01st Jan, 2013

What to Expect from Tummy Tuck Recovery

body9If you have tried countless diets and exercises to eliminate the extra skin and fat from your stomach and have been unsuccessful, you may want to consider a tummy tuck. At Dr. Darrell Perkin’s Sydney plastic surgery practice, a tummy tuck can be performed to contour your waistline and eliminate unwanted skin. The results of tummy tuck surgery give patients a firmer waistline and a renewed sense of confidence. While most patients find the results to be worth it, you should be aware that tummy tuck surgery requires an extensive recovery time. Dr. Perkins believes all of his patients should have accurate expectations of what to expect from tummy tuck surgery, as well as some helpful tips to make the recovery smooth and successful.

Compression Garments

Patients who undergo tummy tuck surgery will return home with bandages, a drain tube, and compression garments. It is important that you follow Dr. Perkins’ instructions regarding care of these healing aids. While the bandages and drain tube are usually removed after a week or two, we will typically ask our patients to wear compression garments for a minimum of three weeks after surgery. Compression garments are an important part of the tummy tuck recovery process. This elastic garment holds the skin close to the body and decreases the chances of any loose or sagging skin after recovery. The compression garment can also decrease swelling and may result in a shorter recovery time.

Common Side Effects

Your body is likely to be extremely sore and tired after tummy tuck surgery. For our patients in Sydney, tummy tuck surgery is likely to result in some of the following common side effects:

  • Tenderness and soreness in the abdomen area
  • Redness and/or bruising
  • Swelling

You may experience these side effects for several weeks after your surgery. We recommend that our patients plan to spend the first several days after surgery on lighter activities. Most patients are not able to return to work for the first two weeks after surgery. Be sure to give your body the proper time it needs to recover.

Recovery Tips

It is normal for your body to experience pain and swelling after tummy tuck surgery. These side effects are an inevitable part of the plastic surgery procedure. There are some tips that can ease discomfort and swelling after a tummy tuck and make your recovery as successful as possible.

  • Get plenty of rest during your recovery period
  • Drink lots of water to stay hydrated
  • Avoid large quantities of salt
  • Use the pain medication as prescribed by Dr. Perkins
  • Gently massage the abdominal area
  • Use ice packs or cold compresses as necessary
  • Continue to wear the compression garment as directed
  • Limit physical activity (especially those that put strain on the abdomen) for at least six weeks

By following these tips, you should experience an uneventful recovery that results in a slimmer, more toned abdomen.

Schedule an Appointment

If you’ve been unable to achieve the slender waistline you desire, schedule an appointment with Dr. Darrell Perkins to learn more about the tummy tuck procedure. Dr. Perkins will be there to care for you throughout your surgery and make sure that you have the information you need to ensure a successful recovery.

Posted on January 1, 2013 By , in ,

Related Articles

Lucy Colak