#Tummy tuck recovery must haves skin

If you have small children, you must put someone else totally in charge of their care for at least two weeks. You won't feel like yourself for at least seven to ten days and you still shouldn't do any heavy lifting (such as picking up your children or baskets of laundry) for four to six weeks. Make sure you continue to have lots of help at home.Discomfort typically drops down to a 'nagging' level by five to seven days. The first two days are the most uncomfortable, so if you have to take medications at certain times, stay on the schedule. Follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully.What can I expect during the first few weeks of my tummy tuck recovery? Other red flags include shortness of breath, chest pains, and an unusual heartbeat. Call your surgeon immediately if you notice an increase in swelling, pain, redness, drainage, or bleeding in the surgical area, or if you develop fever, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting.However, avoid strenuous exercise for four to six weeks, because it can trigger unnecessary fluid retention in the treated areas. It is important to walk to discourage swelling and to prevent blood clots in the legs. You should be up and walking the day after surgery, but take it slow.Arrange for someone to help you get around the house and help with your medication for at least the first three days after surgery.Do not drink alcohol for five days after surgery or while you are taking pain medication. To prevent coughing and bleeding, do not smoke after your procedure. Remember, you must not take aspirin or certain anti-inflammatory medications.

The first few days after surgery, you should rest.These side effects usually subside in one to three weeks as your body adjusts to the new contours, and the incisions heal. Common side effects associated with a tummy tuck include redness, bruising, and swelling.You also may need to put ointment on your incisions to reduce discomfort. Your surgeon should provide you with detailed instructions for managing your drains, changing your bandages, and showering during recovery.

Your surgeon will typically remove your drains three to fourteen days after your surgery, depending on how much fluid is coming out. Your surgeon will ask you to empty the drains a few times a day and keep track of how much fluid comes out. Depending on the extent of your tummy tuck, you may have tubes in your incision to drain away fluid.You will wear this garment for several weeks.

#Tummy tuck recovery must haves skin

You will also need to wear a wide elastic compression garment to reduce swelling and provide support to the skin as it tightens.

Your surgeon will cover your incision site with a dressing to keep the area clean and protected.

You can control any pain you feel with pain medications.

Immediately following an abdominoplasty, expect your abdomen to feel very sore or tender.

Depending on the extent of your procedure, you may have to spend a night or two in the hospital recovering from surgery.

If you return home the same day, you will need someone to drive you.

These sensations should pass within a few hours, although some types of oral pain medications may cause these symptoms to recur.

As the anesthesia wears off, you may feel dizzy, disoriented, and nauseous.

What can I expect immediately after my tummy tuck procedure? See options for short-term recovery locations in aftercare & recovery. It is also important to know that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals. Your surgeon will alert you to the signs of problems to watch for, such as signs of infection. This includes information about wearing compression garments and the level of activity that is safe for you. Your surgeon will also give you and your caregiver detailed instructions about your postoperative care after your surgery, including information about:įollow all the patient care instructions your surgeon provides. Your surgeon will let you know how long it will be before you can return to your normal level of activity and work. How long does it take to recover from a tummy tuck?