What To Expect After A Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a major procedure that can produce excellent results for patients. Helping you to achieve a flatter, more defined stomach, this effective procedure can boost confidence and improve your quality of life. However, it is also known for its lengthy, and often painful, recovery period.

If you want to ensure a fast, comfortable recovery, it is important to follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions. Here, we share some of the best ways to recover from a tummy tuck after you arrive home.

Managing the pain after a tummy tuck

After a tummy tuck, many patients report feeling mild to moderate levels of pain. This can last up to two months after the surgery, though most pain will be felt during the first week of recovery.

If the pain is intense, medication can be prescribed until it eases off. Those who undergo a mini-tummy tuck will feel hardly any pain during week two. However, patients who undergo a full tummy tuck can expect to experience mild pain during this period.
If the pain doesn’t seem to be easing even with medication, let your surgeon know. There may be an underlying issue that needs to be resolved.

What to expect

As well as experiencing some level of pain, there are other things to focus on during your recovery.

As the procedure requires general anaesthetic, you can expect to be in hospital for two to three days after. You should ensure that you have somebody to drive you home when you are ready. You’ll need to avoid showering for up to 48 hours. Dressings will be changed after a week and you will need to wear a support corset for six weeks.

It is also advised that you rest as much as possible. Most patients are advised to take it easy for a couple of weeks, so taking time off work is recommended. With that being said, it is important to move around during this time to keep the blood flowing throughout the body.

You will experience the best results if you follow a healthy, reduced salt diet, packed full of nutrients. This helps to promote faster healing, keeping the body topped up with what it needs to function well.

These are some of the best ways to recover after a tummy tuck. Above all else, follow the instructions provided by the surgeon to guarantee a comfortable and fast recovery.

If you want to find out more about a tummy tuck procedure, then book a consultation with Mr Paul Tulley. If you are concerned about the recovery process and the surgery involved for a tummy tuck, then you can also discuss other less invasive treatment options, such as liposuction or a mini-tummy tuck, that can give you the results you are hoping for.