Tummy Tuck Recovery Process
One of the body parts that has a significant impact on the overall contour of the body is the stomach. Unfortunately, this can be a particularly difficult area to tone through diet and exercise alone. Even patients who have lost weight in order to achieve a slimmer figure often find that the stomach tends to hold on to stubborn fat and excess skin. For patients who would like to improve their body contour by toning and tightening the abdominal area, a tummy tuck may be the best option.
During a tummy tuck procedure, plastic surgeon Azita Madjidi is able to remove excess skin and fat and tighten the abdominal muscles. Dr. Madjidi performs each tummy tuck procedure herself and follows up with her Houston patients during tummy tuck recovery to ensure that healing is proceeding as expected.
How Long Is Recovery?
There are various side effects of tummy tuck surgery. Each of these side effects will diminish at different rates. The length of tummy tuck recovery will also vary by patient based on the degree of alteration that was made during the procedure. In general, patients should be fully recovered within six to eight weeks following tummy tuck surgery. The final results of surgery should be apparent around eight weeks after the procedure.
What To Expect During Recovery
Although there will be slight variations in the recovery process for each patient, Dr. Madjidi is able to give patients an accurate idea of what to expect during tummy tuck recovery.
- Side effects: Side effects are a normal part of tummy tuck recovery. The most common side effects of a tummy tuck are swelling and bruising. Bruising should subside in a week or two after surgery. Swelling may persist for up to four weeks after the procedure. Compression garments will provided and will aid in reducing swelling. It is also important to rest and stay hydrated.
- Discomfort: The abdomen will feel sore and tender after surgery. Discomfort will be highest in the first few days following surgery but it may continue for one to two weeks. Prescription pain medication can be used as directed to control any pain or discomfort.
- Physical activity: Patients should plan on being on bed rest for several days after surgery. As patients begin to return to normal activities they should do so gradually. We recommend that patients plan to take one to three weeks off of work, depending on the physical demands of their job. Strenuous physical activities should be avoided for at least six weeks following surgery.
- Scars: As scars begin to heal, they will appear bright pink or red and will be obviously raised. These conditions will gradually fade as the scar heals. It can take up to a full year for scars to heal completely, at which point they will have faded and become less noticeable.
Dr. Madjidi will give each patient explicit instructions on how to deal with the different aspects of tummy tuck recovery. She is also readily available to patients throughout recovery to answer any questions or concerns.
Contact Us
Dr. Azita Madjidi is personally invested in the happiness and well-being of each of her patients. She provides personal care and attention to patients through every stage of cosmetic treatment, from the initial consultation all the way through the recovery process. If you are interested in learning more about a tummy tuck procedure or the recovery process, contact us at your earliest convenience. We look forward to hearing from you!