By Jerome Edelstein, MD
One of the most crucial factors when it comes to determining your result after a Toronto tummy tuck is the quality of your recovery period. Planning ahead for this important time can make a world of a difference when it comes to having peace of mind feeling physically as good as possible.
To begin, it is important to ensure that you are undergoing your tummy tuck at a period when you can comfortably take at least two weeks off from work. Although healing time may vary depending on your individual condition as well as how much work your surgeon does, two weeks is usually the minimum recovery period for a standard tummy tuck. If an additional procedure, such as breast surgery is being performed in conjunction with your tummy tuck, the recovery period may be even longer.While you are off from work, it is also important to make sure that you are taking time off from your normal duties around the house. It is recommended to get support from friends or family especially for the first week to help out with household chores, childcare and pet related responsibilities. For the first 2 days, it is likely that you will need around the clock support, which should be arranged prior to your procedure.
It is also helpful when planning for your recovery, to stock up on easy to prepare nutritious meals, or cook meals ahead of time and freeze them. To provide your body with the energy it needs to recover, we recommend you follow a nutritious diet after surgery and stay hydrated.Try to be prepared for the emotional component of your recovery journey. Many patients go through mood swings, with emotions ranging from elation to depression. It is expected to a certain extent, however, if depressive moods persist, it is important to have a reliable support system in place or contact your surgeon.One of the best pieces of advice that can be given to patients recovering from a tummy tuck in Toronto is to be patient. Patients are often tempted to rush the results or often begin strenuous activity as soon as they begin to feel a bit better. This can actually hamper the recovery process and negatively impact the results as well. By being patient, and making sure to adhere to the post-operative guidelines provided by your surgeon, you can expect terrific results.At Edelstein Cosmetic, our expert plastic surgeons take great lengths to ensure that patients are able to have a smooth recovery by meticulously planning the surgery and limiting trauma as much as possible during the procedure. Our team of surgeons has devised a rapid recovery technique to allow patients to return to their normal activities as soon as possible. This approach includes proactive measures such as prescribing medications to begin before the procedure as well as limiting the time spent under anesthesia.If you are ready to discuss if a Toronto tummy tuck is the right way for you to achieve your goals, we invite you to schedule a consultation at our clinic to answer all your questions and determine if you are a good candidate.