9 Tips for Your Tummy Tuck Recovery

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Many women and men are sensitive about their midriff or tummy area. As they age, some find it harder to maintain a flat stomach due to accumulated fat, changes in skin tone, and looser musculature. Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery) is a surgical procedure designed to tackle this common problem area.

How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?

Tummy tuck surgery involves an incision made at the bikini line. Excess fat is removed, abdominal muscles are tightened, and excess skin is trimmed. General anesthesia is required, and the recovery time can range from three and six weeks, or more, depending on the patient.

How Can I Prepare for a Tummy Tuck?

Abdominoplasty is a significant surgery, and a little bit of preparation will go a long way. A medical evaluation will determine who is a good candidate for the procedure and whether regular medications need adjustment. 

An overnight stay at our state-certified recovery care center is required. However, you will still need to make arrangements for someone to help care for you in the first three to seven days.

How Can I Ensure a Swift Recovery?

While everyone will have a unique abdominoplasty recovery, there are some ways to ensure your experience is a good one.

1. Plan ahead. Set up a recovery zone in your home with everything needed within arm’s reach.
2. Have someone get you home and stay with you for a few days. As you recover, get help with chores so that you are not overexerting yourself.
3. Wear a compression garment. Wearing a surgical binder following abdominoplasty will aid healing, reduce swelling, and protect the incision. Dr. Spies will provide this to you.
4. Get plenty of rest. Extra sleep and rest will help with healing and rebuilding your tissues.
5. Drink plenty of water to keep skin hydrated and organs working efficiently.
6. Eat a healthy diet with lots of protein (chicken, nuts, dairy) and vitamin C (green leafy vegetables, citrus) to promote healing and collagen growth.
7. Do not smoke as it slows tissue regrowth and healing and causes gangrene of your skin. If you are a smoker, your surgeon will advise you to quit one month before and one month after your surgery.
8. Ease into exercise slowly. Pushing your body before it is ready can lead to tears, set-backs, and complications.
9. Follow your surgeon’s advice on everything from when to take a shower to medication protocols.

Interested in Learning More?

An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck can yield satisfying results for anyone unhappy with the look of their abdomen. Although it requires a steady commitment to healing, a flatter stomach and more toned silhouette await. To learn more about the benefits of an extended or mini tummy tuck, contact the knowledgeable staff at the Dr. Robert J. Spies clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, by calling (480) 359-1019 or by filling out our online contact form.