A tummy tuck is a major surgery that completely changes the abdominal appearance. It can be less invasive, that is mini tummy tuck, invasive, that is full tummy tuck, and very invasive, that is extended tummy tuck. All these procedures have procedure costs and different recovery durations, although they require the same care and attention for you to be able to fully heal. Recovery is different from one patient to the other and is highly determined by a patient’s anatomy and the skills and expertise of the surgeon. This article explains some tips to promote a faster, smoother, and complete recovery.
Find the best surgeon
The best surgeon guarantees the best results. He has had extensive training and experience such that he is able to fully handle any arising matter regarding the procedure. The best surgeon will definitely have a facility that is well equipped with all the machines, staff, and medicines to ensure a smooth surgical procedure. To be able to identify whether your surgeon is one of the best, he/she should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons.
Always attend the doctor’s appointed checkups
Checkups are meant to assist the doctor monitor your recovery progress. This way, he will be able to spot any slight problem before it manifests into a serious complication, and he will also be able to give guidelines on ways to promote a faster healing process.
Maintain a regular healthy diet
After tummy tuck surgery, the body will need to fully heal as fast as possible. For this to be accomplished, a person must eat a lot of healthy foods rich in protein to repair the torn tissues, vitamins to heal the wounds and boost the immune system, as well as carbohydrates to provide the body with energy. In addition, she/he would need to drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated at all times. Water helps to eliminate toxins present in the body which would otherwise cause several surgical complications.
Adjust sleeping position
Tummy tuck surgery leaves a person with wounds that need to heal without any complications. A person’s sleeping position greatly influences the recovery period. During recovery, doctors advise patients to sleep in an inclined position which helps to reduce stress and unnecessary pressure on the operated area. For more comfort, one could use pillows to prop themselves as a way to fully support the body while sleeping, resting, or sitting.
Always wear compression garments
After surgery, a person will experience pain, swelling, and soreness in the abdominal area. This will subside within the first two weeks of recovery. During this time the surgeon will recommend purchasing some compression garments. Compression garments help reduce swelling by applying the appropriate pressure to the abdominal region. This pressure redistributes any fluids that may have accumulated at the tissues underneath, therefore, promoting a faster recovery process.
Ensure that you take any medicine prescribed by the doctor
Medicines serve a lot of purposes to the body. They are chemicals that cure diseases and prevent a person from getting ill. Generally, they save a lot of lives. After tummy tuck surgery, the patient is left with wounds, and incisions that need care. In the first stages, they may be really painful, and at a higher risk of getting infections. The surgeon prescribes pain reliever medicines to help reduce pain, and antibiotics to fight infections.
Dress and care for the wounds and incisions
Wounds and incisions need to be thoroughly cleaned after a certain time interval. This ensures that they are free from any form of bacteria, fungi, or viruses that may cause serious complications. Dressing and cleaning of a wound are done using a gauze sponge, or ABD pads if the wound is larger. Afterward, the wound is carefully wrapped using a clean bandage which would also be changed after some time.
Have plenty of sleep and rest
Most of your time after surgery should be spent resting and sleeping. This is because, post-surgery, your body will need to adjust to the new changes that have been put in place. Plenty of sleep and rest will repair the abdominal area and help complete the surgeon’s job. This way, healing will be faster, smoother, and to the fullest potential.
Put on non-fitting clothing
While recovering, it is advisable to put on clothes that do not tightly fit. This promotes the free circulation of air throughout the treated area, as it provides full comfort at all times. Such clothes are easy to put on and remove without interfering with the recovery process.
Have someone assist you around the house
While recovering, there are times that you will experience pain, nausea, vomiting, and so on. During such times, you will be unable to fully perform normal house duties such as caring for your young ones. A professional house help or loved one will help you in the meantime before you fully recover. This way, everything will run smoothly as expected.