A tummy tuck is medically called abdominoplasty. Abdominoplasty is considered a major surgical procedure because of its duration, that is anywhere from 2 hours to 4 hours. Abdominoplasty is a type of surgery wherein the extra amount of fat and skin folds in the abdomen are removed. It is a precise procedure as a cosmetic surgeon will mark parts of the abdomen that need to be surgically treated. Obesity and postpartum conditions weaken the abdominal muscles and cause muscle separation, and through abdominoplasty, the muscles can be repaired. Thus, resulting in an abdomen that appears smoother as well as tighter.

The healing process may be anywhere from a couple of weeks to about three weeks. It is important that you have to have someone who will take care of you during the first seven days of your recovery. In fact, a C-section scar will seem to be very mild compared to that of the abdominoplasty scar, which will cross one hip to the other. The scar will limit you from standing up straight as it tightly pulls the abdominal skin down. Bruises and major aches and pains are expected. To prevent the development of infection, tummy tuck drains may be given to patients prior to going home.

Swelling should be expected. However, do not be discouraged by this as this is a part of the recovery process. Mental and physical preparation of the abdominoplasty effects is very important to help yourself in this situation. Aside from weathering it out, you should also take in a lot of fluids as well as finish your antibiotic medication course. However do not over “hydrate” as that would mean more frequent trips to the bathroom. To speed up the recovery process, it is advisable to eat nutritious foods.

After a major surgery like abdominoplasty, your activities will be limited. Reaching overhead or bending forward is strictly prohibited. Naturally, you are not to lift anything that weighs more than 10 pounds. Exercising as well as having sex is not advisable. It is imperative that you let the incisions heal, especially since the process will take about two to three months. Immobility will promote increase swelling though, so walking as a light activity is recommended.

Preparing for the changes in your body after abdominoplasty is important. Even though the swelling has gone down and there are no more bruises, you may still experience phantom pain. This is characterized by a tingling feeling as the nerves in the area regenerate.

It may take a long time to completely heal. Many patients have agreed that the end result of the tummy tuck is worth all the pain and hardships they went through.

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