Tummy Tuck Recovery Tips

Posted Thursday, September 22, 2011 to PROCEDURES > Body

Posted by Jason Lichten, MD, FACS

By Jason B. Lichten, M.D., FACS

Most individuals undergoing a plastic surgery procedure such as a tummy tuck in Columbus don't have a lot of free time to spend recovering. Fortunately, a board-certified plastic surgeon using modern techniques can help you to minimize recovery time. Additionally, there are several things that you can do to optimize your healing and decrease downtime. Here are some strategies I recommend to my patients after tummy tuck surgery:

  • Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 6 weeks. Although it may be tempting to exercise as soon as you begin to feel normal, it is likely that your body is not completely healed. I typically suggest that my patients wait a minimum of 6 weeks before engaging in rigorous physical activity. However, light walking is encouraged within a few days of surgery to promote circulation and prevent blood clots.
  • Follow all pre- and post-operative instructions. It's extremely important to adhere to treatment guidelines before and after your surgery. This may include avoiding certain substances before your procedure or following specific instructions for aftercare.
  • Schedule regular follow-up visits. Your progress will be monitored regularly in order to ensure your recovery is going smoothly. Also, never hesitate to call or ask a question related to your recovery or post-operative care.
  • Wear your abdominal support garment consistently. The purpose of the compression bandage is to control swelling and encourage healing. The more you wear your support garment, the more comfortable your healing process will be.

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