Tummy Tuck
Recovering from Tummy Tuck Surgery in New York
What happens immediately after the operation?
Once you've recovered, you will notice a compression garment around your waist and abdomen. This is to provide compression of the surgical site to reduce the postoperative swelling and bleeding. In addition you will notice the presence of 2 tubes or drains which are usually placed under the skin to evacuate any fluid build up following the surgery.
You will find that the abdominal area will be quite uncomfortable and that you will have 1-2 pillows placed behind your knees in order to keep these bent to reduce the tension in your abdominal muscles. Likewise you will need to walk slightly bent forwards once you are up and about, for the first few days. You may gradually straighten up as the days pass.
Is it Painful?
Pain and discomfort are subjective sensations but it is true to say that an abdominoplasty is considered one of the more painful procedures. This is probably more noticeable when standing or and walking in the first few days following surgery. Thus for the first week or so you may need to take regular painkillers in order to minimize this.
What kind of after effects should I expect?
Following surgery you will experience considerable swelling and bruising of the abdomen. This will be even more noticeable if the abdominoplasty was accompanied by liposuction. The bruising usually lasts about 3 weeks. While most of the swelling will have dissipated by this time, some subtle swelling will still be present for up to 3 months.
In addition you will notice that the abdomen will feel firm to touch, particularly along the edges of the incision site. This will be as a result of the normal healing process laying down elements of scar tissue to facilitate healing. When this occurs, massage as instructed by Dr. Klapper will speed up the recovery. It gradually resolves in time but may take a few months to complete. You should expect the sensation to the skin over the lower abdomen to be reduced after surgery. This is as a result of surgical trauma to the nerves in the region. Although this usually recovers in a few months, permanent numbness in the region can ensue.
What are the tummy tuck scars like?
These normally extend from hip to hip above the pubic area as a horizontal line. At times it may be necessary to add a small vertical component to this and therefore the appearance may be likened to an upside down T. You must understand that due to the normal healing response these always appear red, raised and lumpy in the first few months after surgery, but do tend to settle with time. However it may take up to 18 months to do so.
How long before I get back to normal?
Abdominoplasty is a major operation and should always be respected as such. Therefore you should expect a few weeks to pass before you feel yourself again. Remember variations do occur in the time individuals take to heal. Although many people go back to light work duties by 2 weeks others find it more appropriate to take a further 1-2 weeks to rest. Walking is helpful in the first 3-4 weeks as this improves the circulation and helps reduce the swelling, and the chance of blood clots developing. Heavy lifting or strenuous activity is prohibited in the first 6 weeks after surgery. Overall common sense rules in the recovery period. If what you're doing is uncomfortable then don't do it!