If you’re preparing for your tummy tuck surgery, don’t forget to plan well for your recovery period. While few patients look forward to their downtime after surgery, there are a few things you can do to help the process along.
1. Wear Your Compression Garment
Your compression garment promotes blood flow (which encourages quicker healing), and should be worn diligently after your tummy tuck per your surgeon’s instructions. In addition to encouraging blood circulation, your compression garment can help post-surgical swelling subside, making this an excellent way to get back into your normal routine as soon as possible.
2. Practice Lymphatic Massage
The recovery process can feel uncomfortable, but there are ways to help mitigate this discomfort aside from medication. Lymphatic massage may reduce swelling and help prevent fluid buildup in your abdominal cavity. This special massage technique involves applying pressure around your abdomen in patterns that encourage fluid to drain from areas where it could otherwise become trapped.
3. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is always important, but it’s particularly critical for patients in recovery. Since dehydration can be particularly harmful to patients whose bodies are healing from surgery, sneak in a couple extra glasses of water each day as you heal from your tummy tuck. It’s also a good idea to avoid high sodium foods during this time, which can dehydrate your body.
4. Get Moving
Moving around more might seem counterintuitive while you’re still sore, but mild activity can greatly speed up your healing. Exercise improves circulation and helps deliver nutrient-rich blood to your healing tissues. Some light walking around the house can help tremendously during the first few days of recovery, and help keep your muscles active during the healing process.
Dr. James Koehler at Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery provides today’s most popular cosmetic surgery and nonsurgical options. Choose from breast enhancement procedures such as breast augmentation, body sculpting procedures including liposuction and tummy tucks, and facial procedures such as facelifts, BOTOX® Cosmetic, and much more. We are dedicated to providing outstanding care and results. Come in for a visit and see our difference for yourself!