| After your tummy tuck surgery, the recovery is as | | | | Another temporary problem that often develops after |
| important as your preparations before the surgery. As | | | | tummy tuck is a sloughing of the skin in the area. This |
| tummy tuck is considered a major surgery, you should | | | | condition clears up as the area begins to calm down |
| expect to feel rather weak for several weeks | | | | through more progressed healing, usually after the |
| post-op. It usually takes at least eight full weeks to | | | | fourth week post-op. In actual fact, you will be able to |
| recover your normal energy and stamina. Don't be | | | | see some skin sloughing around most all surgical |
| surprised if you experience some depression for a | | | | incision lines, whether they have been pulled tight or not. |
| few days after surgery. It's a common reaction and it | | | | It all goes away. |
| will pass as you regain your strength. | | | | You should not become too depressed if the |
| You should be mentally prepared for some serious | | | | abdominal scar looks thick and puffy. The scar will |
| discomforts following your tummy tuck surgery. You | | | | flatten in 6 to 12 months and many people choose to |
| will need to remain in a sitting position the first two to | | | | have a little liposuction to reduce any remaining fullness |
| four days. In other words, even when you lie down or | | | | around the healed incision. Sometimes, an |
| stand up, your knees must remain bent at all times. If | | | | unacceptable scar will remain and you may wish to |
| you straighten up, you'll rip out your stitches! As the | | | | have a scar revision at a later date. Scar revision |
| first couple of weeks are really tough, it is | | | | surgery is reasonably uncomplicated and an |
| recommended that take some prescribed pain | | | | experienced surgeon will be able to accomplish major |
| medication during this period and perhaps even a little | | | | improvements with this procedure. |
| longer. | | | | If you are dieting, don't start any extreme programs |
| As most of your skin has been pulled down and | | | | until at least three weeks after your tummy tuck |
| repositioned so tightly, you will not be physically able to | | | | surgery. For proper healing purposes, you need to |
| stand up straight for about two weeks after the | | | | maintain a healthy and balanced diet for the first few |
| tummy tuck surgery. In this case, you should not | | | | weeks following your surgery. In addition, you can |
| attempt to straighten up too soon and cause more | | | | usually return to work (depending on the extent and |
| discomfort to yourself. Many patients develop | | | | severity of the surgery) 3 to 4 weeks after your |
| temporary lower-back problems as a result of having | | | | tummy tuck procedure. |
| to stay bent all this time, but the back problems usually | | | | It is important that you take good care of yourself |
| clear up once they're walking normally again. You can | | | | during the post-surgery period, to ensure a smooth and |
| also try low-back exercises but only after six weeks | | | | complete recovery following the tummy tuck surgery. |
| post-op and with your doctor's permission. | | | | |