As a way to remove excess fat and skin, a patient may choose to undergo an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck procedure. During the surgery, a doctor will make an incision beneath the hips and contour the skin and muscle to give your belly a tighter appearance. Since it is considered a major surgery, problems may arise during recovery.
Loose Clothing
As part of your recovery from the tummy tuck, you should make sure you have plenty of loose and comfortable clothing to wear in the weeks following the surgery. The abdominal area will be sensitive and you want clothing pieces that can be easily taken on or off.
Light Exercise
Since blood clots can be a complication related to tummy tuck surgery, a patient is likely to be advised to participate in light exercise during recovery. This increases circulation and strengthens muscles. The level of fitness you had prior to the surgery affects how long recovery will take, according to the A Board Certified Plastic Surgeon website. Fit individuals can recover in less than two weeks, while patients with sedentary lifestyles can have a much longer recovery period.
Home Recovery Area
According to the Cleveland Clinic, you should prep an area of your home for your recovery. You should plan to be able to relax in a comfortable area with a bed and a phone within your reach. Since you won't be able to stand at first while showering, a shower chair and hand-held shower head should be available.
Compression Garments
Dressings are provided for you to cover the area and compress the skin to ease swelling and discomfort. To help drainage, a tube may be placed under the skin. At your post-operative appointment, the tube will be likely removed.
Scar Ointments
Once the area is healed, you can ask your surgeon about a topical ointment that can be applied to reduce the appearance of any tummy tuck related scarring. Other procedures, like laser skin resurfacing and steroid injections, can be used to remove surgery-related scars.
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