Recovery Information Regarding The Tummy Tuck

Before any type of plastic surgery, it is important that you learn the recovery process. Not only will this let you know how many days to take off work, but it can also help you prepare for this time period. Having an idea of what to expect can help it go smoothly, so find out the basics about the healing period if you plan to get a tummy tuck.

You can expect to be wrapped in gauze around the middle directly after the surgery, and your doctor should give you instructions on how to change it to keep it clean and dry. You will also typically need to return to the doctor's office to remove any drains, which are placed on the body to collect the fluids that leak out after the procedure. During your visit to the surgeon, he or she will also check to make sure that you are healing properly. Your temperature will likely be taken, and the incision will be checked to make sure that it is not red, as a fever and redness around the cut are signs of infection.

You should also be given a compression garment to wear after the tummy tuck. As the name suggests, this type of garment is meant to compress the area after surgery so that it heals properly, and also so that fluid does not collect in the abdomen. You will be expected to wear this item of clothing for weeks, but the good news is that it cannot typically be noticed under clothes. You can take it off during showers, but you should wear it while sleeping, working, and socializing with friends. The more you take it off during the recovery period, the higher your chances of experiencing an issue are.

It is usually required that you take at least a week off work. If you have a job that involves heavy lifting or constant physical activity, you should take about two weeks off, and then take it easy in the following weeks. This is because exercise and heavy lifting can cause you to strain your body, making the incision open up and begin bleeding after weeks of healing. On the other hand, most doctors do advise patients to slowly start walking just days into the recovery period, as light physical activity can actually help you heal.

Now that you know the basics when it comes to tummy tuck recovery, you should book an appointment to talk to a surgeon about this procedure. Complications are considered rare, but it is still wise to have an idea of what could go wrong, and how to prevent this. Find out more by having an initial consultation with a qualified doctor.