Getting Back to Normal After Your Tummy Tuck

Body contouring surgery like abdominoplasty provides some exciting prospects for the future. The decision to have such a procedure is big. Once that decision is made, most people find themselves very quickly thinking about how their new life with their new body will look. They may envision how their clothes will fit or even new styles they can wear without feeling self-conscious. Many people also envision being more active and engaged after their cosmetic body contouring surgery. These are great thoughts to have. They can sustain a positive attitude during recovery after surgery. Here, we discuss what tummy tuck patients can expect as they make their way back to normal.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

Abdominoplasty is the surgery in which the abdomen is reshaped. Through an incision that goes from one hip to the other, Dr. Krummen carefully pulls the abdominal muscle so it lies flat and smooth. The excess is trimmed and sutures are placed to secure tissue. The skin and thin layer of fat over the muscle are then pulled to lie flush, as well. This technique can correct asymmetry of the abdomen as well as loose and saggy tissue.

Life after Your Tummy Tuck

The tummy tuck procedure is not known for being a walk in the park. In fact, most patients overestimate the discomfort they may feel after surgery. This could be because, due to the tightening of the abdominal wall, it is not possible to stand fully upright for about a week after surgery. Post-operative pain is to be expected. It is manageable with prescription pain medication at first. After just a few days, however, many patients no longer need anything stronger than an over-the-counter pain reliever.

While pain can be managed, one of the aspects of abdominoplasty recovery that patients should anticipate is a lack of energy. There is a lot of healing going on in the first two weeks of recovery. During that time, patients may sleep a lot. When they are awake, they may not feel like doing much. This is why doctors advise patients to have help with household duties and child care at all times for those two weeks. By week three after abdominoplasty, many patients are back to work. It isn’t until week four when energy and comfort feel like normal again. It is at that time when patients often start asking if they can resume their normal exercise routine. The answer is usually no. Tissue healing continues even after the 4-week mark. It isn’t until about six weeks after surgery when most normal activities, including exercise, may resume.

A tummy tuck may require a few weeks of downtime and a few more weeks of easing back into normal activity after that. However, the permanent results that are achieved with this surgery are worth it. Learn more. Call 513.985.0850 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Krummen.