It is vital to successfully recover from a tummy tuck procedure or any surgery you undergo. Although it is an elective surgery for cosmetic purposes, it is major surgery and has an extensive recovery. Thus, ensure your Tummy Tuck recovery goes well, and it starts from before the procedure to after the procedure. In the days and weeks following your surgery, think about your needs. Also, you need to prepare for your home care before the surgery. More importantly, discuss with your doctor mistakes to avoid to ensure you have a successful tummy tuck recovery.
1. Prepare your home ahead of time
Choose a recovery area in your home. It can be a recliner or your bed and prepare it early. Also, organize a place for your medicine, drinks, tissues, snacks, and cell phone charger. For support, ensure you have enough pillows, including a body pillow. Download a TV series or enough movies for entertainment and gather reading materials. Finally, make sure your food and toiletries are easy to reach. To ensure you do not have to stretch out to get them. Also, for the first weeks, arrange for child care. This is vital for you cannot take care of your children. Another adult should take care of your kids. For the younger children, full-time daycare is necessary. Also, since you will not be able to pick them up for at least six weeks, prepare your kids ahead of time for the reasons.
2. Don’t judge the results too early
It is a long process to recover from a tummy tuck. So, early on after the surgery is not the right time to seek results. Plus, standing will be a challenge until you heal internally. Also, your belly area will swell up, and it can take up to five months to recover. Patience is vital. The scar can take up to a year to fade. In the meantime, follow the wound care instructions the doctor gave you. Remember, you need to keep your dress clean. Also, you may have surgical drains depending on the extent of your tummy tuck, and they remain in place for up to two weeks. So, prepare early on care for them and record the amount of fluid they collect.
3. Plan to have a caregiver
An adult caregiver is vital to stay with you at least the first week. Choose a person or professional comfortable in emptying surgical drains and resetting them. Also, they help you manage your medicine and help you be comfortable in bed. Since you cannot rely on yourself to get around, an adult caregiver will be helpful. It will take around a week before you feel like yourself. Therefore, leave the housework and get plenty of rest. Remember you should not lift anything for at least a month or more. So, appreciate any help someone offers, especially the strenuous type. Also, before the operation, do meal preparations for your family to heat and serve.
4. Take your pain medicine
Tummy tuck surgery is painful. And abdominal muscles are in use for most movements than you may realize. Plus, your belly will be uncomfortable and sore for at least a week. So, ensure you take your pain medication on schedule. Get ahead of the pain and do not wait for it to get worse. In this way, you will notice an improvement in your discomfort and pain in a week. More importantly, do not forget to wear your compression garment. It helps to support your skin and control swelling while it heals. Follow your doctor’s instructions on wearing it. It is helpful to reduce any chances of having saggy skin afterward and shorten your recovery period.
5. Walk to help yourself heal
The day after your surgery, believe it or not, you will be up and walking. No matter how slow and uncomfortable. It is vital for recovery. The benefit of walking after the tummy tuck procedure is to reduce swelling and blood clots. With time, walking will be easy, and you can start easing into activities. Most people require a two-week break from work, depending on the activity level involved. Talk to your doctor about when you should go back to strenuous activities and exercise.
