Tummy Tuck Recovery

Tummy tuck surgery, or abdominiplasty, is a cosmetic procedure done by an increasing amount of men and women who are looking to reduce loose skin, flabby muscles, and excessive fat in the abdominal area. The surgical procedure involves making an incision to tighten the abdominal muscle and trim unnecessary skin to produce a firm and smooth abdomen. Like any surgical procedure, proper steps should be taken to accelerate the recovery process.

For the first few days after tummy tuck surgery, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort, which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be released within a few hours or you may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days. Common side effects after a tummy tuck include:

• Discomfort or pain, which may need pain medication during the first few days
• Bruises and swelling of the abdomen
• Bleeding
• Numbness of the central part of the abdomen below the navel
• Nausea or vomiting after general anesthesia

Tummy tuck recovery follows two distinctive phases:

1. The first step to optimal tummy tuck recovery is postoperative care. The patient may spend a few hours or several days in initial tummy tuck recovery, resting in the hospital and adjusting to the regimen of antibiotics and painkillers. Bed rest for two to three days is recommended. While in bed, your legs should be bent at the hips in order to reduce the strain on the abdominal area. Patients usually need to wear a compression garment over the treated area to control swelling and help in healing.

2. The next tummy tuck recovery phase comes when the patient returns home. Most surgeons give their patients explicit, personalized instructions regarding tummy tuck recovery. These directions include the ways to prevent blood clots, monitor for infection, and optimization of tummy tuck recovery, including ways to prevent excessive scarring.

3. The next recovery phase involves maintenance of your new abdomen - patients should institute an exercise and good diet regiment. Exercise will reduce tummy tuck swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.

After surgery, patients should call the doctor right away if they experience:

• Severe pain
• Signs of an infection, such as redness at the treatment site and fever
• Breathing difficulties after general anesthesia

Tummy tuck recovery speeds depend to a large degree upon the level of fitness of the individual. Tummy tuck recovery for a person with strong abdominal muscles can take less than two weeks, while tummy tuck recovery for an individual unaccustomed to exercise may take significantly longer. Full tummy tuck recovery generally takes six months, when all swelling is gone and scar tissue drastically reduced.

You know yourself personally, so make sure you set up the safest, most comfortable recovery area before you undergo the surgery to meet your personal needs.