Tummy tucks are becoming increasingly popular as many find that diet and exercise alone are not enough to achieve the firm appearance they desire or reclaim their pre-pregnancy bodies. No matter what your reason for choosing to have a tummy tuck, it is important to do everything you can to prepare for your recovery and make it as easy as possible. Below, you will find recommendations for recovering after a tummy tuck.
- Give Yourself Time
Many patients expect to bounce back from their tummy tucks immediately and they expect to see results right away. It is important to have realistic expectations for your results and recovery. You will want to take two weeks off from work and maybe more, depending on how quickly your body bounces back from surgery. It is important to remember that the healing process is unique to every individual, and some will return to their daily routine sooner than others. In addition, it is important to remember that your results will not be visible right away. You will be swollen and may be retaining water after your surgery. As you heal, your results will become more visible, and you can expect to see full results within 4 months. It is important to give yourself time to heal and to accept that your recovery is a part of the process in achieving the outcome you desire.
- Have Help on Stand-By
Before you have your surgery, it is important that you alert your partner, friends, or family that you will need their assistance. Following surgery, you will not be permitted to lift anything heavy. If you have a young child, it is important that you have help lined up. You will need plenty of assistance in caring for the child and yourself while you recover. It is recommended that you refrain from physical activity other than walking during your first two weeks following surgery, therefore it is important to have reliable and caring help.
Take advantage of your time off to relax and pamper yourself. Use this time to watch your favorite movies, read a new book, and catch up on your sleep. Embracing your recovery as a time of relaxation will help you to stay positive and to recover well. Note to the wise: avoid comedies, at least for the first day or two, as laughing may cause you some discomfort.
- Focus on Nutrition
Eating healthy and drinking plenty of water will aid your recovery. Your body needs the energy and nutrients from healthy food in order to heal quickly and properly. In addition to following a generally nutritious diet, you should try to eat plenty of dark leafy greens and foods that are rich in vitamin C as these items have been found to speed up the body’s recovery process. When recovering from a tummy tuck, you should also avoid foods that might cause bloating. These include items like cabbage and beans as well as any foods that your stomach is particularly sensitive to.
- Don’t Smoke
While doctors advise smokers to quit on a regular basis, this is particularly crucial while you are recovering from your procedure. It is required that you quit smoking at least four to six weeks before and after your surgery. This is because many blood vessels are divided during the tummy tuck procedure, and smoking will decrease the oxygen supply to the skin, hindering the healing process. The good news is, many who quit smoking for surgery end up quitting for good.
We hope following these recommendations will help your recovery from your tummy tuck. In addition to following these tips, it is crucial that you follow your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon’s post-operative instructions. At Columbus Aesthetic & Plastic Surgery, our Board Certified Plastic Surgeons will tailor your post-operative instructions to you and your surgery so you can feel confident in your post-operative plan.