What Is A Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a popular cosmetic surgery designed to help eliminate stubborn fat and excess skin in the abdominal region. The benefits of tummy tucks are both practical and aesthetic. Most tummy tuck patients are patients who have recently lost a lot of weight or have given birth to one or more children. They undergo a tummy tuck in order to restore their lean and toned midsection.
Five Ways That You Can Prepare For Your Tummy-Tuck Recovery
While most people know that extensive planning is required for a tummy tuck, they tend to forget about their recovery, which has the potential to lead to complications. Let us have a look at the top five ways to prepare for your tummy-tuck recovery.
1. Choose a Qualified Surgeon That Comes Highly Recommended
There are plenty of surgeons out there who offer tummy-tucks. Unfortunately, all of them don’t offer similar results. Take your time when it comes to finding the right surgeon for you as there are surgeons out there who do not take the time to understand what it is you want out of the surgery.
A good surgeon will do their job well by removing flabby skin and repairing weakened abdominal muscles. However, a great surgeon will do all of the above while keeping your body’s aesthetics and technical dexterity in mind. They will also provide you with post-operative instructions that you will need to follow to heal properly after the surgery.
2. Have realistic expectations
Tummy tucks are great for people who desire a well-toned abdomen without loose, saggy skin. However, most people don’t account for the required recovery time that comes after. The recovery process varies from person to person and depends on the extent of the surgery. It’s important to note that you will experience some discomfort, but it will subside in time.
Patients undergoing the treatment should have realistic expectations about the results. Not every tummy tuck surgery is the same, and the results you obtain will not be the same as someone else’s.
3. Make Sure You Avoid Physical Activity For A While
There are many patients who feel great after their surgery. However, while you may feel great, you should take care not to overdo it or you risk putting yourself in a position where you’ll be on downtime much longer than you expect. Plan ahead to make sure that you don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for six weeks following the surgery.
4. Take Time Off From Work
Most patients are able to return to work a week after their surgery. Make arrangements with your office to take at least two weeks off from work. If you can make arrangements for three weeks, that would be even better. If you want to get all the benefits of the surgery, you’ll need to make sure that you take the appropriate amount of time to recover.
5. Follow Any Dietary Instructions Given to You
Avoid processed and packaged food items that are rich in sodium before and after your surgery. You should avoid sodium because any swelling you experience will reduce quickly and you will also not experience much fluid-retention.
A little care can and will make all the difference in the world post-surgery. Make sure you follow these tips for a stress-free recovery.
Contact Our Office
If you’re interested in learning more about tummy tuck surgery, contact Lea Plastic Surgery to schedule your consultation with Dr. Goretti Ho Taghva. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, she’ll help you see yourself in a whole new light.
