A tummy tuck is medically called abdominoplasty. Abdominoplasty is considered a major surgical procedure because of its duration, that is anywhere from 2 hours to 4 hours. The procedure entails the removal of excess fat and skin in one’s tummy. It is a precise procedure as a cosmetic surgeon will mark parts of the abdomen that need to be surgically treated. Restoration of abdominal muscles that have been weakened and damaged by conditions such as postpartum abdomen and obesity can be done via an abdominoplasty. Thus, resulting in an abdomen that appears smoother as well as tighter.
The healing process may be anywhere from a couple of weeks to about three weeks. It is important that you have to have someone who will take care of you during the first seven days of your recovery. In fact, a C-section scar will seem to be very mild compared to that of the abdominoplasty scar, which will cross one hip to the other. You will not even be able to stand straight as the abdominal skin has been pulled down tight. Expect a lot of pain and bruising. To prevent the development of infection, tummy tuck drains may be given to patients prior to going home.
There will be swelling. However, do not be discouraged by this as this is a part of the recovery process. The only thing that you can do is to know the mental and physical effects of the abdominoplasty. To better help your recovery period, be sure to drink a lot of clear fluids and continue on with your antibiotic therapy. Of course, care should be taken not to over hydrate yourself since this will mean going to bathroom more often. It is also important that you have proper diet to promote good healing.
It goes without saying that there are certain activities that you should refrain from right after a tummy tuck. You cannot bend over or reach up above your head. You should also refrain from lifting and carrying things above 10 pounds. Exercising as well as having sex is not advisable. Since the wound healing will take you two months to three months, it is critical that you allow it to mend. However, you can also do light activities like walking since this is good for the swelling.
Preparing for the changes in your body after abdominoplasty is important. Even though the swelling has gone down and there are no more bruises, you may still experience phantom pain. The phantom pain is sometimes described as a warm, stinging sensation, but it is only your skin nerves regrowing.
Recovering from abdominoplasty may be long. On the other hand, the result is worth the pain and a long recovery process as most of the patients state.
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