A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is cosmetic surgery that involves removing excess fatty tissue and tightening abdominal muscles. Patients need good aftercare to help speed their healing process and to keep them as comfortable as possible. Proper aftercare also lowers the risk of complications.
Medications
Pain and swelling are normal after having a tummy tuck, but medications are available to ease any discomfort. A few patients only need acetaminophen, but most people need something stronger. Some doctors use a small pain pump to decrease the pain of tummy tucks. Other medications administered are antibiotics, intravenous fluids and anti-nausea drugs. Antibiotics are usually continued for a while after surgery to decrease the chances infection. The surgeon usually provides a list of medications for patients to take at home.
Surgical Drains and Bandages
Surgical drains are inserted in the wound to keep blood and fluid from building up between abdominal muscles and abdominal skin. Drains will help speed the healing process. Patients will be shown take care of the drains if they need to keep them in for a few days after they go home. It's important to call the surgeon if there's excess drainage or the fluid has an unusually strong odor. Incisions are bandaged after a tummy tuck, and a compression garment used to support the abdomen, improve blood circulation, decrease fluid collected under the skin and lessen the amount of swelling. Patients usually feel more comfortable wearing a compression garment, and it is usually recommended for a month.
Resume Activities
It's best to bend forward a bit while standing or walking for the first several weeks after a tummy tuck. It will ease the strain on the incision. Start taking very short walks as soon as possible after surgery to prevent blood clots or other problems. This will also increase the blood flow throughout the body and expand the lungs. Don't overdo your walking, though, because it can prolong swelling. Most patients can return to work from two to four weeks after a tummy tuck. It takes about six to eight weeks to completely recover, so strenuous or demanding activities should be avoided during this time. This includes heavy lifting or overexerting exercise. The healing process depends on individual healing characteristics and pain tolerance.
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