American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Community Home ask a surgeon patient community. Ask a Surgeon. Patient Community. Post your question to Ask a Surgeon to get an authoritative and trustworthy answer from our ASPS member surgeons or share your journey with other people just like you on the Patient Community.
The views expressed in Ask a Surgeon and the Patient Community are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Share your journey with other people just like you on the Patient Community or post your question to Ask a Surgeon to get an authoritative and trustworthy answer from our ASPS member surgeons.
Share your journey with other people just like you on the Patient Community. My Account. Recovery times vary There is no single answer for how long it will take to recover from a tummy tuck. Like any surgical procedure, there is a general time frame, but individual recoveries are based on a variety of factors, including the following: Age General health Type of tummy tuck Post-surgery care After the procedure is complete, your surgeon will discuss a more specific timeline for your recovery, but generally speaking, most patients begin feeling more normal around the eight-week mark.
Why the type of tuck matters There are several types of tummy tucks that can be performed. What to expect during tummy tuck recovery The most important thing to remember during this process is that you should follow your surgeon's instructions closely. Immediately after surgery Directly following a tummy tuck, your abdomen will be covered with surgical dressing.
When you're home It's important to line up help for at least the first day or two that you're home following surgery. Daily maintenance Your doctor will teach you how to properly care for your incision and drainage tubes for the duration of your recovery. Resuming normal life If you have young children, you will want to enlist help to assist with childcare, as squatting or picking up children or heavy objects for that matter for the first few weeks is strongly advised against.
Long-term effects Some people experience numbness or a pulling sensation for weeks or months after a tummy tuck, but this is typically normal and often fades with time. Recovery is a process Working closely with your plastic surgeon and surgery team to understand and prepare for post-surgery life can help make your recovery seamless.
More Like This. Updates, advice and lifestyle tips from the ASPS delivered directly to your email inbox. Join Connect. Related Posts. It is important to take brief walks a few times a day to get your blood flowing and your body used to moving again.
Several activities still remain off limits, including vigorous exercise, smoking, and drinking alcohol. Diet: Patients may resume their regular diet the second week after surgery, but it is a good idea to continue to limit sodium and drink plenty of water. Care: We recommend patients lightly massage the treated area to promote healing. To help heal the incision site, scar minimizing techniques should be used, such as the application of vitamin E, silicone sheets, Scar Guard or BioCornium.
Patients should also continue to wear the compression garment to achieve the best possible results. Side Effects: You will still be swollen in the treatment area. However, the pain, bruising, and feeling of tightness from your tummy tuck should begin to fade during week 2 of your recovery. Take into account the guidelines below to continue your quick recovery: Activity: Patients usually resume exercise during week 3 or 4 after a tummy tuck, once they receive approval from their surgeon.
It is important to return to activity gradually. Listen to your body; if you are tired, it is important to rest. You will be able to resume your normal exercise routine when you have healed appropriately.
Diet: Begin maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet to stay within your ideal weight range. Care: Continue applying scar treatments to your incision and wearing the compression garments.
Side Effects: Your discomfort and bruising should be completely gone, and swelling should be minimal. Diet: Continue maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet to stay at your ideal weight range. Care: Continue applying scar treatments to your incision to promote healing. The compression garments should continue to be worn. Michael D. Cohen Dr.
Gary A. We also examine how long recovery takes and what to expect following a tummy tuck procedure. Typically, a person can expect to feel themselves again around 8 weeks after surgery.
According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery ABCS , tummy tucks are an outpatient procedure for most individuals, meaning they can go home the same day. A person should discuss recovery time before the procedure. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons , a person should ask their surgeon:. Asking these questions can help a person prepare and take the right steps for the smoothest recovery possible. Immediately following the procedure, a person can expect to go to a recovery room.
A healthcare professional will monitor them and check the incision. When a person is free to leave the hospital, they will need someone there to take them home. Doctors do not recommend they drive themselves home after surgery. There may be drainage tubes that need emptying, and the individual will have to record the amount of fluid draining from their wound each day. At home, a person should make sure they have someone to help them for the first few days, as their mobility will be limited.
They may experience tightness around their tummy and only be able to walk hunched over for a week or two. Initially, they can expect the incision to feel sore.
They will likely need to lie in bed at an angle and may also have trouble with:. Many people take up to a month off work, particularly if their occupation is physically demanding. After a tummy tuck, an individual may need help caring for young children for several weeks to months. They should also avoid exercise for the first several weeks until a doctor gives them the all-clear. However, a person can typically return to activities, such as driving, within 1 to 2 weeks and gradually do more everyday tasks as time passes.
Finally, a tummy tuck scar will likely feel sore or tight for several weeks to months following surgery. The visibility of the scar will slowly fade.
It can be helpful to take steps to avoid constipation after surgery, as some pain medications can slow down the bowels. Straining to have a bowel movement will cause discomfort. They will need to carry out daily maintenance of their incision and drainage tubes. Typically, daily maintenance includes:.
0コメント