As excited as tummy tuck patients may feel to see their final results, many patients are less than thrilled about anticipating the recovery period following surgery. This is especially true for women who have already undergone a previous abdominal surgery in the form of a C-section. How do these two procedures compare in terms of what to expect? The most important aspects to a healthy recovery after any surgery are rest, easy physical activity after the first couple of days and following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions.You will also need help around the house for the first week or two doing even simple things such as cooking and light cleaning tasks. If you work outside the home, you can expect to be off of work for a minimum of two weeks following your surgery. If you have a physically demanding job then you should plan on being out possibly up to four to six weeks or more.
But ask any of our many satisfied tummy tuck patients, and they’ll tell the recovery is totally worth it. How will I feel after a tummy tuck? The first few days are not going to be a picnic. Although Dr. Clark uses surgical techniques designed to minimize post-op pain and swelling, you may experience considerable discomfort, which maxes out about 3 to 5 days after surgery and then starts to subside more and more each day. You’ll be slow, but get up frequently (with help!) to take short walks around the house.
Take care of yourself and move slowly, especially when getting out of bed. Plan ahead to take time off of work, most doctors recommend two weeks. Set yourself up with entertainment that you enjoy, pick good podcasts, shows, and playlist. Just try to avoid anything that causes you to laugh, as this will cause stress on your incision and abdominal muscles. When sleeping try elevating your shoulders or feet with pillows, this will take strain off of your abdominals. Although you should avoid strenuous exercise and actives following your procedure, walking is highly recommended by doctors for optimal healing.
If you think your insurance may provide any coverage, you should check with them in advance. If your insurance does have any coverage, Dr. Brown can write a letter to them explaining the need for the procedure (if you are an exception as outlined above). Be sure to talk to Dr. Brown about any insurance-related issues.
If you had the type of surgery that required drains to be fitted you should hang the drains securely while you are taking a shower. These drains are usually kept in place for around 7-21 days and should only be removed under medical supervision. They may be removed by surgeon together or he may decide to leave one in a bit longer than the other.
Additionally because so much tissue is involved staying in the hospital provides an opportunity for medication to reduce both pain and swelling. Also it can take up to 24 hours for anesthesia to fully work its way out f the body and the patient will most likely be drowsy and disoriented.
Assemble your books, movies and entertainment within an arm’s distance. Fill your prescriptions and store them within grabbing distance too. Stock up on pillows and wedges. Consider the surrounding environment: eye shades and ear plugs may useful if you choose to recover in a high-traffic area of the house. Consider skipping the comedies. Comedies are therapeutic. If you had your tonsils out as a kid, you may have spent the days following the operation eating ice cream and watching something starring Bill Murray.
Medication may be prescribed to help you get through this time. If this is necessary, it's essential that you follow your surgeon's recommendations on taking the medicine and/or a bed rest regimen. As well as recommendations on when and how to engage in other activities. Again, these are made to ensure you have the quickest and safest recovery possible. Not following them could increase the time needed for your body to fully heal and recover.
