Recuperation from Abdominoplasty and a Hernia Repair Depending on the specifics of your hernia or tummy tuck procedure, you can anticipate to spend no more than one night in the hospital and then go home to heal. Some discomfort is to be expected, both at the incision sites and from sore abdominal muscles. Painkillers will be prescribed by your doctor for you to take at home.
To speed up your recovery, it’s crucial that you strictly adhere to your doctor’s orders. In the weeks following your surgery, you may be instructed to wear a compression garment. While you’re healing, this garment can assist keep swelling at bay and core muscles stable. n It is also crucial that you do the exercises your surgeon has recommended for you to do every day. These moves can help you build a stronger core and protect your abs from potential injuries.
You may find it hard to access the right information on the internet, so we are here to help you in the following article, providing the best and updated information on Hernia and tummy tuck surgery recovery time, hernia and tummy tuck surgery recovery time. Read on to learn more. tummy tuck with hernia repair cost, Hernia And Tummy Tuck Surgery Recovery Time
Hernia And Tummy Tuck Surgery Recovery Time
Many patients ask for a timeline for their tummy tuck recovery. While we generally advise patients that you can go back to work after a tummy tuck (a.k.a. abdominoplasty) in two to six weeks, the amount of recovery time you need depends on several factors of your surgery. You may go home after the surgical procedure, but you will need help at home for a few days, especially if you have young children. You will be asked to wear a compression garment for four to six weeks after the surgery to hold your tummy in place while it is healing and will need to visit the surgeon multiple times during the first few weeks after the procedure.
Returning to Work After Abdominoplasty
When you plan your tummy tuck, you may consider several factors that will affect the time you return to work. You can start with your overall health and fitness. This may have an impact on how long it takes for you to heal. Another factor is your job. If you have a desk job, you may need 10 – 15 days of rest after surgery before returning to work.
If your job requires more physical activity, such as manual labor, dancing or hours on your feet, you may need to wait longer. The general consensus is best practices require two weeks off work. Even if you can go back a few days earlier, you will have every eventuality covered if you plan for two weeks.
Smoking is a key factor in the recovery of your body after major surgery. The chemicals in cigarette smoke interfere with the healing of the blood vessels, which could have serious consequences. To avoid these complications, smokers should quit at least four to six weeks before and after surgery. It may be a good opportunity to quit forever.
A Tummy Tuck is Major Surgery
When you have a consultation with our specialist you will have a detailed examination and need to answer some questions about your medical history, any medications you are taking and dietary supplements. We may take photos of your abdomen and discuss with you your expectations. It is important to have realistic expectations in order to be satisfied with the results. With digital imagery, you may be able to see a picture of how you will look and make adjustments before any actually work is done.
Planning the time for your surgery is important. You will not want to take a long car ride or airplane trips for a few weeks after the procedure. Getting active too early is the main cause of complications. Professionally called an abdominoplasty, you will be admitted to a hospital or an accredited surgery center and require general anesthesia. The procedure takes multiple hours to carry out.
Although the exact details of each procedure vary, the incision is done from hip bone to hip bone low on your tummy so it can be covered by a bikini bottom or underwear. The excess skin is removed and the underlying muscles are tightened. The skin is replaced and the navel is repositioned. Drains are placed and the incision is closed with surgical glue. A compression garment will be put on before you wake up.
In some cases, drains may not be necessary, but if you had liposuction along with the surgery, it is more likely you will need drains for proper healing. Liposuction is often combined with tummy tuck surgery. It may be used on the thighs, hips and between the ribs and the hips.
Are You a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is surgery that changes the shape of your body. It is not a weight loss solution. It is considered wise to undergo a tummy tuck after you have lost weight and toned up as much as possible before surgery. Our professionals may help you lose weight through medical weight loss, nutritional guidance and personal trainers to get you in shape so you have a better chance of a faster recovery after surgery.
A tummy tuck may be recommended for people who:
- Have had several pregnancies or lost a lot of weight and are not able to remove all the hanging skin and fat pockets through exercise and diet alone
- Are ready to maintain a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise after the surgery
- Do not have blood-clotting problems
- Have met all of the above qualifications and would like to improve their appearance
- Do not smoke or take blood-thinning drugs
We recommend that you are finished childbearing when you have a tummy tuck. If you want a complete Mommy Makeover, you should also finish breastfeeding. If you get pregnant after having a tummy tuck, it will stretch out your muscles and skin, and you may need further surgery to get back your pre-pregnancy body.
Types of Tummy Tuck Procedures
It’s good to keep in mind that there are different types of tummy tuck procedures available. The traditional tummy tuck is a full abdominoplasty. An extended tummy tuck is called a belt lipectomy or lower body lift. It reshapes the abdomen, thighs, hip and buttocks. A mini-tummy tuck has a short scar and is a small-incision abdominoplasty.
There are several options that go along with a tummy tuck. For example, many patients get the benefit of liposuction to remove tiny fat pockets that are not removed through exercise or surgery. Non-surgical body contouring using specialized techniques may be useful for women who aren’t ready for major surgery.
Recovery Timeline for Abdominoplasty
Here is a general timeline for the recovery period after a tummy tuck. Individual bodies differ in the healing process, but it is always better to be cautious than risky.
As mentioned above, at the end of the procedure, drains will be inserted, bandages applied and a compression garment or elastic bandage used to reduce swelling and support the abdominal area during healing. It is important to walk a little after surgery and during the early days of recovery. This may help reduce the risk of developing blood clots and help the tissue and muscles from becoming tight and stiff. Walking may also help reduce swelling. Just remember not to overdo it.
During the first week after surgery, you may experience swelling, tightness and bruising. If there is any discomfort, you may be given oral medication. The drains may be removed after a few days, but the compression garment will most likely stay for another day or two. You must avoid exercise, lifting anything, working, smoking and drinking alcohol.
During the second week, there may still be some swelling, but the bruising should fade and the tightness subside. It may be a good idea to continue to wear your compression garment. Of course, our specialist will make sure to evaluate your condition and give instructions.
During week two, you may feel like returning to daily tasks or work. You should ask our specialist before making any decision about returning to work or other activities. It may depend on the type of work you do if it is okay to go back. If your tummy tuck was part of a Mommy Makeover, which means you most likely had breast augmentation, liposuction and other procedures, you may need more time to recover. You should continue to avoid exercising, smoking and drinking alcohol.
Our specialist may ask you to wear the compression garment for a month. After about one month, you may begin to participate in light exercise. You should not do vigorous exercises, lift heavy weights and perform sit-ups for a few more weeks. Most patients are able to do their normal workout in a gym after six weeks. However, it all depends on the unique situation.
If you are at a healthy weight before surgery and are committed to maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle including not smoking, you may greatly reduce the risk of complications after a tummy tuck. It is important to get enough rest to allow your body to heal properly. Returning to work is another matter as it will depend on the type of work you do and how well you are recovering from the surgery.
Hernia and tummy tuck surgery recovery time
There are many reasons a person may choose to have a tummy tuck procedure, or abdominoplasty. Those who may consider having a tummy tuck include:
- women who have loose skin or abdominal sagging after pregnancy
- people who have excess skin after weight loss
- individuals with a protruding abdomen despite losing weight
Regardless of the reason, a person needs to follow all postsurgical instructions to avoid infection or other complications.
In this article, we provide tips for recovery from a tummy tuck. We also examine how long recovery takes and what to expect following a tummy tuck procedure.
How long does recovery take?
Typically, a person can expect to feel themselves again around 8 weeks after surgery.
According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS), tummy tucks are an outpatient procedure for most individuals, meaning they can go home the same day.
Recovery time from a tummy tuck procedure will vary, depending on factors such as:
- the type of tummy tuck
- the age of the recipient
- postsurgical care
- general health of the person
People should discuss their recovery timeline with their surgeon who can give an estimate that they will base on the individual’s situation.
Stages of recovery
A person should discuss recovery time before the procedure. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a person should ask their surgeon:
- how to bathe after the procedure
- when to remove their bandages
- when to return to normal activities
- when to return for follow-up care
- what drugs they must take after the procedure
Asking these questions can help a person prepare and take the right steps for the smoothest recovery possible.
Recovery timeline
Immediately following the procedure, a person can expect to go to a recovery room. A healthcare professional will monitor them and check the incision.
During recovery in the hospital, they will receive instructions on:
- recovery time
- how to care for the incision
- when to expect to resume normal activity
When a person is free to leave the hospital, they will need someone there to take them home. Doctors do not recommend they drive themselves home after surgery.
There may be drainage tubes that need emptying, and the individual will have to record the amount of fluid draining from their wound each day.
At home, a person should make sure they have someone to help them for the first few days, as their mobility will be limited. They may experience tightness around their tummy and only be able to walk hunched over for a week or two.
Initially, they can expect the incision to feel sore. They will likely need to lie in bed at an angle and may also have trouble with:
- standing
- lifting objects
- general movement
Many people take up to a month off work, particularly if their occupation is physically demanding.
After a tummy tuck, an individual may need help caring for young children for several weeks to months. They should also avoid exercise for the first several weeks until a doctor gives them the all-clear.
However, a person can typically return to activities, such as driving, within 1 to 2 weeks and gradually do more everyday tasks as time passes.
Finally, a tummy tuck scar will likely feel sore or tight for several weeks to months following surgery. The visibility of the scar will slowly fade.
Factors affecting recovery time
Recovery time after a tummy tuck can vary. Some common factors that impact this include:
- type of tummy tuck
- age
- postsurgery care
- general health
The types of tummy tuck include:
- Mini tummy tuck. This procedure has the shortest recovery time and minimal scarring.
- Classic or full tummy tuck. The scar will stretch from hip to hip, and recovery will take longer, but a person should be able to hide the scar under their bathing suit.
- Extended tummy tuck. This tummy tuck creates the largest scar. The scar may be visible under bathing suits and takes the longest time to heal.
It can be helpful to take steps to avoid constipation after surgery, as some pain medications can slow down the bowels. Straining to have a bowel movement will cause discomfort.
Tips for recovery
During recovery from a tummy tuck, people need plenty of rest and must follow all of their doctor’s recovery instructions.
They will need to carry out daily maintenance of their incision and drainage tubes. Typically, daily maintenance includes:
- keeping the incision site clean and dry
- changing the bandage daily
- taking any prescribed antibiotics
- applying topical creams at the incision site
A person will likely have a supportive wrap, binder, or compression garment for their abdomen to prevent swelling and reduce discomfort.
Following a tummy tuck, they should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for at least 3 months. Tobacco and alcohol can negatively affect healing.
Also, they should:
- avoid lifting heavy objects, including small children
- temporarily stop exercising until told otherwise
- take time off from physically demanding work
Side effects of surgery
After surgery, a person may have limited mobility and experience some pain. Typically, the surgeon will prescribe pain relief medication.
The incision will also typically feel tight, causing a pulling sensation on standing or moving.
Finally, a person will find they can no longer do some of their normal activities immediately following the procedure. However, they can return to activities slowly as they start to recover.
When can you resume certain activities?
How soon a person can return to their normal activities will vary.
The ABCS suggest the following guidelines:
- up to 2 to 3 weeks for tasks such as cooking, driving, and shopping
- around 2 to 4 weeks to return to work
However, it is not uncommon to take up to 2 months before a person can return to their normal activities.
Tummy Tuck With Hernia Repair Cost
It seems like every year, the cost of living increases. But unless you change jobs or get lucky when landing an employer, wages remain stagnant. At The Institute of Aesthetic Surgery in Celebration, FL, we offer affordable cosmetic procedures, so you don’t have to worry about questions like how much is a tummy tuck cost in 2020.
But just because you don’t have to worry about it doesn’t mean you can’t be curious. We understand that cost is a significant factor when deciding to pursue a procedure and who to choose as your service provider. That’s why, today, we’re talking about how much is a tummy tuck cost in 2020 and several other things you might be wondering.
How Much Is a Tummy Tuck in 2020?
One of the most common questions we get regarding tummy tuck cost is “how much is a tummy tuck cost.” Unfortunately, this is a really hard question to answer because there are so many factors that affect the price. We can’t tell you right now how much your tummy tuck will be. But for the sake of transparency, we can discuss some of the factors to give you a ballpark figure:
The Extent of the Procedure
Sometimes, all a tummy tuck involves is tightening the loose, sagging skin below your navel. But the scope of the procedure can be a lot greater depending on your needs. In fact, this procedure is so customizable that there are three different names for it: a full (traditional), mini, or extended tummy tuck.
A mini tummy tuck only addresses loose skin and excess skin and fat beneath your navel. On average, this procedure costs between four and five thousand dollars. A traditional tummy tuck may cost you between eight and 10 thousand dollars, and an extended tummy tuck can cost you up to $20,000.
The Volume of Fat Removed
When we say the extent of your procedure affects the cost, we’re talking about a few things. First, we’re talking about how many things are being done, such as fat removal, excess skin removal, skin tightening and lifting, muscle tightening, muscle reshaping, or muscle repairing.
The more services you have provided during your procedure, the more expensive your procedure will be. But you don’t just have to consider how many things are being done. You also have to consider how much work is being done. If we have to remove so much fat we are required to perform liposuction, for example, your procedure will cost more.
The Size of the Area
If we’re just tightening loose skin and removing fat from your lower abdomen, your procedure won’t cost very much. However, in the case of a full tummy tuck, the scope of the procedure includes both your lower and upper abdomen. Extended tummy tucks cost the most because they also cover the sides and back.
The Type of Anesthesia Used
The type of anesthesia and the dosage you receive are two other significant factors that will affect how much your procedure costs. The larger your required dosage is, the more expensive it will be. The appropriate dosage for your needs will depend on how long your procedure takes and how much you weigh.
Regarding the type of anesthesia, general anesthesia is usually more expensive than local anesthesia. This takes into account that local anesthesia is usually administered with a sedative so you can sleep through your procedure. General anesthesia may cost you between $425 and $1,800. Local anesthesia may cost you between $500 and $3,500.
The Number of Procedures Performed
Sometimes, lifting and tightening your stomach skin isn’t enough to achieve your ideal aesthetic. In such cases, you may be a good candidate for another procedure, such as liposuction. Liposuction is a fat removal procedure designed to contour an ideal body by removing excess fat via suction.
Lipo is an ideal complement to a tummy tuck because it can remove more excess fat than a tummy tuck can. As a standalone procedure, liposuction usually costs around $3,500. However, if you combine liposuction with your tummy tuck, you can save money on both procedures. Other factors that can change the cost of liposuction include the technique used and the number of areas sculpted.
Where Liposuction Can Be Performed
Liposuction can be performed virtually anywhere. It is usually used to remove excess fat from larger regions of the body, such as the back, upper or lower abdomen, sides, hips, buttocks, or chest. However, due to incredible advances in tools and techniques, it can be used to sculpt smaller parts of the body, such as the thighs, underarms, knees, chin, or neck.
Your Health Insurance
Most people think of a tummy tuck as a cosmetic procedure. In some cases, that’s accurate. But other times, a tummy tuck is considered a medical procedure. In such cases, your health insurance provider may cover the cost of your procedure and all associated fees and medications.
You may pay nothing out of pocket for your procedure. Or, if you’re having your procedure early in the year, you may pay your deductible and a small copay for your prescription antibiotics and analgesics. If your health insurance provider requires you to pay upfront and be reimbursed, apply for a CareCredit credit card so you don’t have to pay anything upfront.
How Is a Tummy Tuck Considered a Medical Procedure?
There are several ways a tummy tuck could be considered a medical procedure. However, it is important to note that it’s usually full tummy tucks that are considered a medical necessity rather than mini tummy tucks. Among the potential medical benefits of a full tummy tuck are facilitated weight loss, improvement of stress urinary incontinence, repair for ventral hernias, and less back pain.
Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance
Your health insurance provider may come to the conclusion that your tummy tuck is medically necessary if you have undergone a bariatric procedure and you have a significant amount of excess skin. This excess skin can get in the way of your legs while you are exercising, cause you pain, and prevent you from losing more weight or maintaining your current weight.
Since bariatric procedures are usually only for individuals who are suffering from a weight-related illness, there’s a good chance your health insurance provider will want you to be as successful as possible on your weight loss journey. If you gain the weight back, you will get sick again and lose your quality of life.
Stress Urinary Incontinence Treatment
Stress urinary incontinence is a type of medical condition common in women who have given vaginal birth. It is caused by a weak pelvic floor and characterized by the leakage of urine when the bladder is “stressed.” Examples of activities that can stress your bladder include coughing, sneezing, running, jumping, and laughing.
During a full tummy tuck, your pelvic region can be restructured to strengthen the pelvic floor and better support your bladder. As a result, you will find that your stress urinary incontinence-related accidents do not reoccur unless you tear your muscles during childbirth in the future or suffer some other sort of trauma to your pelvic region.
Back Pain Treatment
There are types of back pain and many potential causes of back pain. One type of back pain is muscular back pain, and one potential cause of this type of back pain is weak muscles. Your lower back muscles and the muscles supporting your spine may become weak due to chronic poor posture or a traumatic injury, such as a motor vehicle accident.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to maintain proper posture when your back hurts. Weak muscles may or may not start due to poor posture, but poor posture definitely perpetuates the painful cycle. Undergoing a tummy tuck to tighten your loose abdominal muscles may be your only option to ease back pain and improve posture.
Ventral Hernia Correction
Ventral hernias are another condition that often occurs due to childbirth. This condition is characterized by one of your intestines penetrating the wall of your stomach. If you don’t have this corrected during your tummy tuck, you will need to undergo a different medical procedure and pay for anesthesia and all sorts of fees a second time.