What To Expect During Tummy Tuck Surgery Recovery?

Tummy Tuck Surgery 

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a major body contouring plastic surgery procedure. It involves a significant recovery process, which is vital to the overall success of the surgery. Patients should pay heed and follow their surgeon’s post-operative care instructions completely. This is the only way to achieve optimal and safe results. All aspects of your tummy tuck procedure will be discussed by the surgeon during the initial consultation.

The surgeon will explain all components of the tummy tuck recovery including estimated downtime. Dedicated surgeons make it their foremost concern to help their patients make a poignant decision. Envy Aesthetic Center, led by board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Marco Gonzalez, provides abdominoplasty to patients in El Paso, TX, and surrounding locations.

Not Working After the Surgery

You should be prepared to take time off work to stay at home for a few days following the tummy tuck surgery. Downtime in fully tummy tuck surgeries can be anywhere from 7 to 10 days. Recovery time is slightly reduced where abdominal muscle repositioning is not a component.

You should apply for leave in advance to enjoy a stress-free recovery at home. Your surgeon will encourage you to take short walks to maintain blood flow. They will also ask you to have a protein-rich diet and stay sufficiently hydrated.

Early Stages of Recovery

In most cases, drainage tubes are temporarily placed in the incision area under the skin for the first 7 days. It is important to empty the drain as directed. You should also keep a record of fluid collection. Your plastic surgeon will give you a compression garment that should be work throughout the early recovery period.

You may experience swelling, mild bruising, and soreness the first few days. Patients can be kept comfortable with the help of pain medications. Patients with little children should consider hiring someone to take care of chores for a few days until healing can improve.

Eliminating Scarring

Scarring is not unavoidable in most cases. However, discreet incision placement can minimize the appearance of incision scarring. You should protect the scar area from direct sun exposure. Silicone sheets or cream or petroleum jelly can be applied for improving the appearance of scar tissue.

Do Not Smoke

The cosmetic surgeon will recommend patients to not smoke for at least 2 to 3 weeks after getting an abdominoplasty done. Smoking interferes with the recovery and can delay the healing process. Risk of scarring, infection and other complications may increase if you continue to smoke following the abdominoplasty. Results are generally more sustainable when the patient maintains a balanced and active lifestyle.

Bedroom Recovery Station

Healing can be boosted by setting up a recovery station in the bedroom. This should contain AV remote, cell phone, small water bottles, tissues, pain medication, and Vaseline. You need to get a lot of rest in the first 7 days following your tummy tuck plastic surgery. A well-organized dresser will help you limit your movements.

If you have little kids at home, you may consider hiring a helper for the first few days of your post-op recovery. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Marco Gonzalez receives patients from El Paso, TX, and nearby areas for abdominoplasty.

Contact El Paso, TX Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Marco A. Gonzalez

For more information on Plastic Surgery (cirugía plástica) and Non-Surgical Medical Spa procedures and treatments, please contact the offices of Board Certified Plastic Surgeon (cirujano plástico), Dr. Marco A. Gonzalez (Dr. G) by clicking here or calling 915-600-2639.

Serving patients in El Paso Texas, Las Cruces New Mexico, Ciudad Juárez Mexico and surrounding areas.