Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures because of its ability to tighten the muscles while improving the contours of the abdomen. Both men and women may get abdominoplasties after losing a significant amount of weight.
Being left with stubborn fat and sagging skin can be disappointing when you’ve spent so much time and hard work getting to a healthy weight. A tummy tuck can help you achieve the appearance you want and boost your confidence in a whole new way. Are you considering getting a tummy tuck? Check out these tips for before and after your procedure.
Read More: How A Tummy Tuck Can Provide Amazing Results
Tips for Before a Tummy Tuck
1. Arrange for Help
It’s important to have help available when you need it during your recovery period. As soon as you schedule your tummy tuck, contact a friend or family member who can be available when you need them. Someone should stay with you for at least 24 hours after surgery since you may have trouble standing straight. You’ll need help doing simple tasks like getting out of bed and removing garments to shower.
It’s also important to consider any of your responsibilities. If you have a pet, make sure that someone will be available to take them outside and feed them. If you have children, make sure that they have a way to and from school and someone to look after them if they are young.
2. Take Time Off Work
It’s recommended to schedule your cosmetic surgery around your vacation time. Follow your surgeon’s instructions when it comes to recovery time needed. As soon as you have an idea about when you want to have your procedure done, make sure to discuss it with your boss so that they can try to find someone to cover for you if need be.
3. Prepare for Recovery
Before your surgery, make sure that you have everything you will need near the bed or wherever you plan on resting. If you live in a two-story house, you may find it easier to make a bed in a spare room downstairs so you won’t have to go up and down the stairs after surgery.
You will need to ensure that you get good rest. To prepare for sleeping after a tummy tuck, make sure your sleeping areas have at least two pillows behind your head and another one for under your knees.
Make sure that you have an area for your phone in case you need to take calls while you’re resting, and be sure to bring your favorite book or a laptop or tablet so that you have something to do. You’ll have plenty of time to catch up on your favorite TV shows and movies, so you may want to make a watch list as well.
4. Prep Meals
You may also want to consider making meals for the next week or so. Feeding yourself will be more difficult than usual after the procedure, but having those meals already prepared will make it easier.
Tips for Tummy Tuck Recovery
After your procedure, you will feel mild discomfort. Your surgeon will have gone over all of their instructions so that you can take care of yourself at home.
Read More: What You Need To Know About Recovering From a Tummy Tuck
Follow Your Surgeon’s Advice
For a smooth tummy tuck recovery, you should always follow your surgeon’s advice. If your surgeon gives you a specific time period for when certain activities can be done, like light housework or exercise, you should adhere to their recommendations.
Engaging in activities too soon can cause complications.
The post-operative instructions given to you by your surgeon should be followed if you want to have a fast recovery with lasting results.
Focus on Nutrition
Patients who are malnourished have more fluid accumulations, which can cause complications after surgery. Certain foods, like leafy greens, may be able to help you heal faster, along with those rich in Vitamin C.
Avoid foods that are salty and eat small portions. Also, drink lots of water to stay hydrated and speed up the recovery process.
Making meals for yourself will be difficult, so it’s recommended to have someone help you around the house for the first couple of days.
Gently Move Your Body
One of the best tummy tuck recovery tips we can give you is to move your body to increase blood flow and promote healing. You should be up walking to reduce the risk of blood clots and keep your body from becoming stiff and tight. The goal is to keep the tissues relaxed to reduce swelling more effectively.
Be careful, though. It is not advised to move around too much too soon after your procedure. It’s important to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity. Make sure to get good quality sleep and rest because your body needs it during the healing process.
Listen to Your Body and Your Surgeon
Some patients can return to work as early as one week after their tummy tuck. However, everyone is different, and you may need more time to heal. Your doctor will discuss the recommended time to stay home from work. You might also need pain medication to cope with the discomfort post-op.
You should also listen to your body. You may be given permission from your doctor, but if you don’t feel ready to return, trust yourself. Your body may be telling you that you need more time to rest.
Wait to Take a Shower
Patients can take a shower at any time, but it’s recommended to hold off for a few days until the first follow up. Replacing the binder and handling the drain tube can be confusing. The binder is key to healing, and the more it’s worn, the better the results.
Manage your Expectations
You will notice the changes from your tummy tuck immediately, but you won’t be able to see the full results until you heal. During this time, it’s important to manage your expectations. You’ll have a lot of time while you’re resting to think about what your body may or may not look like and how your life might change.
Upon the initial consultation, your surgeon will have discussed expectations with you and given you a realistic idea about the results. It’s important to continue to manage these expectations during your recovery process so that you are prepared for the results.
Your plastic surgery may not result in a job promotion or a line of dates overnight, but with your boosted self-esteem, you may be able to make amazing things happen! Just give it time and see.
