One of the downsides of getting any surgical procedure is the recovery period. But, with a little effort, you can bounce back from a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that helps alter the shape and appearance of your abdomen. During this cosmetic procedure, the surgeon will remove excess fat and skin from your stomach, and the remainder of the skin gets repositioned to create a slimmer look. For this reason, after you get a tummy tuck, you may need help recovering.
Surgeries are painful, and a tummy tuck is no different. You need to give your body time to heal, and if you’re not careful about your well-being, you may prolong your recovery. The trick to getting back on your feet lies in fixing your routine and readjusting your lifestyle, which is why you need to follow the tips in this article. Here are some ways you can recover quicker after a tummy tuck:
1. Research
Researching is an integral part of any process. You must know what you’re getting into and what to expect once the procedure is done. Think of it this way: when you’re shopping for a car or purchasing a new home, you do your due diligence first so that you don’t end up getting the short end of the stick; surgeries are the same. Hence, if you opt for a tummy tuck, ensure you go through a tummy tuck survival kit online.
Research gives you the information you need to handle the procedure and the knowledge necessary for recovery. If you feel unsure about specific details, ask your doctor. Part of the research involves questioning healthcare experts until you’re satisfied with your choice. Additionally, make notes on what you learn and pay attention to how long it takes for people to recover from a tummy tuck west hollywood procedure, as well as possible complications.
2. Consume High Protein Meals and Stay Hydrated
You will feel exceptionally drained after your surgery. This is not uncommon since a major operation like a tummy tuck, despite being minimally invasive, can take a toll on you. So, after your surgery, you must focus on healing adequately. For this, you need sufficient energy, which will allow your body to work overtime and let you heal. Therefore, it is recommended that you increase the amount of protein you consume. Your muscles need protein; the amino acids support wound healing, improve immunity, and impact muscle mass.
All of these are necessary to heal your incision. Additionally, you need to drink more water. Hydration speeds up the healing process by transporting the essential nutrients your body needs through your bloodstream. Drinking plenty of water also reduces inflammation and helps flush out toxins from your body.
3. Wear Loose Garments
Following a tummy tuck, the surgical site will be wrapped in bandages and a compression garment to reduce swelling. Even though it may be slightly irritating, you need to wear your compression garment for at least four weeks continuously. This will support your abdomen and help in reabsorbing any excess fluid.
If you’re inconsistent in wearing your compression garment, there is a chance a seroma may form, which is nothing more than an added nuisance and warrants another trip to the hospital. It would help if you tried switching your regular clothes for looser and baggier clothing so that it doesn’t constrict around your abdomen. Avoid shirts that you need to pull over your head, and instead, go for button-ups or zip-ups.
During the first week of recovery, you must wear soft and comfortable clothes and always keep your abdominal compression on. This specialized bandage can help tackle swelling and provides sufficient pressure to your wound to promote healing while reducing scarring. Depending on your situation, your doctor may advise you to wear Spanx or any shapewear for six weeks or longer until your surgical scar is completely healed.
4. Avoid Driving
After getting a tummy tuck, you will need to take a small break from driving. It is highly recommended you don’t drive for up to three weeks post-operation. Sitting on the driver’s seat can put additional pressure on your incision site. Likewise, your body may be too stiff to navigate the road expertly following your surgical procedure. So, give yourself a break and steer clear from going behind the wheel immediately.
Likewise, before you head into surgery, make prior arrangements for yourself. Ask a loved one to take you to the hospital or book a taxi in advance. The procedure involves mild anesthesia, so you will be groggy and slightly dazed once the operation is over.
5. Go Easy On Exercising
The first week after your surgery, you need to avoid any strenuous exercise. Take a light walk around your home or take a leisurely stroll instead of brisk walking. While a significant portion of your recovery relies on resting more, you need to go for short walks to boost circulation and stimulate blood flow. This will improve healing and help you return to your routine in no time.
Try to stay out of the gym until your incision heals. You should also sleep on your back and avoid turning on your side. Activities that involve stretching should be avoided, and don’t try to bend over much. Furthermore, don’t lift heavy objects, and do not practice any regime that may stress your body.
6. Look Into a Lymphatic Drainage Massage
You can get a massage after your surgery, but be sure the type of treatment you go for is soft and doesn’t involve deep tissue manipulation. Considering all these factors, the best massage for you is the lymphatic drainage massage. This involves light movements and pressure to stimulate the lymphatic system. The idea behind this massage is to drain build-up lymph from your body to improve circulation. Moreover, it will reduce scar formation and help eliminate excess water and metabolic wastes.
Moreover, your skin’s texture will improve drastically. If you’re you’re new to getting a lymphatic drainage massage, make sure you do your research first. You can look up YouTube videos on how the massage is performed and stick to clinics with a strong reputation for performing lymphatic drainage massages.
Final Thoughts
If you decide to get a tummy tuck, you must understand there is a long road ahead to recovery. Cosmetic surgeries are painful and require plenty of rest. Furthermore, to ensure you get back on your feet quickly, you must modify your diet, temporarily pause your gym routine, and focus on staying off your feet. Additional precautions include wearing compression and looser garments instead of constrictive clothing. As long as you follow your doctor’s advice and actively mind your well-being, recovery won’t be much of a challenge for you.