Recovering From a Tummy Tuck
We’d all love to be able to heal immediately after a major cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure. Reality is, undergoing such a procedure is serious and puts a lot of stress on the body, requiring a patient’s patience and comprehensive understanding of recovery. It’s absolutely remarkable how the body bounces back and recovers from such procedures. Whether it be liposuction, breast augmentation, a nose job or a tummy tuck, the body’s self healing mechanisms prove themselves resilient time and time again. In this article, we’ll be discussing tummy tuck recovery and what patients can do to get their bodies back to being able to tolerate the challenges of an active lifestyle.
No matter the surgery, patients should always consult with their surgeon before implementing any new fitness routines, supplementation or medications. Dr. Adibfar provides his patients with detailed instruction as to what needs to be done to heal efficiently, as well as an approximate duration for which patient’s should avoid certain strenuous exercises. The quickest, most favourable results always coincide with a patient’s willingness to follow Dr. Adibfar’s detailed instruction.
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is performed when a patient wants to remove any layers of fat surrounding their abdominals. This is also a common procedure for patients who’ve experienced rapid weight loss, weight gain from pregnancy, or simply carry poor skin elasticity, leaving them with copious amounts of excess skin. The skin is then removed, leaving patients with tighter abdominal muscles.
Recovering from abdominoplasty can prove challenging, however there are a few points patients should take note of to ramp up their recovery safely. Patients need focus on what they can control during the healing process, and that is to best support the body with competent post-surgical care (recommended by Dr. Adibfar), a healthy and balanced diet, patience, compassion and an unwavering optimistic attitude. This straightforward guidance can make all the difference in how quickly and challenging a patient’s distinct recovery process can be.
Patients must give themselves plenty of time to heal. Failure to do so may result in severe complications, such as blood loss or clots, infection, swelling and/or excess scar tissue. In the days immediately following surgery, patients should encourage circulation by slowly attempting to sit up in bed, as well as stand up. This should be attempted several times daily to help the body activate its detoxification system, as well to strengthen any weak muscles. In the days that follow, attempts to walk around the house, or one’s residential building, would further trigger the body’s natural healing processes. Eventually this should lead to short brisk walks outdoors that slowly lengthen over time. Having someone supportive during this process is also crucial and can prove very helpful to the patient’s psychological state and wellbeing.
Typically, after approximately 4 weeks, patients are able to take part in light cardiovascular and low impact exercises. This could include longer brisk walks, cycling, or light swimming exercises in a shallow pool. These exercises all work to strength the upper and lower body muscles without directly targeting the abdomen. Patients should still take precaution to avoid any exercises that strain the abdominal muscles. With careful instruction and permission from Dr. Adibfar, 2 to 3 months after surgery patients are able to take part in more strenuous exercises that involve contracting the abdominal muscles. These may include weight and resistance exercises, squats, planks, lunges, sit ups and/or crunches, which will slowly begin to strengthen the patient’s muscles.
For patients accustomed to rigorous physically active lifestyles, it is best they receive clearance from Dr. Adibfar before resuming their regular exercise routine they maintained before surgery. As always, supporting recovery with a healthy balanced diet and optimistic peers all greatly contribute to a patient’s swift and successful recovery.
Click here to learn more about how Dr. Adibfar can give you the results you’re looking for. Whether you’ve experienced major weight gain or loss, or simply would prefer the appearance of tighter abdominal muscles, we’ll be able to guide you in the right direction to achieve your aesthetic goals.