. However, because so many issues are being treated at once and the incision runs from hip to hip, the recovery period is a bit longer than other procedures.įailing to follow a proper healing process and your surgeon’s instructions can result in complications, injury or lackluster results. It removes excess skin and fat and tightens weak abdominal muscles and lax skin to create a toned midsection.

Post-Surgical Healing, Repair, & RecoveryĪ tummy tuck at our Washington, DC, area practice can create transformative results.