You have met with your plastic surgeon and scheduled your tummy tuck. But as the day for your tummy tuck approaches, it is time to really start thinking about your recovery and how you can maximize your comfort and your results. With a little preparation and these tummy tuck recovery tips, you can sail right through your recovery in comfort and get back to your regular routine in no time.
Follow All Your Post-Op Care Instructions
Before your tummy tuck, you should receive post-operative care instructions to follow from your plastic surgeon. Your surgeon will discuss topics such as:
- What to expect
- How to care for your incisions and possible drain pumps
- Recovery limitations
- When you should expect to get back to normal activities.
They can provide you with necessary post-op prescriptions so you can pick them up before the big day and have them ready for when you return home.
Create a Recovery Space before Your Procedure
Creating your personalized recovery space ahead of your big day will help ensure you have what you need in order to relax and recover.
As your tummy tuck draws near, it is time to create your recovery space. This can be your bed or even a recliner in your living room. In many cases, you may be advised to sleep in a reclined position, so fill your space with support pillows and blankets to keep you more comfortable during your tummy tuck recovery period.
Here are some other items to consider when creating your space:
- Pick up any necessary prescriptions and have them in a nearby location.
- Make a list of Netflix shows you want to binge or have a stack of books and magazines at the ready.
- Buy facial and body wipes, as well as dry shampoo to help you stay clean when taking a shower isn’t an option.
- Make sure you have an easily accessible and safe route to your bathroom that you can easily navigate.
Enlist the Help of Family and Friends
Chances are you already know that you will need someone to bring you home after your tummy tuck procedure, but don’t let the help end there. After your procedure, it is a good idea to have someone with you for at least the first day or two. Ask family or friends if they would be willing to come and sit with you, help with meals and even help around the house as needed.
If you have small children, see if someone is willing to come and give you a hand as you will not be able to lift small children. Maybe this is a good time for them to have a vacation at grandma and grandpa’s house for a couple of days while you rest.
Eat Healthy and Stay Hydrated
While junk food is an easy option, your body needs healthy, nutrient-rich food and water to encourage healing. Fruits and raw vegetables are great to have on hand. Meal prepping before your tummy tuck will make mealtime easier and ensure your body is getting what it needs.
Eating the right foods can also help battle constipation, which is common when taking pain medications. Talk with your surgeon about the use of stool softeners if needed.
Don’t Forget Your Compression Garment
After your tummy tuck, you will be advised to wear an abdominal binder, or compression garment. This helps to reduce swelling, encourage proper healing in the treated area and help to minimize fluid. Be sure to wear this garment as directed by your surgeon throughout your recovery period.
Walking Is Just as Important as Rest
While your main objective during recovery after a tummy tuck is rest, getting up and moving is also important. Now, this is not the time to start an exercise routine, but regular walking during the day is essential.
This simple movement helps to reduce the risk of blood clots while also helping to keep your tissue soft and relaxed. Getting up every couple of hours for a short walk around the house or even outdoors on a nice day can help reduce swelling and support your recovery.
Serving Davidson County since 1996, Plastic Surgeon Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS, is fully committed to excellence in cosmetic surgery. At Green Hills Plastic Surgery, Dr. Davis specializes in breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tucks, facial surgery, Botox and dermal Fillers in Nashville, and much more.
