Tummy tuck recovery timeline professional#

You will most likely be asked to take antibiotic and anticoagulant while the drains are in place. Your drains will be left in a few days after the surgery to empty out any excess fluids. Make sure you take the specified time off work, so you can give your body adequate time to recover. First things first, take plenty of rest after the surgery. It is important to give your body enough time to heal after the surgery. Guideline to Recover Quickly After the Surgery Always consult with Dr Carmen prior to resuming any physical activity. Most patients can also resume exercise eight weeks after the surgery. 8 Weeks/2 Months Post SurgeryĪvoid taking baths and jumping into swimming pools for eight weeks post-surgery or till your incisions are fully healed. However, if your job is physically demanding, consult Dr Carmen’s team before resuming work. Most patients can go back to work after a month marker. It prevents any complications and takes care of any unforeseeable risks. Never skip on those even if your recovery is going great. Visit Dr Carmen for follow-up appointments to ensure everything is running smoothly. You can also use over-the-counter stool softeners to help you. Eat fibre rich meals to avoid constipation. One Month After SurgeryĬonstipation is very common around the one-month marker. This is the time to introduce light walking into your routine. Opt for sponge baths or use a chair while showering for the first two weeks post-surgery.Īfter two weeks, you will be able to walk straight.

Don’t panic, and let your body heal at its own natural pace.īathing is also a struggle for the first week or two. You will experience scarring after the surgery that will take time to fade away. You can resume driving after two weeks and slowly ease yourself into daily chores. Do not resume physical activity until Dr Carmen gives you permission. If you have a lot of responsibilities around the house, it is wise to arrange for some house help for a couple of months post-surgery. It is advised to take a month of work for optimal rest and recovery. Week 1-2 After Surgeryĭuring the first two weeks, avoid standing for longer durations, lifting heavy objects and excessive movement. Make sure to take the pain killers prescribed by Dr Carmen on time. It is common to feel sore in the stomach area, which will be accompanied by pain. It is advised to walk in a hunched-over position for a week or two. Tightness around the tummy area is very common during the initial few weeks. You also need to arrange for someone to help you around the house for the first few days as you will have limited mobility. Most likely, you will have drainage tubes that will drain the fluid from your tummy. You will need someone to drive you home so arrange for it in advance as you won’t be able to do it yourself.

Tummy tuck recovery timeline professional#

A healthcare professional will monitor and check your incision, and you will usually be allowed to go home the day after surgery. Surgical drains will usually be removed before leaving hospital.ĭuring your time in hospital, Dr Carmen will guide you regarding the recovery time, incision care and when to resume work, activity etc. Immediately after the surgery, you will be taken into a recovery room.

Wear your Support Garments – Dr Carmen firmly believes in fitted shapewear post-surgery and is insistent that it is worn for the first 6 months post op, both night and day.

Walks can be daily or even twice daily, again as tolerated, this will also depend on how sore or swollen you feel. Distance should be no longer that 15 minutes unless advised by the clinic.

Gentle short walks can commence 7 days post op, as tolerated.

Often due to several factors – pain or stiffness, use of strong painkillers, lack of concentration and strength. Driving is discouraged for up to 3 weeks post-surgery.Scar minimisation tapes encouraged for 2 – 4 months then change to silicone cream or tape.Showers should always be brief and warm (but not hot). Daily showering is OK during the hospital stay once the drain tubes have been removed.Swelling is very normal this will cause difficulty with muscle movements and general stiffness of gait.Post-surgery is always a time for investing in your own healing, this will give you a faster and more effective result – less swelling or pain, better movement, and more effective scar reduction.