The way people talk about Tummy Tuck in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills, you’d think it was a natural part of childbirth to see your plastic surgeon afterwards for a quick tuck. Even the name implies simplicity, but abdominoplasty, the medical term for the tummy tuck, is a serious procedure. The results can be amazing, but there are a number of things you should be aware of if you are considering a tummy tuck. Here are some tips for a less painful and more successful tummy tuck recovery.
1. Recovery Takes Time
At Rockstar Beauty, we have the procedures, staff and experience to help you through your tummy tuck recovery, but it will take time. “About 2 weeks” is the common time estimate found on the internet – it can take 4 weeks of recovery to get back to everyday activities.
2. Do Not Measure Yourself Afterwards – You’ll Be Swollen
Many excited women dream of awaking from surgery and donning skinny jeans to show off their new svelte self that weekend, but, eh, no, sorry, wrong. You will have swelling, and it will last for weeks. You will be retaining water too, so not only will your jeans not fit right after surgery, your scale will be lying to you as well.
3. Recovery Takes Time, Seriously. You’ll Need Time Off
Yes, some women get back to work in 2 weeks. Some women’s bodies snap back after pregnancy too. In a full abdominoplasty, your stomach muscles are tightened and any herniated muscles are put back in place – these are serious changes that will require time for your body to adapt. Depending on your anatomy and particular issues, you may want more time.
4. You’ll Need Help Too
A consequence of the muscle and skin tightening will be the inability to stand straight. And pick things up. You will need someone who can stay with you throughout the day, especially during those first few days of your tummy tuck recovery.
5. Prepare Thy Recovery Couch
Or bed. Or easy chair. Wherever you plan on spending most of your days following your tuck, we suggest you prepare it. Assemble your books, movies and entertainment within an arm’s distance. Fill your prescriptions and store them within grabbing distance too. Stock up on pillows and wedges. Consider the surrounding environment: eye shades and ear plugs may useful if you choose to recover in a high-traffic area of the house.
6. Movies & Entertainment: Choose Wisely
Consider skipping the comedies. Comedies are therapeutic. If you had your tonsils out as a kid, you may have spent the days following the operation eating ice cream and watching something starring Bill Murray. But tummy tuck is an abdominal procedure, and you do not want to watch any gut-busting comedies, at least not in the first few days. Give your belly some time to heal before watching a chuckle fest.
7. Showering Will Be An Ordeal
This may not be possible, but if you can use something as a shower chair it may allow you to enjoy your shower instead of hobbling about your tub in a half-standing position. Also, you may find that asking your spouse or friend to wash your hair in the sink is less hassle, pain-free and it’s always more than a little luxurious to have your hair washed by another.