Whether you’re getting a tummy tuck after gastric bypass surgery, as part of a full body makeover, or simply because you’ve always wanted smoother tighter abs, you’ll love the way you look after your procedure.
Still, it’s important to keep in mind that once Dr. Lahar has finished your operation, that’s just when your work begins.
Recovery from a tummy tuck is a critical time. Your body needs to heal, and it’s important not to rush things or try to push yourself too hard. This can be a challenge for individuals who may be used to a fast-paced lifestyle and always being on-the-go.
To help orient yourself to the best way to recover from a tummy tuck, we’ve outlined five key tips below. Use these to ensure your tummy tuck recovery allows for optimal results and gets you the smooth, tight waist you’ve always wanted.
Top Tips When Recovering From a Tummy Tuck
1. Ask for time off from work sooner rather than later.
A tummy tuck is not as simple as liposuction or as localized as rhinoplasty. Your tummy tuck will affect your entire body, and you’ll need at least two to three weeks off to fully recovery. If you know the date of your surgery now, it’s best to ask for time off from work sooner rather than later. The same goes for if you are currently in school.
Preparing ahead of time will give you a chance to get any work you need to have done finished — or delegated to someone else. Likewise, the farther in advance you prepare for this time off, the more likely it will be that your employer or teachers will accept your leave of absence.
2. Start prepping your home now.
In addition to securing time off from work or school, you’ll want to prep your home for your recovery. Start by creating an area that is easily accessible where you can rest and hang out during the day. For some patients, this may be their bedroom and bed, but often, patients don’t like spending all day in bed as well as all night in bed. It might, therefore, be advantageous to create a space on your living room couch or even in a guest bedroom where you can spend your time during the day.
Once you have decided on your recovery area, plan your setup. Prepare by making sure you have numerous pillows, easy-to-put-on clothes, and plenty of healthy snacks (including liquid foods like shakes and smoothies, mashed potatoes, and soups). You should also have access to water and other liquids, a nearby phone charger and/or your computer or tablet, blankets, a robe and slippers, and easy access to your recovery instructions.
3. You’ll need someone you trust to escort you home after surgery.
After your tummy tuck, you will spend a short period of time in the recovery area of the surgical facility. There, you will be given time to fully wake up and speak briefly with Dr. Lahar about your procedure and recovery, before being discharged to go home. Tummy tucks are generally outpatient procedures, so you’ll be able to go home on the same day.
All patients who have major surgeries like tummy tucks need to have someone to escort them home. This may be a close friend, family member, trusted coworker, or even a neighbor. Make sure it’s someone you know you can rely on to be there when you get out of surgery.
If possible, ask this person if they would be able to spend a few hours with you once you are home as well. If you live alone, you might ask them to spend the night. You’ll want a bit of help getting into your house and getting situated in your recovery area. You may also want some help preparing a meal or two and caring for your incision areas at the beginning of your recovery.
4. Not exerting yourself is important, but as soon as you can, start moving.
Dr. Lahar will give you detailed instructions concerning how long you’ll need to refrain from physical activity. During this time, it is of vital importance that you heed this guidance and stay relatively sedentary.
As soon as you get the go-ahead, however, be sure to take advantage of your newfound freedom of movement by starting to walk. Even if it’s just for a short distance, walking helps to get your blood circulating, and this will help heal your wounds.
Walking can also help prevent blood clots, which are a risk after someone has had invasive surgery. Your digestion, urinary tract function, and cardiovascular health will all improve just by walking regularly according to Dr. Lahar’s guidelines.
5. Don’t rush yourself.
What’s most important during tummy tuck recovery is that you don’t rush yourself and try to do too much too soon. As stated above, you’ll need to refrain from lifting heavy objects and moving too much for the first few weeks. Just focus on giving your body time to be calm and relaxed during this time.
If this is hard for you, pre-plan some activities that you can do while you recline. For example, consider taking up knitting or crocheting. Some patients find it helpful to line up a list of movies or TV shows they’ve been wanting to watch. Take a stack of books out from the library, or subscribe to a few magazines. Even inviting friends over for a game of cards or a light lunch can help pass the time.
The bottom line is that you must give your body the time it needs to fully heal. Recovery from a tummy tuck is not going to happen overnight, and that’s okay. If you’re patient and take care of yourself, always following Dr. Lahar’s aftercare directions, your hard work will pay off, and you’ll see amazing results in no time.
Beverly Hills Tummy Tuck: Schedule Your Consultation
Lahar Plastic Surgery offers full-service cosmetic surgery for residents of Beverly Hills, California and the surrounding area. Dr. Lahar has a well-developed artistic eye, perfect for performing cosmetic procedures like tummy tucks, which require a delicate touch and attention to detail.
If you have been considering a tummy tuck in Beverly Hills, contact our office today to book a consultation. Dr. Lahar would be happy to sit down and speak with you about your aesthetic goals and options for surgery.
References
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what-to-know-about-recovery-from-tummy-tuck
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck/recovery
