No doubt, you are excited by the idea of getting a tummy tuck. Removing excess fat, tightening the skin and muscles — sounds great! And truthfully, it is. But at the same time, abdominoplasty is major surgery, and the better prepared you are, the smoother the process will go. So, here are the tummy tuck truths you need to know.
1. Don’t Expect the Scale to Change
A tummy tuck can help you contour your body and tighten up your abdominal muscles and loose skin. It might even help you drop a size or two in your clothes. But unless multiple pounds of fat and skin are being removed, you shouldn’t expect your weight to drastically change. Abdominoplasty is a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss one.
2. You May Feel Bigger at First
Swelling and inflammation may make you feel like your surgery put you two steps back. Just give it time; the results are coming.
Our bodies respond to surgery as they do to injuries. In order to heal, the immune system triggers inflammation and swelling, causing the body to retain more water than usual. This means that your clothes may feel a little tight after surgery, and the scale might show you have gained a few pounds.
It’s important to understand that this process is very normal and should be expected. Roughly six weeks after surgery, the majority of this swelling subsides and the water weight gradually falls off, giving you the chance to assess your new figure.
3. It May Take a Few Weeks Before You Can Stand up Straight
Since the muscles and skin are tightened during a tummy tuck, and there are multiple layers of sutures in place, you will likely find yourself slightly bent over for the first few weeks until the skin and muscles relax. This may cause some achiness in the lower back until you can stand up straight again.
4. There Will Be Pain
Ok, this one is pretty obvious. A tummy tuck is major abdominal surgery, and any surgery will cause some degree of discomfort. This is strongest in the first week after the procedure. However, your cosmetic surgeon can prescribe the medications needed for managing this pain. Be sure to take them on time and as directed to stay on top of your pain management.
5. Constipation Is a Concern
A common side effect of general anesthesia is constipation. Additionally, certain pain medications can also slow down the stool passage through the intestines, resulting in water loss and making bowel movements more difficult.
It is a good idea to take a stool softener after surgery, and if your cosmetic surgeon gives the green light, before the procedure as well.
6. You Will Need Help
No matter how strong and independent you are, in the first two weeks after surgery, you are going to need help. Lean on friends and family, even set up a rotating schedule, to ensure there is always someone with you.
Since your core muscles are used for pretty much every activity you do, even the most basic of tasks will be a struggle and could result in injury.
7. Expect Your Emotions to Get a Little Crazy
From the effects of anesthesia to the loopy effect of narcotics to the lack of sleep and excitement about seeing your results, there is a lot going on. While this is normal, don’t feel like you need to keep your struggles to yourself, especially if it reaches the point of being overwhelming. Talk to those helping you during recovery and don’t be afraid to reach out to your cosmetic surgeon.
Dr. Joseph J. Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. During medical school and his 5 years of training in General Surgery, Dr. Castellano developed a strong interest in Cosmetic Surgery. He followed his residency training with an elective year of specialized training with the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. From 2010-2011, he completed a fellowship in Indiana focused entirely of cosmetic surgery of the face and body. During his fellowship, he received specialized training in facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, and body contouring. Dr. Castellano received his board certification from the American College of Surgeons in 2010.
Dr. Castellano focuses on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. Additionally, he operates on numerous skin cancers, scar revisions, spider veins, and specializes in the management of aging skin with chemical peels and laser resurfacing.
Request a consultation to meet with Dr. Castellano and learn more about all his practice has to offer.
