At this time, we’d like to go over some basics about the Gainesville tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) recovery period. We’ll go over this in more detail during the consultation process, but we feel this overview will give you a good idea of what to expect after undergoing tummy tuck surgery.
If you have a full or extended tummy tuck, it’s likely that you will stay in the hospital overnight for monitoring before going home. (This may or may not be the case with a mini-tummy tuck.) It’s important that you get a lot of rest in the first week after surgery, walking around your home a bit to help improve circulation and healing. No strenuous activities should be attempted. The first few days at home, you’ll experience discomfort and swelling, which can be managed with pain medications and cold compresses, respectively. You will likely have drainage tubes in place which should not be tampered with. Instructions for bathing and changing surgical dressings will be provided. By the end of the first week, your stitches should be removed.
Over the first few weeks after surgery, you will likely wear a compression garment in addition to your bandages and dressings. This is to ensure you heal efficiently. After the first week, non-strenuous exercises are suggested. Walking as you did after surgery is a good idea, but there are other exercises that we recommend that are non-aerobic, not strenuous, and will not put too much stress on your body. Your discomfort and swelling should subside steadily over the next few weeks as you heal.
We’ll keep tabs on you and monitor your progress until you are completely healed, and you’re encouraged to contact the office in case you experience something troubling or amiss. We’ll respond to you as soon as we can.
To learn more about tummy tuck surgery and other options for body contouring, contact Gainesville cosmetic surgeon Dr. Greg Gaines today.