| The decision to have an abdominoplasty, or tummy | | | | definite possibility immediately following your tummy |
| tuck, is a hard one to make. While the results can be | | | | tuck, walking around and getting out of bed are still |
| amazing, the procedure is major surgery and does | | | | very critical steps for helping to heal your body and so |
| come with some risks. | | | | you must make the effort. |
| The best thing you can do once you have made your | | | | - No Lifting! |
| decision to have surgery is to learn as much as you | | | | During the first two weeks after your tummy tuck you |
| can about the procedure and how to best take care | | | | should not be bending over and lifting up anything as |
| of yourself post-operation. | | | | this could cause damage to your fragile abdominal |
| - Ouch! Pain! | | | | area. In this time you will also be asked to schedule a |
| Because a tummy tuck involves skin, fatty tissue, and | | | | post-operative appointment with your plastic surgeon's |
| muscle tissue, you should be prepared for some pain | | | | office. At this appointment any stitches will be |
| and discomfort immediately following your surgery. | | | | removed and your healing will be evaluated by your |
| While your pain and discomfort can be alleviated | | | | surgeon. |
| through the use of pain medications, it is important to | | | | - The New You! |
| understand that some level of pain post-operation is to | | | | In the several weeks which follow it you can assume |
| be expected. | | | | that your body will begin healing and any bruises and |
| In addition, you can plan on the muscles of your | | | | swelling will subside. Your surgeon will advise you as to |
| stomach area feeling tighter than they were before | | | | what your level of activity should be and when you |
| your procedure. | | | | can return to your regular exercise routine. |
| Immediately after your surgery is completed, you will | | | | Interestingly, it will take a few months for you to get a |
| be wrapped in a compression garment. | | | | really clear picture of your new abdomen following |
| Additionally, you will likely have some small drainage | | | | your tummy tuck surgery. At this point, any residual |
| tubes which have been placed under your skin to help | | | | tightness or numbness will subside and your incision will |
| prevent fluids in your body from collecting in the area | | | | fade from its red color to that of your more natural |
| and causing swelling. These drainage tubes will be | | | | skin tone. While your scar is healing you will want to |
| removed within the first week of your healing time | | | | avoid exposing it to excessive sun as this will prevent |
| after your surgery. | | | | it from fading and may cause it to become painfully |
| - Walk it Off! | | | | sunburned as well. |
| While you will be sore and uncomfortable standing, you | | | | By doing everything you can to take care of yourself |
| will be encouraged to get out of bed and walk around | | | | after your surgery, you can ensure that your results |
| as soon as possible after your surgery. Movement of | | | | will last for a very long time. While you may want to |
| your body helps to promote blood circulation which | | | | "push yourself" to do more and more, by following the |
| prevents clots and helps to speed healing. | | | | instructions of your plastic surgeon, you can heal with |
| Even if you are unable to stand upright, and this is a | | | | the least amount of pain and complication possible. |