How to Recover From a Tummy Tuck & Liposuction

A tummy tuck is a complicated surgical procedure. In many cases, liposuction has taken over the role that tummy tucks have held in the past, the eradication of unsightly fat deposits. However, in some cases, as when the amount of unwanted tissue is too great, or skin sags to a great degree, a tummy tuck is still the best option. Like any major abdominal surgery, a tummy tuck requires time to heal and precautions to avoid complications. Liposuction is much easier to recover from and has far less scarring.

Instructions

• 1

  Be in good health to start out with before either procedure. Starting healthy is one of the best things you can do to ensure a speedy recovery from a tummy tuck or liposuction. Being fit and in good health greatly improves recovery time from a surgical tummy tuck. You should not have a cold or other infections; also, quit smoking for several weeks prior to surgery, and do not plan on resuming for at least several weeks after.

• 2

  Resist the urge to look at the scar or your stomach in the mirror after a tummy tuck. The results are not immediately apparent due to swelling, lots of bruising, and the scars' healing time. The removal of large amounts of skin and fat along with muscle tightening is a big adjustment for the body to make, and it takes the mind time to adjust also.

• 3

  Do not be in a rush to expect results from liposuction either. It also takes time for the body to realign itself, for fluids to even out, and for swelling at the application site to go down. There will be minor bruising as well.

• 4

  Take time off work to recover from a tummy tuck. It is a good idea to take up to two weeks off work, one week at the least, so you have time to heal and do not feel rushed. It can take four weeks to several months before you regain full abilities, and if your job includes heavy lifting or a great deal of bending and movement you will likely have difficulty for at least two weeks. You can usually go back to work in a day or two after liposuction.

• 5

  Know what to expect beforehand. The first week after the surgical procedure will include a lot of swelling. You will likely require pain medication to manage the pain of recovery. If a drain is in place, your surgeon will remove it as soon as the drainage stops. The drain allows infection to leave the body rather than getting trapped inside. You may have minor discomfort from the liposuction for a day or two also, but your surgeon will likely recommend an over-the counter NSAID to take care of the pain.

• 6

  Have your stitches removed at the end of the first week, if you have them. In the case of a complicated and big incision, your surgeon may suggest removing the stitches in several stages. At the one-week visit, your surgeon can instruct you on activities such as walking, bathing or showering, as well as how to change your bandages. The levels of activity will depend on how well you are healing. Liposuction patients can resume daily activity within a couple of days.

• 7

  Wear an abdominal binder that holds your stomach, much like a girdle, and that protects your midsection for the next several weeks. This is necessary for either procedure. Follow your doctor's advice on light exercise. Many agree that it helps the body heal quicker, and so long as you are up to it, it is a good idea. You will need to stay away from anything too strenuous for at least six weeks following your surgery to keep from injuring the incision.

• 8

  Keep a photo journal of either process from before to a year after. Changes in body shape and scarring are the greatest in the first three months, but some differences occur even up to 12 months later.