Abdominoplasty Surgery

Just after the surgery is over, you’ll experience some swelling, numbness, pain and discomfort in and around the abdominal area for which you’ll be prescribed medication.

• Bandages are generally removed in 1-4 days.
• The surface stitches are usually removed in 5-7 days.
• Drains might be placed in your body during surgery to avoid any excess fluid collecting under your skin.
• These are removed between 2 days to 2 weeks post surgery.
• You might have to wear a garment to compress and bind the tummy to aid in healing and to decrease the amount of swelling that takes place.
• You would also be advised to wear anti-thrombosis elasticized stockings to decrease any blood clot risks in the legs.

It’s important that you religiously follow the instructions given by your surgeon even after you have been discharged from the hospital, especially guidelines regarding changing surgical dressing, bathing, walking etc. Initially, you need to avoid bending, stretching and any strenuous work to help heal the stitches quickly without undue strain. But depending on how soon you recover, you can begin with a non-strenuous light exercise regime pre-approved by your physician since that would help to minimize swelling, aid quicker healing and even prevent thrombosis. In fact, you’ll be advised to start walking as soon as possible following Abdominoplasty to encourage blood circulation. Just make sure you follow the guidelines of your surgeon to avoid any risks and complications. How soon you recover will also depend on your general health before the surgery took place.

Depending on extent of surgery i.e. whether it’s a mini tummy tuck or complete abdominoplasty, and whether it is a stand-alone surgery or you have combined it with any other procedure like liposuction, you might be discharged from the hospital may be in a day or in several days. Usually, it takes 1-2 days after Abdominoplasty. If you reside locally, you can take a week off and recover at home. Alternatively, you can stay back and recover at the hospital, ask a friend or family member or hire a nurse till you feel okay on your own.

Don’t assume that there is no need of exercise after tummy tuck. It would always help you to remember that Abdominoplasty is an AID to contour and reshape your body when other measures are not enough due to the specific circumstances of your case. It is NOT a weight loss surgery and no, it is not supposed to be any sort of replacement for exercise and healthy diet.

So, now that you are through with the surgical part, go ahead and feel good about your new appearance and self-confidence! Just make sure that you chalk out and religiously follow a healthy diet and exercise regime as soon as your surgeon advises it is safe to do so. This would ensure that you don’t regain weight and undo all the effects of that fantastic surgery that you just spent thousands of your fantastic dollars on!

Usually, its safe to take a week or two off following the surgery. The real results of the surgery might take up to 6 months or longer to before the swelling slowly reduces, your body gets adjusted to its new shape and the tighter abs start showing. So, Be Patient !!