A Quick Guide to Tummy Tuck Recovery
The road to tummy tuck recovery can seem like an overwhelming one, especially if the patient is planning an extensive procedure, but for most people there is a basic set of symptoms that all patients are likely to share. In order to help you gain a better understanding of what you options are (after all, you wouldn’t be reading this if you weren’t considering this surgery, right?), we are going to briefly describe the three main types of tummy tuck procedures. We will then move on to a more detailed look at the general tummy tuck recovery symptoms and timeline.
The tummy tuck procedure, or abdominoplasty as is it referred to in the medical world, is a procedure that ultimately helps to sculpt or tone a patient’s midsection. The doctor literally goes in and tightens the abdominal muscles and stitches them together into a position that looks naturally toned and tight. The excess skin is also cut away so that the overall look of a tighter and flatter stomach is achieved. The extent of this surgery can come in many forms and can also be accompanied by additional work such as liposuction and “lifts” of other areas such as the thighs, breasts, and bottom.
There are mini-tummy tucks for people who only want to rid their midsection of a little excess skin. This procedure is less invasive and often leaves only minimal scarring, which is why it is often referred to as the “scarless tummy tuck”. The traditional tummy tuck surgery is the most likely option for women whose muscles and skin have stretched and loosened due to pregnancy. It is also a good option for men and women alike who either are not able to tone their stomachs through traditional exercise and dieting or have lost a fair amount of weight and want to accentuate their new figure. An extended tummy tuck may be necessary for people who have lost a substantial amount of weight and wish to remove a great deal of skin. They will also likely need quite a lot of muscle tightening in the abdomen, back, and bottom. This procedure is likely to leave the most scarring, but can be quite effective in removing pounds of excess skin.
The length of a tummy tuck recovery really depends on the type of surgery that has been performed. People who have undergone the mini tummy tuck will obviously return to normal activity much faster than someone who has had a traditional or extensive tummy tuck. That patient may even get to return to work within a few days after the procedure, but should not perform extensive exercise for a few weeks. Recovery for a traditional tummy tuck usually involves two to four weeks away from work in order to allow plenty of rest for the muscles and skin to adapt. As soon as the pain has receded, the patient is usually encouraged to walk around as normal, provided it does not cause any pain. Exercise is crucial to allow the muscles to strengthen and “take” to their new position. An extended tummy tuck usually involves at least one night spent in recovery at the hospital and will have a drainage tube leading from the abdomen that may be removed after about a week. The patient will need to have someone available to drive them home and help them around for a few weeks until the patient becomes able to perform daily activities without a great deal of pain. Exercise is likely to be prohibited for much longer than patients recovering from a mini or traditional tummy tuck.
Pain is an inevitability that one should come to terms with before undergoing the procedure. Most pain medication is quite effective in providing comfort to the patient—as long as the medication has been taken early enough to tamp it down before it becomes unbearable. Patients who hold out on taking pain killers until the pain can no longer be managed usually end up going through more medication and have a tougher overall recovery. Extensive pain can interfere with the body’s healing abilities; therefore it should be managed properly.
Swelling and bruising are other symptoms that are to be expected. These symptoms should go away in time, but the rate at which they do will depend on the severity of the surgery. One can also expect the skin of the abdomen to feel numb. This is because the skin has been loosened from the muscles and reapplied; therefore many nerves were severed and will need a few months to reestablish sensation. In some cases, full sensation is never completely recovered. Anyone considering a traditional or extensive tummy tuck procedure should be aware that scarring is going to remain permanently to some degree. It will lighten to its maturity after about a year, after which it will likely remain that way.
The surgeon will supply the patient with a recovery checklist detailing instructions for medication, exercise, bathing, and general activity. The patient should take the utmost care in following their surgeon’s instructions precisely and always report any adverse symptoms such as a fever or worsening of swelling, redness, and pain.