Tummy Tuck Recovery Doesn’t Have to be Difficult

A tummy tuck surgery is not the easiest cosmetic procedure to recover from. You will be bed-ridden for a few days, feel quite sore and tender, and you may find that your mind goes a little stir-crazy from all of the lying around. While it may not be fun, there are some things you can do to help smooth the rocky road to recovery following a tummy tuck.

Entertainment

It may sound odd, but keeping yourself entertained and distracted is a great way to help you speed through your tummy tuck recovery. Well before you undergo your procedure, make a list of books, movies, or music you’ve been dying to get your hands on but haven’t had the time to enjoy. Give yourself a budget and go buy a few things and put them aside for when you have the downtime. Watching some great new movies or reading a book you’ve been waiting for will help pass the time much more quickly. You may also want to get some things that will keep you very focused such as a video game, puzzle book, or another quiet mental activity.

Diet

After tummy tuck surgery you may not have the biggest appetite, especially the first few days when the anesthesia is still wearing off as your stomach may feel particularly sensitive. It is important to keep yourself well hydrated and nourished during this period though in order to keep your strength up to help you through recovery. Stock up on some mild, healthy foods that are easy to eat such as yogurt, soft veggies and fruit, or a pudding that you particularly enjoy. Your surgeon will recommend exactly when it is safe to resume eating, but normally the faster you get your body back on track the better you’ll feel. Drinking plenty of fluids including lots of water and juices is another way to speed up your tummy tuck recovery.


Sleep

Although you’ll be sore and uncomfortable, and might even have to lie in an awkward position, plenty of bed rest and sleep after a tummy tuck is yet another way to help the recovery process along. Your body renews itself as you sleep, so ensure you are getting enough restful hours and you’ll be back on your feet in no time.

Instructions

The most important thing you can do following any cosmetic surgery procedure such as a tummy tuck is to follow of your surgeon’s post and pre-surgery instructions extremely carefully. That means taking all necessary medications, cleaning and redressing wounds correctly, as well as taking care of your overall health and well-being (which often includes difficult tasks such as abstaining from smoking). If you do notice a problem or hit a rough patch during your tummy tuck recovery, it is very important to contact your doctor right away. Leaving problems can result in serious complications later on down the line, which is why it is important to address any issues as they arise.