With 160,000 tummy tucks performed in the United States per year, it is only fair that you know what to expect if you are considering getting one.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?A tummy tuck is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries and it is generally quite safe. Its phenomenal belly-flattening results draw in many people who have gone through major weight loss or pregnancy and are left with sagging skin and extra fat. In itself it is not complicated: extra fat and skin are removed from the abdominal region to give the patient a flatter contour. In most cases, surgeons also tighten the muscles for more definition of the area. At Women’s Health Institute, we use advanced surgical techniques to minimize scarring and enhance recovery. Dr. Umerah’s expertise and meticulous approach ensure that you achieve the best possible results with minimal downtime. |
The Aftermath of a Tummy Tuck
Your care doesn’t stop after surgery. Here is a list of recommendations our head surgeon, Dr. Nnaemeka Umerah, has put together for you to consider if you have been toying with the idea of getting a tummy tuck.
1. The Basics
- You might feel tired, don’t deny yourself rest! Sleeping will help you recover.
- You should try to walk a little bit every day, gradually increasing the time you spend doing it. Walking boosts blood flow and helps prevent pneumonia and constipation.
- Even if you feel up for it, you should avoid abdominal exercise and strenuous activities, which include bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, for 6 to 8 weeks.
- Also avoid lifting heavy objects that might cause strain.
- Your doctor will let you know when it is safe for you to get back behind the wheel.
- Most people are able to return to work—provided it is a desk job— about 2 to 3 weeks after surgery.
- Once the drains come out, 24 or 48 hours post-surgery, you may shower. Until then, keep your body clean with body wipes. Avoid baths for the first 2 weeks, or until your doctor tells you it is okay.
- Your doctor will also let you know when it is okay for you to have intercourse again.
2. Use Your Compression Garment for Recovering after a Tummy Tuck
After your tummy tuck, our experts will give you a compression garment to wear. This snug-fitting item goes around your belly and you should wear it at all times, except of course when you shower. The garment offers support for your muscles as they heal.
At first, you will use a “stage one” garment, which helps reduce swelling by promoting fluid drainage through the drains placed by your surgeon. It also increases circulation, which speeds up healing. The stage one garment should be worn for one or two weeks.
After that period, you may move on to the “stage two” compression garments, which are there to support your newly contoured midsection. As per Dr. Umerah, you should wear it for 2 to 8 weeks.
3. Take It Easy with Exercise
As mentioned briefly above, even if you are feeling energized, you should refrain from heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a month to 6 weeks. Take it easy on your body as it heals. If you have not had muscle repair as part of your tummy tuck, you may restart strenuous exercises a bit earlier; consult with Dr. Umerah to determine the appropriate timing for this.
4. Get Acquainted with Self Maintenance
- You should leave the strips of tape on your incision for a week or until they fall off. Follow Dr. Umerah’s instructions for removing the tape.
- Wash the area daily with warm water and pat it dry. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
- The area should be kept clean and dry. Covering it with a gauze bandage is a good idea, although you should change it regularly to avoid unwanted effects.
- You may have one or two drain tubes in place to prevent fluid from building up under the skin of your belly. Your doctor will tell you how to take care of it until you come back to remove it.
- You may have to take antibiotics to prevent infections and anticoagulants to avoid complications from blood clots, which are more common after surgery.
A Word If You Are Considering a Tummy Tuck
If you’re considering a tummy tuck, it’s essential that you weigh both your desired outcomes and the risks carefully. Speak openly with Dr. Umerah about your motivations, expectations, and concerns.
If you would like to learn more about our tummy tuck services, book a confidential one-on-one appointment at Women’s Health Institute with Dr. Umerah. Send us an online message or call (478) 746-2888 to schedule a consultation at our Macon or Warner Robins offices.