While a tummy tuck is very beneficial for women whose skin and abdominal muscles have been stretched due to one or more pregnancies, it is a major surgical procedure that will require an involved recovery. Here is what you can expect once your surgery is complete.
It will be very important that you follow your doctor's post-surgery directions closely in order to make your recovery as short as possible. For example, you'll need to make sure that you take the antibiotics your doctor will prescribe in order to reduce the risk of infection. If you don't take the prescribed dosage, there is a chance you could develop an infection that is resistant to the drugs. Take your temperature on a regular basis the first few days you are home and call your doctor if it is high. If you notice any sort of extensive redness or your swelling hasn't gone down after a few days, call your doctor as well.
You will probably experience some numbness for a while after your tummy tuck, but you should regain full sensation once a few months have passed. In addition, you may find that while your doctor may remove most of your sutures after about 10 days, he or she may want to keep some in place to make sure your incisions are as safe as possible.
More than likely, you will not be able to take a bath or shower for a few days after your surgery in order to minimize the chance of infection as much as possible. Your incisions will need time to heal, and water may lead to a problem developing. The doctor may recommend that you take sponge baths for a while in order so that you can stay safe.
Once you get back home, it will be very important that you walk around as much as you can in order to prevent blood clots from forming due to inactivity. Walking will also help reduce any swelling that may occur after your tummy tuck. While you may be able to go back to work in as little as a few days after your procedure, you will probably be advised to refrain from any sort of strenuous physical activity for at least a few weeks.
Your doctor will also probably recommend that you wear some sort of support garment around your abdomen for a few weeks. The type of garment will likely be up to you. Some people choose to wear something that resembles a girdle while others prefer a wide binder. The reason you'll need to wear the support garment is to control swelling. It will also help speed your recovery by compressing your abdomen.
It's vital that you are as well informed as possible regarding what to expect during your recovery from a tummy tuck. Make sure your doctor provides you with a detailed picture so that you will be thoroughly prepared.