Tummy Tuck Recovery: Let’s Be Real

Tummy tuck surgeries are performed more than 125,000 times in our country each year. This indicates that the results from the abdominal tightening procedure are outstanding and that patients are satisfied with their appearance after surgery. If you have contemplated what your midsection would look like if you were to have a tummy tuck, you are not alone. You are also not alone if your mind instantly jumped into high gear imagining what tummy tuck recovery must be like.

One of the biggest reasons why patients procrastinate in scheduling their cosmetic surgery consultation is because they feel uncertain about how their recovery may go. We don’t want you to fall into this category. Here, we will offer a realistic portrait of tummy tuck recovery. Additionally, we suggest some ways to improve the process and reduce unexpected stress.

What is it really like to recover from a tummy tuck?

During a tummy tuck, the muscle along the abdominal wall is modified, and overlying skin is tightened and removed as needed. This correct muscle separation and skin stretching that may have occurred during pregnancy or other life situations, so the final result is a flat, toned stomach. Because your body has been accustomed to lax muscle and skin tissue, this manual tightening is going to cause you to bend forward for a few days. That’s right, standing upright will be something you do gradually over about a week’s time.

It is important to understand that the initial limited flexibility of tightened abdominal muscles is not going to be intensely painful. Comfort is sustained with adequate rest and the use of prescription pain medication as directed (not feeling any pain? Still take your medicine as instructed in your post-operative guide!).

In addition to the physical aspects of tummy tuck recovery, patients should also expect an emotional response. Abdominoplasty is not a minor procedure. We accomplish a lot during this surgery! As a result, there may be a bit of emotional stress that follows surgery. Sometimes, emotions can be exacerbated by anxiety related to expected discomfort. Our open communication about the recovery process is intended to mitigate unnecessary stress so the entire even goes more smoothly.

The Big Tip

There is one big tip that we suggest for abdominoplasty patients. In addition to following post-operative care instructions to a T, we encourage patients to get plenty of help around the house for the first several weeks after surgery. Having a strong support team can make an enormous difference in the recovery process.

Do you have questions about abdominoplasty and what it can do for you? Call our Cincinnati office at 513-985-0850.