The Do’s and Don’ts After Tummy Tuck Surgery for a Better Recovery

Abdominoplasty recovery doesn’t have to be a stressful time, especially with these helpful tips on how to ensure a speedy recovery.

Tummy Tuck Recovery, Simplified

Cosmetic surgery has three stages: before, during, and after. The patient and surgeon work together to ensure a safe and effective process and a desirable result by adhering to certain rules and guidelines throughout each stage.

Of course, the surgeon is solely responsible for the surgery itself, but pre- and post-op care partially falls on the patient’s shoulders. Just as your surgeon will require you to make lifestyle changes before surgery, such as quitting smoking and avoiding certain medications, the choices you make after surgery are just as important to your healing process.

Tips for a Better Tummy Tuck Recovery

So, how can you make the most of your tummy tuck recovery period? Below, we’ll detail helpful tips and explain why they’re important.

Don’t Use Nicotine

Smoking, vaping, nicotine gum, or patches—these are all absolute “no”s when it comes to a safe recovery. There’s a reason your surgeon requires you to quit smoking weeks before your surgery: nicotine impacts healing and can destroy your surgical results.

Nicotine (in all forms) constricts the size of blood vessels, reducing the amount of blood that can be brought to the treatment area and restricting the amount of oxygen the surgical site receives. Without enough blood and oxygen, newly cut or repositioned tissues can die, resulting in gangrene and necrosis. If the tissues become necrotic, they may need to be removed, which can affect your results and give you permanent deformities.

For the sake of your surgical results and overall health, smoking cessation is key.

Don’t Take Blood Thinning Supplements and Medications

You and your surgeon will discuss any medications you are currently taking before your procedure, and they will let you know which are unsafe or inadvisable. A general rule of thumb is to avoid medications and supplements that thin the blood. Anticoagulants and blood thinners make it harder for blood to clot, which can delay healing, cause large bruises, and increase the risk of bleeding and additional surgery.

Other common supplements can cause issues with your recovery process, including fish oil and vitamin E, which have anticoagulant and blood-thinning effects. Be sure to check with your surgeon about every supplement and vitamin you take until cleared to resume them.

Do Eat a Nutritious Diet

It might seem obvious, but eating a healthy, nutrient-rich diet with plenty of water is one of the best ways to speed up recovery. Eating plenty of fresh, leafy greens and fruit, whole grains, and healthy fats such as avocado and salmon can help give your body a boost to its healing process.

Processed foods, sugary and salty foods, and simple carbs—while comforting and easy—can actually hurt your ability to heal efficiently, and the same goes for caffeine and alcohol while you recover.

Do Lightly Exercise

Incorporating light movement as soon as you are able is fantastic for your healing body. Although tummy tucks can make it difficult to move efficiently (you’ll be slightly bent at the waist for around a week), even moving a little from room to room is a good way to get your blood circulating. When you increase blood flow, you reduce the risk of blood clots, as well as circulating blood and oxygen to the surgical site.

Always take it slow, listen to your body, and, of course, listen to the instructions of your surgeon. In general, it is advised to practice light walking and slowly increase your pace and distance.

Do Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions

When in doubt, consult the aftercare instructions. Your surgeon will supply detailed instructions when you leave the office, which may tell you how often to take your medication, when and how to care for your sutures, how to care for any surgical drains, and what to avoid after surgery.

As you heal, you’ll start incorporating more things into your normal activities, but you should always check with your surgeon when you are unsure if you’re cleared to do so. The recovery process is crucial in determining part of your results, and certain missteps may affect them.

How Long Is Tummy Tuck Recovery?

You may be wondering how long you’ll have to abide by these rules, but truthfully, they will make your recovery much easier than not. Generally, recovery after abdominoplasty is about two to four weeks, as the abdominal muscles will need time to repair. Most patients can return to normal activities after one or two weeks; however, you’ll be able to slowly increase activity as you heal. For example, patients who work a desk job can typically return to work after 7 to 10 days, while those who are more active at work may need longer.

Of course, recovery is entirely subjective, as each patient will have different rates of healing, different levels of revision (and thus, trauma to the surgical site), and different lifestyles. The key is patience and giving yourself a little grace as you recover. Take this time to rest and take care of yourself and your new body.

Abdominoplasty is one of the most impactful cosmetic procedures, as it can restructure your abdominal wall, improving your core strength and the overall contour of your midsection. Countless patients remark that this procedure is life-changing and the recovery is more than worth it!

Ready to Learn More About Tummy Tucks in Scottsdale, AZ?

Robert J. Spies is one of Scottsdale’s most experienced and caring plastic surgeons, bringing a surgical skill and dedication to his patients that is unparalleled. If you are considering a tummy tuck, Dr. Spies is a top choice for a comprehensive and compassionate experience. Call Dr. Spies at Robert J. Spies MD, FACS, at (480) 359-1019 or fill out this contact form to request a consultation.