Tummy Tuck Surgery Recovery, Start the Healing Process
Tummy tuck surgery recovery involves a considerable period of recuperation as it is major surgery. Most patients can expect to be at home anywhere from a week to three weeks before they can go back to work and can return to their regular daily schedules. If you suffer any complications resulting from the surgery then you may have to stay at home even longer.
In some cases, patients may have to remain overnight at the hospital as a part of the tummy tuck surgery recovery. Some patients may have to stay in the hospital for a day or two, depending on the type of tummy tuck that was performed and whether or not any unforeseen complications arose.
Be prepared to have a very sore and swollen abdomen for the first couple of days following the surgery. The amount of soreness and swelling may vary from patient to patient. If need be your surgeon can prescribe you some medication for pain.
A tummy tuck will leave you with permanent scars but the scars will be at their worst the first three to six months following the surgery. It is not uncommon during tummy tuck surgery recovery for the scars to take as many as nine months to become lighter and to flatten out. While the scars will never go away completely, you should be able to conceal them relatively easily with appropriate clothing choices. If this is a big concern of yours then ask the plastic surgeon if there are any creams or ointments that can be used to help fade the scars after they have healed completely.
It is important that you pay close attention to all of the instructions that you are given by the plastic surgeon. They are for your own good after all! For example, you cannot drive yourself home following a plastic surgery procedure and therefore must arrange for someone to come to pick you up. If you live alone you might want to ask a family member or friend to stay with you for a couple of days until you are better able to get up and around and care for yourself.
You will have restrictions placed upon you during your period of tummy tuck surgery recovery. The restrictions will be related to physical activity, sex, bending and/or lifting your children or heavy objects. Your surgeon will let you know when it is safe for you to exercise again. You will not be able to recommence exercise until you have started to heal. In most cases during tummy tuck surgery recovery, light to moderate physical activity is okay after four weeks have passed. Most patients are back to their regular activities after six to eight weeks.
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