Even though it is considered to be cosmetic, a tummy tuck is a major surgery and while researching the procedure, it is important to be able to separate the facts from fiction. Many Toronto tummy tuck patients are confused by the abundance of information they find on the internet and struggle to determine what to truly expect out of the procedure.
Here are some of the facts all patients should know about the surgery.
Many patients look at before and after photos of a tummy tuck and expect to see a dramatic transformation within weeks, if not days.
The reality is that your belly will initially look very different from what you have probably envisioned.
Post-operative swelling can be significant and contours will be temporarily distorted. Some patients retain fluid and feel a little heavier for a while. As well, your incision will naturally appear reddened, irregular and slightly scabbed until fully healed. It takes about 1 year for a scar to fully mature, lighten and become faint.
As the healing process continues, swelling and redness will subside. However, it is typically not till around 3 months that patients are able to notice a visible improvement in waist shape and closer to 6 months that the best results are realized.Many Toronto tummy tuck patients even continue to see improvements in their silhouette for up to a year.
Although walking around is encouraged to reduce the risk of blood clots in the first few days post op, it is important to make prior arrangements for help so that you are able to move slowly and gently, taking breaks during recovery. It is recommended that you ensure you are able to take sufficient time off work as well as arrange help for household chores, childcare and pet-related responsibilities during the first two weeks of your recovery.
Although the risk of major complications with a tummy tuck is low, most patients will experience varying degrees of discomfort and tightness for the first 5-7 days following the procedure. Pain medication provided by your surgeon will help during this time, and the discomfort should begin to subside within the first few days.
Furthermore, depending on the technique used, your surgeon may insert drains to help with fluid drainage, which will need to be removed within a week or two.
Healing from a major surgery takes a lot of energy, as the body needs fuel to repair itself and recuperate. By eating a balanced diet with plenty of protein and whole foods, your body will be able to rebuild tissue more easily.If you are considering a tummy tuck in Toronto, the best way to get all the facts and determine if you are a suitable candidate is to sit down for a discussion with a board certified plastic surgeon.
At Edelstein Cosmetic, our team of surgeons has performed countless tummy tuck procedures and are highly skilled in its various techniques.
During a private consultation, they can assess your individual case, answer all your questions and help you determine if you would like to proceed with the procedure.
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