The first month after surgery is the most difficult part of the recovery process. Most people experience pain that starts out mild and gets worse as time goes by. You may also notice swelling around your waistline and abdomen during this time. As you continue healing, you will notice some scarring around your stomach area as well as some discoloration in areas where blood vessels were cut during surgery. This will fade over time as it heals properly without any problems occurring later on down the road
The recovery process after tummy tuck surgery varies from patient to patient. The type of incision made and the amount of skin removed can have a significant impact on how long it takes to heal. In general, most patients are able to return to work within a few days, but this depends on the individual circumstances. You should be able to walk comfortably in four weeks and exercise within six weeks.
Read on to learn more about How Long To Heal From Tummy Tuck, Sleeping With Compression Garment After Tummy Tuck and Free Tummy Tuck After C Section
How Long To Heal From Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgeries in the United States year over year. The tummy tuck is an invasive procedure, and as with any form of surgery, you’ll need to prepare for recovery and follow Dr. Bogue’s post-op instructions. Our board-certified plastic surgeon offers the mini tummy tuck, full abdominoplasty, and other options. The healing process depends on the type of plastic surgery and your body.
If you’re interested in a tummy tuck, please contact Dr. David Bogue today at 561-886-1000 to schedule your consultation or ask questions. We serve patients in Boca Raton and nearby areas such as Fort Lauderdale, Delray Beach, and West Palm Beach, Florida.
Your Tummy Tuck Options and Unique Recovery
There are several variations of the tummy tuck we offer at our Boca Raton office. The full version removes loose sagging skin from the upper and lower abdomen and tightens the corset-like abdominal muscles to provide a flatter contour. The mini-tummy tuck focuses on excess skin and fat beneath the belly button and requires less recovery time than the circumferential body lift which expands the traditional abdominoplasty to include loose skin and fat in the thighs, buttocks, and lower back. Dr. Bogue also offers the extended tummy tuck, which involves the hips, outer thighs, and/or flanks (love handles).
A tummy tuck can also be combined with liposuction, breast surgery, or a lift procedure to address multiple body concerns at once. The mommy makeover is a common combination plastic surgery that cuts back on recovery time and potential complications.
Your tummy tuck recovery will depend on the variation of abdominoplasty. Each patient and procedure are unique. Dr. Bogue will explain what you can expect while you heal and the timeline of your recovery during your in-depth consultation. You’ll discuss your medical history, cosmetic goals, and determine if you’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck. Certain medications and health conditions can interfere with recovery or increase the risk of complications.
How to Prepare for the Healing Process
Staying hydrated and eating a nutritional diet is a crucial part of recovery. You can prepare your home ahead of time by making and freezing meals. You’ll need to have a friend or family member to help you during the first few days after your tummy tuck. If you have small children, you’ll need to arrange for childcare because you’ll be limited on how much you can lift and need to get the appropriate amount of rest. Dr. Bogue may prescribe medications to help you deal with discomfort, but over-the-counter options can work well to manage pain and swelling.
You can reach out to our Boca Raton office at any time during your recovery to address any questions or concerns you have while healing.
Week 1
An abdominoplasty doesn’t typically require an overnight stay. You’ll need someone to drive you home and help you for the first three days. A low-sodium diet can reduce swelling. You can expect to experience some degree of discomfort and have bruising, swelling, and tightness in the treated area. A drain is often used after a tummy tuck to keep excess fluid from the incision site and body. These drains may be needed for three days to a full week.
Your bandages will need to be kept clean and replaced every other day after your tummy tuck. Change them gently and as directed by Dr. Bogue. A compression garment is used to help recovery and swelling. You’ll need to wear it during the first few weeks at all times. You may sponge bathe or shower carefully 24-48 hours after your abdominoplasty but wait to do so if you’re feeling lightheaded.
During this resting period, stay slightly bent at the waist, which can be done using pillows to prop you up. Use a cold compress to aid discomfort and help address swelling. Your activities are significantly limiting during this first phase of recovery. Don’t drive or exercise, though some walking is recommended to increase blood flow. Avoid chores, smoking, and drinking alcohol as well as take 1-2 weeks away from work.
Week 2
You can return to your regular diet during the second week of recovery. You’ll likely still have swelling, but the pain, tightness, and any bruising should start to fade. Lightly massaging the area can improve healing and scar treatments can be used such as silicone sheets, but these should only be used after speaking with our plastic surgeon. The compression garment is still needed during this phase, but you can return to work between ten and 14 days after your plastic surgery. However, if you’ve had additional procedures such as a butt lift, breast augmentation, or liposuction, your recovery may require more time. Avoid exercise and stay away from drinking and smoking.
Make sure you stay well hydrated and take short walks.
Weeks 3-4
A compression garment may be necessary for up to four weeks after your tummy tuck. You can return to everyday activities and light exercise during this time but maintain a well-balanced diet to keep your results and stay within your ideal weight range. Sit-ups, weight lifting and other like workouts should be avoided for several weeks or until you’ve been cleared to do so by Dr. Bogue. Bruising and swelling will be significantly better, and you’ll notice your results settling in.
A majority of our Boca Raton patients go back to work within two to four weeks, but that depends on your profession. Someone who works a desk job will return to work before someone whose job requires heavy lifting and involves strenuous activities.
Weeks 6-8
The entire tummy tuck recovery process will generally take between six and eight weeks. You’ll still need to stay away from lifting heavy objects, strenuous activities, and running during this time, but your day-to-day schedule will be back to normal. This healing timeline varies by patient and procedure, and you’ll start to enjoy your final results within this time frame as well.
Recovery Tips for a Tummy Tuck
Dr. Bogue and our experienced staff will provide you with recovery information and explain the process from start to finish. It’s essential to be prepared for any surgical procedure, and we recommend following these tips to ensure excellent tummy tuck results:
- Take pain relief medications as directed
- Wear your compression garment at all times
- Get plenty of rest while staying bent at the waist
- Have a loved one around to help for at least three days
- Drink plenty of water and follow a low-sodium diet initially
- Go on brief walks when advised to do so to boost blood flow
- An ice compress can ease pain and swelling
Sleeping With Compression Garment After Tummy Tuck
If you have a liposuction or are planning to have a cosmetic surgery, it is possible that your surgeon has recommended some imp sources and the use of a compression garment.
After surgery, your surgeon will give you all the instructions related to how to manage your recovery process. The correct use of a garment with the right compression is important for your recovery. Garments are expensive and uncomfortable to wear; therefore, invest in a good quality one for better comfort. As experts in this field, we want to answer some of the most common questions about the importance of wearing them. and how it can impact the final results.
What are compression garments?
Compression garments are pieces of clothing that fit tightly your skin. They are made of an elastic fabric (lycra or latex) and cloth. It is elastic and sturdy at the same time. They apply constant and uniform pressure to the treated area. They are sized to fit the contours of your body and according to the type of surgery you have.
How long should I wear the compression garment?
It depends on the type of surgery you have and your surgeon’s recommendations. For most procedures you will be required to wear the garment for at least 4 to 6 weeks. The compression garment must be worn 24/7 even when you sleep, you will be only allowed to take it off when you shower. It is recommended to have two garments, so you can have one for change. . Invest in a good quality garment as this influences the outcome of the surgery.
What surgeries need a compression garment to be worn?
Some of the more common surgeries are:
- Tummy tuck surgery
- BBL
- Breast augmentation surgery
- All liposuctions related treatments
- Breast lift surgery
- Gynecomastia
- And more
Why should I wear a compression garment after surgery?
To protect your incisions
It works as one more layer to protect your healing incisions even when they are covered with surgical tape, gauze or bandages. It keeps bacteria away from the incision. Besides, it works providing padding if there is an unexpected bump in the surgery area.
It improves your circulation
Blood clots are one of the most dangerous risks after surgery. They can develop anywhere due to bad circulation. However, compression garments improve your circulation reducing the risk of blood clots. In addition, they reduce inflammation, haemorrhage and post- op pain.
It maintains your new contour
The compression garment applies pressure on the treated area, helping to ensure that your body contour heals with the desired shape.
Free Tummy Tuck After C Section
Cesarean sections, commonly called C-sections, currently make up 21% of all US births. C-sections are performed for many reasons and are responsible for saving the lives of countless mothers and babies, but they require recovery time and, since they involve the same area of the body, women often wonder how long it will be before it is safe to have tummy tuck surgery to restore their pre-pregnancy body.
In this post, we discuss how long you should wait to have a tummy tuck after your C-section, and why.
The main reason women undergo tummy tuck surgery following their C-section, however, is to regain their sense of identity and confidence. Pregnancy takes a serious toll on a woman’s body and mind, and restoring her to her former (or enhanced) figure can help her feel more like herself again.
What are the benefits of getting a tummy tuck after a C-section?
Because of the incisions made to deliver a baby during a C-section, mothers are left with a large scar running either horizontally or vertically across their lower stomach after giving birth. To address this scar and other physical post-pregnancy changes, many women choose to have tummy tuck surgery, also called abdominoplasty. Following a C-section, tummy tuck surgery can:
- Lessen the C-section scar and scar tissue
- Flatten the tummy by tightening underlying muscles and removing excess fat
- Remove any excess skin and the “skin shelf” that sits above the scar
- Re-create or even enhance the pre-pregnancy figure
- Get rid of abdominal stretch marks
- Change your belly button from an ”outie” to an “innie” or otherwise improve its appearance
- Repair diastasis recti
- Contour the waist
The main reason women undergo tummy tuck surgery following their C-section, however, is to regain their sense of identity and confidence. Pregnancy takes a serious toll on a woman’s body and mind, and restoring her to her former (or enhanced) figure can help her feel more like herself again.
Why do I need to wait to have a C-section after giving birth?
For you and your baby, it’s best to wait at least six to 12 months after giving birth to have your tummy tuck. We know this can be difficult if you want to address your C-section scar, loose skin, and extra weight right away, but many moms appreciate waiting for these reasons:
- Your body is healing and going through changes: You’ll need time to heal after pregnancy. Giving birth is physically, emotionally, and mentally taxing! After pregnancy, your body is coping with many postpartum transitions, such as hormonal rebalancing and breast size changes.
- Bonding is important: The first few months following childbirth are critical for mother-child bonding, and waiting for at least six months after giving birth to have your tummy tuck allows you to enjoy this time with your newborn, uninterrupted by an additional surgical recovery.
- You need time to plan: Initial recovery from a tummy tuck takes about two weeks, and you’ll want to make sure that you have time to organize, prepare, and line up the help you’ll need during that period so you can focus on healing.
- You won’t be able to lift your child during recovery: This is not the time to be lifting your child and caring for him or her on your own. If you’re tempted to do so too soon after your tummy tuck, you might accidentally strain your incisions, delay your healing process, or otherwise compromise your results.
For more suggestions on recovering from plastic surgery, we invite you to read our Mommy Makeover post.
Can I combine my tummy tuck with my C-section?
Most doctors strongly advise against combining a tummy tuck with a C-section, as your uterus is still undergoing dramatic size changes in the weeks after childbirth. Additionally, a different anesthesia type is usually used during a C-section versus a tummy tuck (this is because a C-section plan must consider childbirth safety while tummy tuck anesthesia is purely about your comfort). Lastly, your plastic surgeon will be able to recommend a more ideal tummy tuck plan when they can see how much your abdomen has “bounced back” (or not) after carrying your child. All that said, getting a tummy tuck after a C-section is perfectly safe—you just need to give yourself some time.
Will I need drains after my tummy tuck?
While it is standard for patients to require surgical drains following a tummy tuck, Dr. Claytor offers a drainless, or “no drain,” tummy tuck. When performed properly by a board-certified plastic surgeon, a drainless tummy tuck allows patients to recover faster and with fewer complications.
Here’s how it works: Dr. Claytor is able to maintain your Scarpa’s fascia (deep connective tissue within your abdominal wall) during surgery, which acts as a natural drainage system for your lymphatic system. This means you won’t have to deal with the hassle of emptying fluids from your drains post-surgery, and because your blood supply is improved and tissue damage is reduced, you’ll heal much faster than a traditional tummy tuck.
Is a drainless tummy tuck safe?
Traditional tummy tucks remove the lymphatic drainage from the abdomen, necessitating the use of drains. Dr. Claytor’s approach to maintaining your Scarpa’s fascia and lymphatic system is much safer and more natural. His advanced drainless tummy tuck technique has a post-surgical fluid collection rate less than that of patients who use drains, therefore his patients have a much lower rate of developing seromas. Dr. Claytor has been performing drainless tummy tucks with exceptional results for over 10 years in our AAAASF-accredited surgical suite.
I’m ready to schedule my tummy tuck—what are my next steps?
Congratulations on your delivery! Now that you are officially recovered from your C-section, you can begin to schedule your tummy tuck procedure. Here’s what you’ll want to do:
- Make sure you’re at a stable weight and are in overall good physical condition. This will ensure you have optimal results from your tummy tuck and will help prevent any potential complications.
- Make sure you aren’t planning on becoming pregnant again. If you do get pregnant after your tummy tuck, you can still safely bear a child, but it will compromise your results. While a secondary tummy tuck can be an option, most women prefer to wait until their family is complete.
Above all else, be sure to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. He or she can let you know if you are a good candidate for surgery.