Your Comprehensive Guide to a Tummy Tuck Recovery

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An abdominoplasty, also referred to as a tummy tuck, is a surgical body contouring procedure that is designed to remove excess fat/skin from the abdomen and restore weakened or separated stomach muscles, which can result from a number of factors including:

• Age
• Heredity
• Pregnancy
• Weight fluctuations
• Prior surgery

While many patients experience incredible results from this cosmetic surgery, it’s very important to remember that a tummy tuck requires considerable post-surgery care for the safest and fastest recovery.

 

Customized Tummy Tuck Surgery At our Kelowna Clinic

At our Kelowna clinic, we offer customized tummy tuck surgeries at affordable costs. Whatever your aesthetic needs, our board-certified plastic surgeons can help you achieve your goals in the safest and most satisfactory way.

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Your Comprehensive Guide to a Tummy Tuck Recovery

One of the most important aspects of a tummy tuck procedure is the recovery. Following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions is critical in ensuring that not only do you remain healthy and safe, but that your newly refined shape continues to look its best.

Here is a comprehensive week-by-week guide on what to expect during your tummy tuck recovery:

Week 1

• Side Effects: For the first week, it is normal to experience some tightness, swelling, pain and bruising in the treatment area.
• Bandages: You must follow your doctor’s advice when it comes to changing your bandages. Typically, these should be removed and the wound cleaned every other day after the surgery.
• Drains. Most patients require the use of a drain for the first few days after a tummy tuck. This works to direct excess fluid away from the incision and out of the body. It can be removed 3-7 days after the surgery.
• Diet: For the first week after your abdominoplasty, you should maintain a diet that is low in sodium. You should also stay well hydrated.
• Compression Garment: Wearing a compression garment after your surgery is critical as it aids in healing and helps you achieve your desired body contour. It should be worn at all times after your surgery.
• At Home Care: Take pain medication as directed by your surgeon, limit movement and use an ice compress to minimize pain and swelling.

Week 2

• Side Effects: You may still have some swelling in the treatment area, although the pain, bruising and tightness will have mostly faded.
• Minimizing Your Tummy Tuck Scar: You should begin scar minimizing treatments such as applying Vitamin E or silicone sheets to the incision.
• Compression Garment: You should continue to wear the compression garment during week 2 of your recovery.
• Diet: Typically, patients can return to their normal diet, but it’s important to continue staying hydrated. Do not smoke or drink any alcohol.
• Exercise: While it’s important to still rest, you can take brief walks throughout the day to promote blood flow.
• Daily Activities: Many patients feel ready to return to work after 14 days.

Week 3-4

• Compression Garment: Depending on your specific situation, your plastic surgeon may recommend that you continue to wear this for at least 4 weeks after the surgery.
• Diet: Most patients are able to return to their normal diet after a month. However, make sure to stick to a healthy and well-balanced diet so you can stay within your ideal weight range.
• Exercise: During this time, you can begin to engage in some light exercise. However, more strenuous activities, such as sit ups and weight lifting should be avoided for at least 6 weeks after your surgery. ALWAYS talk to your plastic surgeon before resuming your normal workout routine.

 

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To find out more about our customized tummy tuck procedures, and how our board-certified plastic surgeons can help you achieve all your aesthetic goals, visit our Kelowna clinic at 401 - 3320 Richter St., Kelowna, B.C. V1W 4V5.

Alternatively, you can contact us at 250-868-9799 or book a consultation online.

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