Considerations Before And After Tummy Tuck


Defined Tag: Before And After Tummy Tuck.

As a responsible patient, you should be aware of the key issues before and after tummy tuck surgery. It is recommended that you prepare a checklist for the things you have to do before and after tummy tuck surgery. This will help you to be well prepared for the surgical procedure and minimize the risk of any tummy tuck complications that may occur.

Before the tummy tuck surgery, you should have all pre-surgical testing such as blood tests or medical clearance examinations performed according to your physician’s requirements. Ensure that all examinations results are relayed to your surgeon’s office.

It is important that you stop smoking at least 30 days prior to the tummy tuck, as it will greatly affect the progress of your recovery. In addition, you should also arrange for someone to escort you home after the surgery and take care of you at home. On the night before the tummy tuck, you should avoid eating or drinking after midnight. This is usually advised to you by your surgeon or nurse.

After the tummy tuck surgery, it is likely that your plastic surgeon will instruct you not to stand upright and to sleep only in a reclining position with pillows supporting the knees. You will have to continue this for one or two weeks following the tummy tuck surgery. Besides this, you may also need assistance with basic functions such as dressing and going to the bathroom for the first few days. It is imperative that you begin walking as soon as possible to reduce the chance of blood clot formation.

You may have small thin tubes placed to drain any excess fluid that accumulates. You may also be wrapped in an elastic bandage or simply have dressings around your incisions. Light normal activity is possible as soon as you feel ready. External sutures or metal clips will likely be removed within one to two weeks. Your abdominal tissues might feel firm for some time as healing progresses, and you will be numb.

In most cases, any swelling after the tummy tuck surgery should subside within two to five months, with more final results taking six months to a year. Do not worry much about your incision sites as they will soften, fade and improve over the next one or two years. However, if the swelling does persist for a long period of time, you should highlight to your doctor during the regular return visit.

In general, the results of tummy tuck are permanent, although these results can change with aging and/or fluctuations in weight. Healthy eating and regular exercise will only enhance the outcomes of your procedure. Once the excess apron of tissue hanging from your abdomen is replaced by a smooth, toned tummy and visible waistline, you may need some new clothing.