Abdominoplasty is a safe and effective way to cut out the seemingly impossible-to-eliminate belly fat
Abdominoplasty Dubai | 7 October 2018
An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a safe and effective way to cut out the seemingly impossible-to-eliminate belly fat that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise. However, oftentimes plastic surgery patients forget that abdominoplasty is still a surgery and requires a recovery period with plenty of rest. In fact, there are a few things you can do following a tummy tuck to help ensure you get the best results.
Consider adding these nine tips to your daily recovery routine after an abdominoplasty:
1. Eat a proper diet before and after surgery: It’s important before surgery that you are being mindful of what you put in your body to maintain your current bodyweight. You shouldn’t try to shed pounds immediately before your surgery date. In addition, you should continue your balanced diet during your recovery time to ensure you are feeding your body with the nutrients it needs while you heal.
2. Avoid infections: Every surgery comes with risks. But you can lessen your risks by preparing for surgery as I recommend and decreasing your exposure to germs and bacteria.
3. Prevent constipation: You should be informed prior to surgery about any constipation that can be caused by your pain medication. You may even be advised to purchase an over-the-counter stool softener in anticipation of constipation after surgery. However, you should be mindful of what you eat and avoid any foods that could cause constipation and additional pain after surgery.
4. Listen to your body as well as your doctor: Some patients can return to work just only one week post tummy tuck surgery. However, you may need some additional time to recover. Talk with me about the recommended time to stay home from work and listen to your body — if you don’t feel ready, give yourself more time to rest.
5. Prepare for needing help with mobility: You will not be able to walk fully for the first few days after abdominoplasty. Shuffling is better for you while you recover during those days, and you should sleep in a recliner in an upright position. In fact, you should have someone around to help you go to the bathroom for the first few days to assist you in sitting down and standing back up from the commode.
6. Rest your body: I may restrict your activities to ones only requiring minimal movements of your abdomen. You should not exercise and may walk only as much as you feel comfortable. Remember, it takes time to heal from surgery, and you don’t want to set back your recovery time by straining your muscles too early.
7. Expect some pain: After surgery, you can expect pain in your torso tissue as a result of the tightening of the abdominal musculature. You may feel uncomfortable and tender for a couple of weeks, and you can experience minor aches and pains for the full recovery time of a few months. However, if you feel there is too much pain or something doesn’t feel right, contact me right away.
8. Limit your recreational activities: You will have medications to help alleviate any pain you feel after surgery. I will reiterate the fact that mixing alcohol and strong prescription pain medication should be avoided. Talk to me about any questions you have regarding your pain medication and how you can avoid mixing anything with it.
9. Manage your expectations: Abdominoplasty surgery is not simple or easy. Recovery will take time, and you should manage your expectations to ensure you don’t set back your healing throughout the weeks and months ahead. Talk with me about what you can expect from your results during your pre-surgery consultation and any followup visits to keep your expectations in check. Preparing for your recovery ahead of time will help make the waiting for final results time easier and more manageable.