An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a popular procedure that can create a flatter and more toned abdominal area with reduced-fat or loose skin and tighter muscles. There are some things that patients need to keep in mind about the recovery process before they undergo surgery with Dr. Diktaban. Here are four things you need to know about tummy tuck surgery.
1. Prioritize Your Healing for Best Results
The patients who see the best results from their tummy tucks are those who take their healing seriously. This includes eating nutritious and balanced meals through the recovery process, prioritizing rest, and following your plastic surgeon’s directions for incision care and other considerations.
As you heal, your body will need plenty of energy to repair the skin and tissues. You should prioritize meals that include plenty of lean protein to help rebuild tissue. Now is not the time to focus on dieting—instead, make sure your meals have the nutrients you will need. It helps to stock up on easy-to-prepare healthy foods before your recovery and plan what you will eat ahead of time.
You should also prioritize rest, especially in the early days of your recovery. Don’t worry too much about household chores and other duties; instead, plan some time to relax, watch Netflix, and read through the recovery process to allow your body to heal.
Finally, be sure to follow Dr. Diktaban’s instructions when it comes to taking any prescriptions or caring for incision sites. This will help minimize risks like infection and reduce any scarring.
2. Expect Some Discomfort
Unfortunately, some discomfort can be expected after just about any surgery. This applies to a tummy tuck as well. Dr. Diktaban can prescribe pain medication to keep you as comfortable as possible through the early stages of recovery. However, you can expect to feel some soreness and tenderness in the abdominal wall as you sit up, stand, or laugh, especially early in healing. After the first few days of the recovery process, you will gradually begin to feel less and less discomfort each day. Most patients feel well enough to resume some light activities, like easier household chores, within a few days after their surgery.
3. Prepare for Some Downtime
Some downtime is expected after a tummy tuck because you will feel tired and sore from the surgery and will need to heal before returning to your normal routine. On average, patients rest and recover at home for at least a week after a tummy tuck before returning to work or other normal activities. Through this downtime, you should arrange for someone to care for you and help with regular household tasks as needed. You will also need to take several weeks away from any strenuous activity, like your exercise routine, even after you return to work or other routines. Dr. Diktaban will monitor your healing and tell you when you can safely return to all activities.
4. Be Patient for Results
The healing process for a tummy tuck includes some swelling, which can take time to completely dissipate. While a majority of swelling resolves within just a few weeks and drains can be removed a few days after surgery, you can expect some residual swelling that can last up to six months. This means that your final results will not be seen for some time after surgery. It’s important to keep this in mind if you’re concerned about being bikini-ready after your tummy tuck. Dr. Diktaban will explain reasonable expectations during your consultation. Once your tummy tuck results are visible, you can enjoy a flatter, toned stomach that should boost your confidence.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about the tummy tuck process, schedule a consultation with Dr. Diktaban. Call our Upper East Side office at (646) 906-9449 or contact us online.
Dr. Theodore Diktaban, MD FACS, a double board-certified plastic surgeon with 35+ years of experience, specializes in safe and subtle cosmetic treatments, enhancing natural beauty and boosting self-confidence in the Upper East Side and New York City.