Recovering From Abdominoplasty: What to Expect

If you're unhappy with your belly after having kids or losing weight, diet and exercise are the first choice of intervention, but they don't always work for stubborn stomach fat. That leaves you with either noninvasive aesthetic treatments for a subtle look or a tummy tuck for stunning results.

Choosing a tummy tuck is a big decision that can offer dramatic outcomes after recovery. Before you commit to an abdominoplasty, it's essential to understand the prep and recovery to make the best decision for your body and needs.

Based in Boca Raton, Florida, Dr. Anthony N. Dardano helps you decide between noninvasive procedures and surgery based on your aesthetic goals. Dr. Dardano is a board-certified plastic surgeon providing you with care and compassion to get the body of your dreams.

The facts on an abdominoplasty

An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure where Dr. Dardano removes excess skin and fat around the abdomen. He also tightens the abdominal muscles during the procedure, providing you with a sleek, tight abdomen that you couldn't get through diet and exercise alone.

Dr. Dardano may use liposuction during your tummy tuck to enhance your results. However, it's essential to understand that a tummy tuck isn't a substitution for weight loss.

People who have excess abdominal skin or fat after pregnancy or significant weight loss may opt for a tummy tuck if exercise and diet don't produce the results they're looking for.

Dr. Dardano uses several types of tummy tucks, depending on the patient's specific goals. The main types are complete abdominoplasty, partial abdominoplasty, and circumferential abdominoplasty.

What happens during recovery?

After a tummy tuck, you are usually disoriented from the anesthesia and may be sore around your belly and the incision. Dr. Dardano puts dressings over your abdomen to protect the incisions while you heal.

Once you're awake enough, your driver can take you home to recover. During the entire recovery process, following Dr. Dardano's instructions is essential to keep you on track and help you avoid complications.

Right after surgery, it's essential to have help around the house. You shouldn’t bend or lift anything as it could worsen your pain and interfere with recovery. Dr. Dardano prescribes pain medications to help you deal with discomfort following the procedure.

You may need to take antibiotics and anticoagulants while recovering to help prevent blood clots. Small drainage tubes may also be in place to remove excess fluid around the abdomen after surgery.

A protective compression garment stays in place over your incision for several weeks after surgery to help reduce swelling and help you recover. It's essential to wear the garment as Dr. Dardano prescribes to prevent healing delays.

Most people take off work, especially those with strenuous jobs, for about a month. It would be best if you abstained from alcohol and smoking for at least six weeks to allow your body to heal. Driving isn't an option for several weeks while you're on restrictions and pain medications.

Dr. Dardano needs to see you several times during recovery to monitor your progress and assess the incisions. If there are any further instructions, he can tell you during your follow-up appointments.

Tummy tuck recovery time

The length of time it takes to recover from a tummy tuck varies, depending on the individual's health and the extent of the procedure. Different types of tummy tucks take longer to recover from than others, especially if you have comorbidities.

Most people recover within three months of the surgery. It may take this long for the swelling in the tissues to go down and for the final result to be seen. However, it may take less time if you strictly adhere to the recovery plan.

Your scar may take up to a year to fully heal and become less noticeable, and it lightens over time. You can see immediate results right after surgery but they improve as the weeks go on and the inflammation from surgery subsides.

The excellent news is that your results can last forever if you make specific lifestyle changes. For instance, you should continue to watch what you eat and exercise to maintain your gorgeous shape and a flat tummy.

Call our office today to schedule an abdominoplasty appointment or request a consultation on the website.