Flying after tummy tuck and lipo If you’ve had a tummy tuck and liposuction, you will probably have some restrictions on your activity. This is because these procedures can cause your skin to be more sensitive to pressure and touch. You will be encouraged to wear a compression garment for the first few weeks after the surgery so that your new body contours are supported.
You will also be asked to limit activities like running, jumping, or other sports that involve contact with your abdomen for at least six weeks after the procedure. You may need to avoid hot tubs or swimming pools during this time as well. It’s best to discuss these restrictions with your doctor before making plans for travel or exercise after surgery.
Read on to learn more about Flying After Tummy Tuck And Lipo, Traveling By Car After Tummy Tuck, Traveling By Car After Tummy Tuck
Flying After Tummy Tuck And Lipo
In the past couple decades, plastic surgery has become mainstream. Patients are able to find information about procedures, doctors, and even other patient experiences with ease.
A major trend that continues to gain traction is traveling for plastic surgery.
People travel near and far to get the procedure they want from the doctor they like best. For patients looking to travel for surgery, here are a few tips on planning the trip.
Type of Travel
If you are using a car or taking the train to get to and from your surgery, your travel restrictions are significantly reduced and you may be able to go home sooner. If you are planning to fly, however, you will need to plan to stay in the area longer and take extra precautions for the flight home. For smaller surgeries, especially those above the waist, most surgeons will recommend that you stay in the area at least one to two days after surgery in case there are any complications that require immediate attention. However, major surgeries like breast augmentations or tummy tucks will need at least a week of downtime before any travel is attempted.
Why Is Flying Riskier?
Even though flying is the safest form of travel in the world, it can cause some serious problems. One of the chief concerns for surgeons is something called a deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. After surgery, your body’s clotting mechanism goes into overdrive to protect the injured tissues and keep you from bleeding out. If a clot forms in the deep veins, such as the ones in your thigh, the clot can become very large. Pieces of that clot can then break off and make their way to your lungs, heart, or brain, causing a pulmonary embolism, a heart attack, or a stroke.
DVTs are a concern on flights because people are more prone to clotting when they are sitting still for long periods of time without getting up to stretch or move around. The risk of DVTs is also increased by the decreased humidity in the plane and a lack of fluids.
How Can I Reduce My Risk of a DVT?
- Share your travel plans with your doctor – Even if you live locally, you want to share your plan to get to and from surgery, plus any major travel plans you have in the near future. With the holidays coming up, many people fly to visit family. Check with your doctor before making plans to fly anywhere.
- Stick around after surgery – You want to be close to your doctor in case something serious happens, and they’ll want to be available to you in emergencies. It also prevents you from having deal with the stress of travel right after undergoing major surgery. Your doctor will give you recommendations for the amount of time you should take to recover before going home depending on your surgery. Remember that the more extensive the surgery, the longer the necessary downtime.
- Pick your seat carefully – When you do fly, there are a few seat choices on the plane that are better than others. A seat near the wings will provide the smoothest ride, which will minimize your pain and discomfort. An aisle seat will make it easier to get up so you can stretch and move around during the flight. A bulkhead seat or exit row seat will give you extra leg room to stretch your legs and make you more comfortable.
- Be active before getting on the plane – Even if all you have the energy to do is to stand by a window and watch planes take off, it’s better than sitting for an hour or two before you’ll be sitting for even longer. Being active by walking around or standing keeps your blood moving and lowers your risk of clots.
- Stay hydrated – Fluids are always important in recovery, especially in preventing DVTs. More liquids in your body keep your blood moving, reducing the amount and size of clots. Bring an empty water bottle to the airport and fill it right before getting on the plane.
Use the Buddy System
Something else to consider is bringing someone with you when you travel for your surgery. Having a friend or family member who can drive you around, handle your heavier bags, and sit next to you on the plane will give you a measure of security that you don’t have when you travel alone. Your travel buddy can also look out for your safety by keeping you hydrated and moving or by alerting someone if there is a problem.
Basile Plastic Surgery
Here at Basile Plastic Surgery, our staff is dedicated to making your experience with us as comfortable and easy as possible. Our patient care coordinator will work with you to help you find accommodations and make travel arrangements for before and after your surgery. Dr. Basile will be looking out for your safety and comfort as he works with you during the entire process.
If you have any questions about our procedures, facility, or how we can make your out-of-town experience a positive one, contact our office. We offer a free initial consultation which can be conducted in person or remotely using the phone,email, or video conferencing. Call us today so we can get started on bringing out the best version of you and provide assistance with near and far travel needs!
Traveling By Car After Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure used to make the abdomen both smaller and firmer. It focuses on the removal of excess fat and skin around the stomach. In most cases, it can also restore weak muscles creating an abdominal profile that men and women often both desire. Tummy Tucks are common cosmetic procedures and below you will find tips for recovery and activities you can do after Tummy Tuck surgery.
Unfortunately, sometimes strict diets and exercise cant achieve the abdomen contour you desire. It is common for people to have normal body weight, but to still develop sagging or loose skin around the abdominal area, this is where a tummy tuck can help.
Benefits of tummy tuck surgery
Many people are satisfied with the final result of their tummy tuck due to the physical and cosmetic benefits. A tummy tuck provides a variety of advantages to the appropriate patient, including;
- Regaining their pre-pregnancy tummy
- Remove the loose fat and skin following significant weight loss
- Achieve a flatter, firmer stomach
- Provides more contoured mid-section
- Repair muscle separation
- And, easier to maintain weight loss
What to expect after your surgery?
The length of recovery from a tummy tuck can vary from person to person. Generally, it takes 3 months if not longer to feel completely recovered. Although the majority of the healing period is within the first couple of weeks, it is important to put off important plans, physical activities, and work stresses during recovery. Strenuous activities such as weight lifting, running, sports, motorbikes etc should be avoided for at least six weeks after surgery.
Below are some routine things you need to care for as you heal after your surgery:
- Compression garments;
- You will be given a compression garment to wear after surgery.
- This will reduce swelling and support the abdomen.
- It promotes healing and recovery.
- You should expect to wear this for between two weeks and two months depending on your healing progress and your surgeon instructions.
- Incision care;
- The incision wound is covered by a surgical dressing or bandage to keep it safe from the external environment.
- You will be instructed about what to do and when regarding wound care.
- You should keep your wound clean and remain gentle with it to avoid injury or bleeding.
- Any swelling, intense pain or discharge from the wound should be immediately reported to your surgeon.
- Drain care;
- A temporary tube MAY be placed in the surgical site under your skin following tummy tuck surgery.
- This is only used when required and will be removed once fluid stops accumulating.
- Antibiotics and painkillers;
- You will be given a prescription for both antibiotics and painkillers.
- These are to be taken orally to reduce the risk of postoperative infection as well as to help you manage your pain levels.
Some recovery tips following tummy tuck are:
- Take pain medication as directed
- Wear a compression garment
- Use ice packs to minimize pain and swelling
- Limit jerky and quick movements
- Move around the house to keep your circulation going. In other words, do not be too stationary.
- Drink lots of water
- Get adequate bed rest
- Don’t stay in one position too long
Activities following tummy tuck surgery:
An important question after tummy tuck is how soon can patients return to their daily activities after a tummy tuck? Below is the general activity guideline. The information supplied is general in nature and you should always confirm with your surgeon before undertaking any of the below, no matter what we of recovery you are in.
Exercise: Exercise is an important part of recovery following tummy tuck surgery. Follow the instructions given by your doctor. Exercise combined with healthy eating will maximize your tummy tuck result.
Week 1 and 2
- Wear a compression garment for four to six weeks after surgery. It maximizes tummy tuck results and reduces swelling.
- Walk for a short distance while maintaining a flexed posture. Your abdominal muscle and fascia will be protected from being pulled, by walking flexed.
- You should be able to return to your job at the end of two weeks, as long as your job is not physically demanding.
Week 3 and 4
- You can resume light exercises like walking and recumbent cycling.
- Avoid strenuous exercise.
- Do not do exercises that target the abdominal muscles. This includes sits ups and weight lifting.
- Avoid jarring steps, work in a continuous motion.
Before resuming exercise always confirm with your surgeon as everyone’s recovery differs.
Week’s 4 to 6
- You can start a normal exercise routine at a low level.
- Exercises including;
- low-impact aerobics
- water aerobics
- long walks
- and very low weight lifting for arms and legs can be done.
- Ease your way back into things.
It is important to take it slow and pay attention to any warning signs such as pain or discomfort.
Weeks 6 to 8
- Generally, you will receive the all-clear for most types of aerobic activity at this point.
- Running outside or on a treadmill can be done.
- Moderate swimming can be done at around 8 weeks.
- Body strengthening exercise including heavy lifting can be done without putting too much strain on the abdominal wall.
- Remember, you won’t be able to start training where you were before surgery you need to build back up slowly.
After week 8
- Most lifestyle and exercise activities can resume with the exception of martial arts, boxing, Cross Fit, F45 and anything on a similar level. You need to wait until the three-month mark before you resume this kind of activity.
Driving after Tummy Tuck
You will need to take some time off following your tummy tuck surgery. You should not rush to get behind the wheel after surgery. The healing time should be uneventful to get optimum results.
As tummy tuck recovery varies from person to person, there is no standard answer for how much time you need to avoid driving after tummy tuck surgery. Therefore, it’s best to use your body as a guide and only go short distances to start with. Your surgeon will advise you.
Safety reasons to avoid driving after tummy tuck surgery;
- After surgery, you will not be able to drive due to anaesthesia. This is because anaesthesia can cause tiredness and confusion.
- You will not be able to operate a car or any machinery after waking up from anaesthesia for a couple of days.
- Furthermore, surgery can cause pain and exhaustion. On average, anaesthesia drugs remain in your body for up to 24 hours before leaving your system.
- You cannot drive yourself home after surgery, you will need a family member or friend to take you home and stay with you for a couple of days.
- After surgery, your body movement will be tender. Even simple things like turning your body to see a blind spot, opening the car door can be harder and painful along with delayed reaction times.
- Turning the wheel can be difficult as it requires core strength.
- For the above reasons it is not safe to drive until you are recovered and truly feel ready.
How to know when you are ready to drive?
Driving after tummy tuck surgery does not have a specific timeline and completely depends upon your recovery and pain levels. You should assess yourself in the car before you start to drive again. For example:
- Can you sit comfortably in a car?
- Can you open the door without difficulties?
- Is there any rubbing or pressure when you put on a seatbelt?
- Can you turn the wheel comfortably?
- Can you make an emergency stop to make a sharp turn to avoid an accident?
It is also important to note that driving is not recommended using certain pain medications. If you feel ready to do all of these things, then you are ready to drive. Usually, you have to wait 2-3 weeks after surgery to start driving.
Swimming after Tummy Tuck
You need to make sure you’ve had enough time to recover before you start swimming again. Swimming can take place in most cases, at the 8-week mark. You need to have had an uneventful recovery.
- Swimming can increase the risk of infection if the incision site isn’t fully healed.
- This is due to the fact that swimming pools and other bodies of water can carry a lot of germs and bacteria. While skin protects them from entering into the body. Incisions that are not healed properly are vulnerable to infection.
- Swimming can cause splitting of the incision site if done too soon as your body stretches out during the activity which can, in turn, stretch your scar or re-open it.
- Help scar heals optimally. If scars are exposed to the sun, it will impair how they heal.
- Even after you get the green signal to swim, ensure adequate protection to your scar and apply waterproof sunscreen before taking a dip.
- Typically, we instruct patients to take a break of a minimum of 6 weeks but preferably 8 weeks before submerging any incision in the ocean or pool.
Sexual Intercourse after Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck procedure will involve stitching together the abdominal muscles so they appear firm and toned. Muscle tightening is combined with abdominal skin being sutured together, this is why you should avoid sexual activity right after a tummy tuck surgery. It is necessary to allow the abdomen to heal and the incision to close before placing stress on them. Irrespective of position, sex puts too much stress on your healing abdomen.
The extent of the procedure and how you will recover will both play roles in how soon you can engage in intimacy. A patient requiring minimal surgery may be able to have sex after two weeks. However, following tummy tuck surgery you should wait until at least four weeks as a standard guideline.
Always ask your surgeon if you’re unsure about anything.