Getting a tummy tuck so you can enjoy a flatter and more toned abdomen is an exciting process! At South Bay Aesthetics Plastic Surgery, we help our clients achieve their aesthetic goals through proven and effective surgical methods.
But understanding the tummy tuck recovery process is just as important as knowing what to expect from the procedure itself. We’ll answer the most important question — What is a tummy tuck? — while providing information on what you can expect during recovery, along with some tips and tricks to help ensure a smooth healing process.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is medically known as an abdominoplasty. It’s a common surgical procedure designed to flatten and shape your abdomen and waist by removing excess skin and fat while tightening the abdominal muscles. Tummy tucks are popular choices for patients who have successfully achieved significant weight loss, have gone through pregnancy, or have developed a sagging abdomen as a result of the natural process of aging.
It’s important to note that a tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. Instead, it is designed to remove excess skin and fat following major weight loss, such as after pregnancy. If you have a significant amount of weight to lose, we will explore other treatments before pursuing a tummy tuck.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
An abdominoplasty surgery involves the following steps:
- We make an incision above the pubic area that extends from one hip to the other, which is easily concealable behind most clothes, including swimsuits
- We repair, tighten, and suture the abdominal muscles
- We remove excess fat, skin, and other tissue
For some clients, a mini tummy tuck, or mini abdominoplasty surgery, might be an appropriate alternative. A mini tummy tuck follows the same procedural steps as a full tummy tuck, but it involves smaller incisions and focuses just on the area below the belly button. Mini abdominoplasty procedures are ideal for clients with small amounts of excess skin and muscle laxity.
You’ll receive tummy tuck surgery under general anesthesia, so you won’t be conscious during the procedure. The length of time your tummy tuck procedure will take depends on whether you receive a full or mini tummy tuck and the complexity of the procedure.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Process: Tips and Tricks
A smooth tummy tuck recovery is so important for your overall health and well-being. Remember this comprehensive list of tips and tricks:
The Initial Days
The initial days following your tummy tuck are critical for smooth recovery. You can expect some level of discomfort, which we help you manage through prescribed pain medications. It’s normal for you to feel especially tired. You may also feel soreness in your abdomen as a result of the muscles being tightened.
During the first few days, focus on getting as much rest as possible. Before going in for surgery, make sure you have a comfortable space prepared at home where you can recover. The area should be relaxing, give you easy access to anything you may need (books, pillows, your TV remote, water, and snacks), and keep you slightly elevated to reduce swelling.
Make sure you follow the directions on any medications we prescribe. It’s important that you take medications as directed so that you can recover properly. Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet full of nutrient-dense foods, vitamins, and minerals to support your body’s healing process.
And while you won’t be able to perform strenuous activity for a few weeks, you should practice gentle movement when you can. Short walks are a great way to promote blood circulation without overloading your body.
Everyone’s recovery process will vary slightly, as every person is different. We will give personalized recovery recommendations based on your unique needs.
The First Few Weeks
You should continue to take it easy during the first few weeks after surgery because you don’t want to rush the healing process. During this time, make sure to attend any follow-up appointments we schedule with you. These appointments allow us to monitor your progress and make sure you’re healing as expected.
You’ll need to wear your abdominal compression garment as directed for the first month or so to support the healing process. We’ll recommend light activities like stretching and walking. If you have a rigorous exercise routine you like to follow, you should hold off on it for a while until we clear you for strenuous activity.
Most clients return to work within two or three weeks. Whether you can do this, however, will depend on the nature of your job and the extent of your surgery.
The Long Term
Long-term care following a tummy tuck involves living a healthy lifestyle so that you can preserve your results. The skin and fat removed during a tummy tuck are permanently gone, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet.
The results of your tummy tuck will be visible once the swelling has gone down and you’ve completely healed. You’ll be able to show off your flatter contour with pride!
To maintain your results, keep up a healthy lifestyle, take care of your skin by moisturizing regularly and wearing SPF sunscreen, and make sure you attend your regular checkup appointments with us.
Tummy Tuck Surgery in Torrance, CA
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a useful procedure that can restore and rejuvenate your midsection following weight loss, pregnancy, or age-related changes. At South Bay Aesthetics Plastic Surgery, our team and skilled surgeon, Dr. Verbin, is dedicated to helping you achieve a sculpted and toned midsection through the transformative procedure of a tummy tuck.
Contact us now to learn more about the benefits of this procedure and get personalized recommendations.
