Suppose you are going out with a close friend and get dressed up, high heels, and all. You look in the mirror and head out to meet your friend. But when you reach the door you realize that something is wrong — very wrong indeed. Your pants are too tight. You’re sure that you didn’t put on any weight recently. Plus, your favorite shirt is now hanging off one shoulder at a strange angle, like a wet noodle being pulled by the left side of your body.
Swelling is usually the first of the postoperative symptoms to occur after a tummy tuck surgery. It’s also one of the longest lasting symptoms too, usually lasting up to 6 months or longer in some cases. It’s important though that you know that your doctor will never approve of you having this procedure if they feel your body type will not tolerate the outcome thereafter. Let me tell you more about this from personal experience and how a tummy tuck can help alleviate swelling and make you feel more confident about your appearance.
Read on to learn more on How Long Does Swelling Last After Tummy Tuck , How Long Before I Can Stand Straight After Tummy Tuck and Warning Signs After Tummy Tuck
How Long Does Swelling Last After Tummy Tuck
It’s difficult to know exactly how long swelling will last after a tummy tuck, as this varies from patient to patient. Swelling may last from one to three months, although it is common for patients to still have some swelling at six months after the procedure.
Swelling can affect different parts of your body and occur in varying degrees. Some areas may be more susceptible than others, such as the neck or eyelids. Swelling in these areas can cause discoloration and fluid retention. The affected skin may also become hard or tight and may develop blisters or small bumps called granulomas.
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. They may prescribe medications that reduce swelling quickly and help prevent complications, such as blood clots or infections. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove excess fluid around the body caused by swelling
Most patients experience swelling for 2-3 weeks after surgery. This is normal, and usually goes away on its own.
If you experience severe swelling or pain, contact your surgeon. It is important to let them know if you are having any problems or concerns post-operatively so they can address them immediately.
What can you not do after a tummy tuck?
As a tummy tuck involves making an incision from one hip to the other, you must avoid certain movements and activities to reduce the risk of damaging your stitches.For the first few days following surgery, you will not be able to stand fully straight as this will pull on your stitches, so you will need to keep a slight bend at the hips.
Lying flat with your legs extended out in front is to be avoided in the first few weeks to prevent tearing your stitches, so it is recommended to either sleep in a recliner chair or to place pillows under your knees to keep them bent.
You will need to take time off work for the first two to four weeks following surgery so you can rest and recover; you will also not be able to undertake any strenuous exercise, raise your arms, or lift weights for at least six to twelve weeks.
While taking pain medication, it is also recommended you avoid alcohol.
How long does the pain last after a tummy tuck?
You will feel sore for the first few days following surgery, so you will be prescribed pain medication to help you feel more comfortable. However, the discomfort should begin to subside within the first couple of weeks.
How long does it take to fully recover from a tummy tuck?
The type of tummy tuck you have had and how quickly your body heals will impact how long tummy tuck recovery lasts. However, most people will be fully recovered within four to eight weeks.
How long after a tummy tuck can I drive?
Simple movements such as twisting to check your blind spot, turning the steering wheel, or opening and closing a car door can all compromise your wound healing and cause discomfort, which is why it is recommended you avoid driving for the first few weeks after surgery.
Your healthcare team will advise you when it is safe for you to resume driving, however, most people are usually able to start driving again within two to four weeks.
How Long Before I Can Stand Straight After Tummy Tuck
I am a little over 4 weeks post op and my surgeon has me standing up straight. I am still having some pain around my incision area. He told me to take it easy and continue my exercises.
I was wondering how long before i can stand straight after tummy tuck?
The tummy tuck usually takes about two hours to complete. You should be able to stand straight after the surgery, but you will need to use a walker for about two weeks. After that, you should be able to get up and walk around without any help. The pain should subside within a few days of your surgery.
You might experience some swelling and bruising after your procedure, so make sure you wear loose-fitting clothing and take it easy during the first few days after your tummy tuck. If you have any questions or concerns, talk with your doctor as soon as possible.
If you have a tummy tuck, you may be surprised by how quickly you can get back to your normal activities. After surgery, you’ll need to lie on your back for several days and then switch to your side. You’ll also need help getting up and walking around for the first few days after your surgery.
After about two weeks, you should be able to get up and walk around unassisted, but it can take up to six weeks before you’re fully healed. Your doctor will give specific instructions about when it’s safe for you to start exercising again.
If you have other surgical procedures at the same time as a tummy tuck, such as liposuction or breast augmentation, these factors could delay healing and recovery time.
It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions for recovery. Most surgeons advise that you not stand straight for at least 6 weeks after surgery. After 6 weeks, it will still be some time before you can return to normal activities without pain and discomfort.
In general, the recovery process takes anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months depending on the individual patient, the extent of the surgery, and how well they follow their surgeon’s instructions.
For example: a tummy tuck with liposuction may take longer than a tummy tuck without liposuction because there is more tissue damage during liposuction and more swelling after liposuction than there is after an uncomplicated tummy tuck without liposuction.
The tummy tuck procedure is a major operation and you should be prepared for some pain. You will have a drain placed in your abdomen after surgery to help remove any fluid or blood that may accumulate. The drain may stay in for up to 10 days.
You will also have a compression garment to wear for 3-4 weeks after surgery. It will help reduce swelling and tightness of the skin. Strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks after surgery, but most patients are able to return to work within 1-2 weeks of surgery.
Warning Signs After Tummy Tuck
The tummy tuck is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries. The procedure involves removing excess skin, fat and muscles from the lower abdomen and tightening the abdominal wall.
The surgery can be performed using different approaches, depending on your anatomy and body type. A traditional tummy tuck involves an incision that runs from just above the pubic area to just below the navel.
The procedure typically takes between 1-2 hours to complete, depending on whether it’s a full or partial tummy tuck, as well as how much excess skin needs to be removed.
Tummy Tuck aftercare instructions include:
Avoid strenuous activity for at least 2 weeks following your surgery. This includes exercise, bending or lifting heavy objects or anything else that could put strain on your incisions during this period. If you feel like you are pushing yourself too hard, take it easy!
Avoid sitting in any position that puts pressure on your incision area while it heals; sitting upright is best
Wear loose clothing around your waist area so that it doesn’t rub against your incision area when you move around (jeans may feel too tight)
The recovery process after a tummy tuck surgery can be a bit challenging, but it’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions in order to avoid complications and ensure a successful outcome. If you notice any of these warning signs after your surgery, contact your doctor right away:
- Dark or bloody drainage from the surgical site
- Fever and chills
- Redness, swelling or tenderness at the surgical site
- Pain that is getting worse or does not go away
- A change in bowel or bladder habits