One of the best ways to prepare for a Toronto tummy tuck is by understanding exactly what to expect during the recovery period. By having a clear picture and realistic expectations of what recovery will be like, you will be able to make the necessary arrangements to give your body the time it needs to rest and heal.
To make it easier, here is a week-by-week guide to your recovery period following a standard tummy tuck.
During the first week it is completely normal and expected to experience varying degrees of discomfort, swelling, bruising and fatigue. At this time, using pain medications as well as cold compresses can help to alleviate discomfort. During the first week, most patients may also have drains beneath the skin to help remove excess fluids. You’ll also be sent home with a tight, compression garment on but rest assured it is really important to help you reduce swelling and get optimal results. As the body goes through the healing process in the first week, it is important to refrain from long periods of sitting, exercise, work, smoking and alcohol.
It may be helpful to have friends, family or hired help around for the first few days to help with day-to-day responsibilities.
Although patients should get as much rest as possible, it is recommended to walk around the house to improve leg circulation and reduce constipation.
You’ll need to walk a little bent over for the first few days and maintain a semi reclined position as much as possible. When walking, bend slightly at the waist and use your arms to help get up to avoid straining the abdominal muscles. You’ll feel tight at first but you’ll also be surprised how quickly this resolves and you adjust to stand up straight again.
Drinking lots of water and following a healthy and balanced diet will help to speed up the recovery process.
During the first part of week 2, drains are typically removed.
Pain and bruising will also diminish by this time. However, swelling can persist for a few weeks.
Patients should continue to use compression garments and avoid strenuous activity, and smoking.
Many Toronto tummy tuck patients are comfortable enough to return to work by the middle or end of week two.
By now most patients will be back to work and their regular activities. Although a sensation of tightness may persist, swelling will have mostly subsided during these weeks. Patients may also begin using topical scar treatments as soon as incisions are completely healed which may be between 3-4 weeks.
Patients can now resume light exercise, however, abdominal exercises and sit-ups should still be avoided.
By this point the swelling, fatigue and soreness will begin to diminish completely and results will become more and more visible.
Patients can now resume their regular exercise routine.
For those who continue to maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle following their Toronto tummy tuck, the results will be permanent.
To find out more about what to expect from a tummy tuck procedure and the recovery, we invite you to contact our clinic for a complimentary consultation with one of our expert surgeons.
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