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What to Know About Tummy Tuck Recovery
You’ve tried to tone your tummy on your own. You exercise regularly and eat the way you should. Your efforts haven’t paid off. You may be dealing with stubborn deposits of fat that won’t respond to exercise. You may have loose muscles that refuse to tighten after pregnancy. Help from a plastic surgeon may make a difference. Dr. Fichadia can help, so here’s what to expect from a tummy tuck, which is one of the best ways to achieve a toned, tight stomach.
What Happens During a Tummy Tuck?
If you’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck, Dr. Fichadia will discuss your options, including a mini tummy tuck, a full tummy tuck, or an extended tummy tuck. Each type of procedure will involve an incision. Depending on the extent of stretching and looseness, your incision could be extensive. Once an incision is made, the following steps will be taken:
- Excess skin will be removed
- Excess fat will be removed
- Your abdominal muscles will be tightened
The end result is a sleeker physique after your recovery. With the right lifestyle changes, you can enjoy long-term results with your tummy tuck.
What Can I Expect From Tummy Tuck Recovery?
Several factors can play a role in the length of your recovery time. These include your overall condition at the time of surgery, your age, and the extent of your procedure. How closely you follow Dr. Fichadia’s instructions will also have an impact on how quickly you heal. You’ll need to be prepared for the healing process. You can expect to be sore and swollen immediately following your procedure, and this is usually most extensive in the first few days. Bandages will cover your incisions and you may need to care for these. You may also have drainage tubes to eliminate fluids and you’ll receive instructions on how to manage these. You will need to rest, avoiding overexertion. You should have someone drive you home and spend the next 24 hours with you to provide support. You’ll be given detailed instructions to follow and can contact Dr. Fichadia for any questions you might have.
What Can I Do to Have a Successful Recovery?
Be sure to follow all recommendations from Dr. Fichadia once you’re at home. You’ll be prescribed pain medication and should take this according to instructions. Don’t be afraid to use it immediately following your procedure. You can gradually decrease your dosage as time goes by. You should avoid any heavy lifting, and your physical activity should be limited. However, you’ll be encouraged to at least take a walk every day to keep your body moving and improve your circulation. You should also make sure your bandages are changed regularly. Your incisions should be kept clean and you’ll receive instructions on bathing during your immediate recovery. You should also wear a compression garment around your abdomen to reduce swelling and help the skin adhere to the new contours. Expect at least a couple of weeks before you can return to your regular activities.
Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Fichadia, located in Portland, OR, can make sure you understand your options with your ideal tummy tuck procedure. To learn more, we invite you to schedule a consultation by calling or filling out our online form.
Dr. Fichadia is a double board-certified, comprehensively trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon. She completed general surgical training at St Elizabeth’s Medical Center, an affiliate of Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, MA, and subsequently completed a highly competitive plastic surgery program at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR. She has presented research from her time in Boston and Portland at national and international surgical meetings such as Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons and annual meeting of American Society of Plastic Surgery.
