How can I best prepare for a tummy tuck?

There are several steps that you can take in order to ensure your comfort after your surgery. Ensure that you will have a family member or friend to drive you home from the hospital, and perhaps stay with you for a few days after. Ensure that you have somewhere comfortable to sleep and recover. Many find that sleeping upright in their living room can help to ease some of the discomfort felt when standing up after resting.

You may want to prepare your fridge and freezer with some of your favourite healthy foods so that you don’t need to do much work when it comes to meal times.

Am I good candidate for the abdominoplasty surgery?

Any adult who is in good overall health, and has loose skin on his or her tummy, will be considered a good candidate for an abdominoplasty. Patients should be non-smokers, or should quit smoking a few weeks prior to the surgical procedure.

Ideally, you should be as close to your ideal weight as is possible. The abdominoplasty procedure is not an alternative to a healthy weight loss regimen. Your surgeon may advise you to lose a bit more weight in order to ensure the best in results from your procedure.

What happens during a tummy tuck?

While a tummy tuck is a safe and highly effective surgical procedure it is, however an invasive and extensive surgery that requires proper preparation both before and after the surgery. The technique that your surgeon will use will be based on factors unique to you. These factors could include the amount of skin that you need to have removed, whether you’ll be having liposuction, and whether there is the need to repair the abdominal muscle.

Generally speaking, there are four stages to the abdominoplasty procedure. Liposuction will be used to remove any small areas of remaining fat. An incision will be made on the lower half of the stomach. Excess skin will be removed and the remaining healthy skin will be draped taut across the belly.

In most cases, patients also need to repair abdominal muscles that have separated, which can cause a bulge and back pain if left untreated.

The final stage of the surgery involves removing any excess skin and re-draping it over the stomach. Drains may be placed to help control the fluid accumulation commonly seen after major surgeries.

Will I need an overnight hospital stay?

A tummy tuck procedure will require an overnight stay in the hospital. This will allow a nurse to monitor your pain levels to ensure that you are comfortable until you are ready to go home.

How long will my recovery take?

Recovery times can vary greatly between patients. It will be based upon how extensive the surgery was. And also, on personal factors that include just how fast you heal. That is, it typically takes several weeks for the abdominoplasty patient to start feeling normal again.

You should be prepared for the fact that you won’t be able to drive for some time. Family and friends will need to help you get around, run errands and get to your follow-up appointments.

The majority of patients find that they can walk without much discomfort after a full week of recovery. Patients should avoid working out for a minimum of 6 weeks.

That said, it’s still important that you move when you’re recovering from any type of surgical procedure. Your surgeon can provide you with exercise recommendations and guidelines.

By the six-week recovery point, most patients are feeling greatly improved.

What to expect after abdominoplasty?

Following your surgery, your surgeon will take you through the necessary aftercare instructions, which will need to follow very carefully if you want to avoid complications and achieve your desired outcome.

The aftercare instructions will include how to care for your incisions, what to avoid in terms of physical activity, how long to wear your compression garment and how to speed up your recovery. Patients will also need to schedule a follow-up appointment before you go home so that your progress can be monitored.

You will need to arrange for someone to collect you from hospital as you won’t be able to drive yourself for the first two weeks. Some assistance at home for the first few days after your surgery will be needed. Patients are generally able to have their drainage tubes removed after 48 hours, which will make it easier to slowly start getting back into your normal routine.

Any prescribed pain relievers and antibiotics should be taken as instructed. It is also suggested that patients avoid alcohol and smoking until completely recovered. Pain will be the worst during the first week after your surgery. The swelling that occurs can last up to three months.

Patients tend to experience a pulling sensation when they try and stand up straight after their surgery, which is perfectly normal. You may also experience some numbness for several months to a year. Bruising is another common side effect of abdominoplasty. There may be some fluid build-up around your incision but this will subside on its own.

Will I need to do anything special after surgery?

You will need to wear compression garment, to help with fluid retention and healing. The compression garment is an important part of your recovery. As tempting as it may be, don’t skip wearing it. Your final results will depend on how well you heal after your surgery, and on how well you follow the care instructions of your surgeon.

How soon will I see results?

Results will be visible immediately after surgery. The removal of large sections of excess skin results in a very visible difference for patients. Particularly for those who have lived for so many years with this excess skin. Your final flat tummy results won’t be wholly noticeable until your swelling has subsided.

Are there any risks to abdominoplasty?

The risks seen with the abdominoplasty surgery are those that are common to any surgical procedure. These could include bleeding, numbness, infection and the formation of scar tissue. These risks are rare.

Any risks can be anticipated and managed if your surgeon has an understanding of your medical history. It’s important to always be open and honest about your medical history, any previous surgeries, and any medications or supplements that you may take.

Are you ready to learn more about your candidacy for the tummy tuck procedure? Call to schedule an appointment at Allure Clinic in Toowoomba. Your new summer body may just be a phone call away.