Abdominoplasty, also called an abdomen reduction, can help remove stretch marks and excess skin in your lower belly button area, explains MayoClinic.com. Sometimes, a surgeon will do abdominoplasty in conjunction with liposuction of the hips and thighs to keep the body symmetrical. Discomfort after this procedure is moderate to high. You can expect to stay in the hospital for one to two days. You also will have three to six months of swelling and pain. Advocates of acupuncture claim this alternative therapy can help to ease pain after surgery.
Acupuncture and Surgery
Acute pain that occurs after surgery such as abdominoplasty might be eased by acupuncture treatments, according to Medical News Today. Acupuncture might help reduce inflammation. This is a benefit after abdominoplasty, because there is a large amount of swelling and inflammation. Practitioners typically use essential oils such as lavender, basil and rosemary in conjunction with acupuncture to ease pain and promote relaxation.
How it Works
Acupuncture helps restore the flow of energy in the body. Advocates of this therapy believe that restoring energy flow after painful surgery like abdominoplasty can help to ease discomfort. Your practitioner will insert tiny needles through your skin at specific points. These points are called meridians. The practitioner is skilled at identifying which meridians will ease pain after a procedure such as abdominoplasty.
Risks
Talk with your doctor before using acupuncture after an abdominoplasty. This procedure is usually considered safe when performed by an experienced practitioner, explains the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. However, your doctor might want you to wait a specific amount of time after surgery before using the procedure. Also, monitor your pain after starting acupuncture treatments. If your pain gets worse or isn’t getting better, consult your doctor.
Other Options
If acupuncture isn’t working to manage your pain, talk with your doctor. Abdominoplasty is painful and it’s important to manage your pain appropriately. For home recovery, your doctor might recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen to reduce swelling and soreness, explains MayoClinic.com. If this doesn’t work, your doctor might recommend a prescription medication, such as opioid analgesics. These medications typically contain acetaminophen, so never take the medication in conjunction with an over-the-counter pain reliever without doctor approval.
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