Tummy tuck recovery tips to ensure you get the best outcome
For women and men desiring a flatter, firmer midsection, abdominoplasty – or a “tummy tuck” – is a highly effective option. The tummy tuck has long been known to produce incredible results that are unattainable through diet, exercise, or other cosmetic procedures. Because of this, the tummy tuck is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries requested by patients in Tucson, AZ today. While the results can be stunning, it is important to follow a strict recovery protocol in the days and weeks after surgery to give yourself the best chance of success.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao of Rao Plastic Surgery in Tucson, AZ takes great care to guide patients through the process from consultation through recovery, making important recommendations for full healing and an ideal outcome.
Below, Dr. Rao outlines some things to remember during a tummy tuck recovery that will help the healing process.
Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
The most imperative step in a successful recovery from a tummy tuck is to follow the post-operative instructions given by your plastic surgeon. Though it is a common and fairly routine procedure, a tummy tuck is still a major surgery, and post-op care should be taken very seriously. Following the surgery, your plastic surgeon will provide you with both verbal and written post-operative care instructions as well as any necessary medications including antibiotics and pain medicine. Equally important are the guidelines that will be given regarding physical activity and restrictions. While you may begin to feel better more quickly than you anticipated, do not attempt to rush your recovery or resume activities before you have been cleared by your plastic surgeon.
Make A Plan for Recovery
During a tummy tuck, multiple incisions are made to remove excess skin and tighten the underlying muscle. Liposuction may also be used in conjunction with the procedure to enhance the results by removing stubborn fat in the abdominal area. With all of this, including a relatively long incision and suture line, patients should expect some discomfort and limited mobility during the first portion of their recovery. For the first 2-3 days, it is strongly recommended that the patient have help, as they will be severely restricted when it comes to basic daily activities. For patients with young children, it is important to note that any lifting or strenuous physical activity will be limited for a length of time.
Making sure that you get enough rest and limit your physical exertion are both important in setting yourself up for the best possible result. Therefore, making a recovery plan long before your procedure that includes having help around the home is essential to a successful outcome.
Prepare Yourself Before the Procedure
Patients in Tucson, AZ seeking a tummy tuck will benefit greatly by making lifestyle changes in the months leading up to their procedure. During your consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao at Rao Plastic Surgery, you may receive recommendations on how to prepare your body for a successful surgery and an easy recovery. Patients who are able to establish a healthy weight through diet and exercise and maintain it for an extended period of time – at least six months – typically realize the best results. If a patient’s weight fluctuates considerably before or after the surgery, he or she will likely not see long-lasting results from a tummy tuck. This is also an important consideration for women who may plan to have more children in the future.
In addition to knowing what to do to ensure your best possible outcome, it is also important that patients are educated on what not to do and what can prolong or interfere with the healing process. The expert team at Rao Plastic Surgery in Tucson, AZ is committed to the highest level of patient care, starting with education. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao will take the time to answer all of your questions about the abdominoplasty, including the recovery process, to set you up for an ideal result. Some of the things that may lengthen the healing time are:
Not following post-operative care instructions
- Not maintaining a healthy and consistent weight for at least six months prior to surgery
- Smoking for six or more weeks prior to surgery
- The necessity of liposuction or other procedures in conjunction with the surgery
Prior to your surgery – and long before recovery – the first step for patients in Tucson, AZ to ensure that they are setting themselves up for the best possible result is to select a qualified and experienced physician. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arun Rao is expertly trained in abdominoplasty and related procedures.
To find out more about how a tummy tuck can give you the flat, firm, contoured stomach that you have always dreamed of, call the office of Rao Plastic Surgery to schedule your consultation today.