First 7 days after surgery
Diet: During the first week after surgery patients should follow a low sodium diet to reduce swelling.
Side effects: Patients experience some pain, bruising, swelling and tightness in the first week after surgery.
Drains: Most patients need to use a drain in the first few days after surgery; the drain moves excess fluid away from the incision and out of the body. In most cases, the drain can be removed in three to seven days.
Dressings: The dressing for an abdominoplasty can be changed every two days after surgery and the area around the incision can be gently cleaned.
Compression garments: Patients should wear compression garments at all times during the week following surgery. Compression garments promote healing and help the patient achieve the desired contour.
Showering: In many cases, patients can shower one or two days after surgery. However, if you feel dizzy, it is best to wait. Patients with drains may find it easier to take a sponge bath a few days after surgery.
Prohibited activities: Several activities are prohibited during the first week after abdominoplasty. These include driving, physical exercise, work, housework, smoking and alcohol consumption.
Tips for recovery during the first 7 days:
- Take pain medication as directed.
- Wear compression garments
- Use an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling.
- Restrict movement
- Keep the waist slightly bent
- Provide 24-hour care and assistance for the first three days after surgery.
- Stay hydrated
- Stay in bed and rest
15 days after Abdominoplasty
Diet: Patients will be ready to return to their usual diet in the second week after surgery, but it is advisable to continue limiting sodium during this week.
Side effects: Swelling of the treated area is still present during this time. However, pain, bruising and tightness begin to subside.
Massage: In the second week after surgery, patients can begin to gently massage the treatment area to promote healing.
Scar treatment: Patients are usually able to begin scar minimization treatments in the second week after surgery. Scar minimization methods may include the application of vitamin E or silicone sheeting to the incision.
Compression garments: For best results, patients should continue to wear compression garments for fifteen days after surgery.
Work: Patients may feel ready to return to work and other duties 10 to 14 days after surgery. Patients who have a tummy tuck in conjunction with another procedure, such as liposuction, buttock lift, breast augmentation, arm lift or thigh lift, may need several additional days to recover.
Prohibited activities: There are a number of activities that are prohibited during the second week after abdominoplasty. Among them are: exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption.
Tips for recovery in the second week:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Wear compression garments
- Take several short walks throughout the day to get the blood flowing.
20 days after surgery
Diet: Many patients return to a normal diet during the third and fourth week after surgery. However, it is important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet to maintain an ideal weight.
Exercise: Patients can usually perform light exercise four weeks after surgery. However, more strenuous movements, such as squatting or heavy lifting, should be avoided for six weeks after surgery.
Compression garments: Dr. Guevara may recommend that you continue to wear compression garments for one month after surgery.
Always verify that your surgeon is endorsed by the Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery. You can see my profile as a certified plastic surgeon in this link: https://cirugiaplastica.org.co/author/ladron-de-guevara-cervera-johnatan-roy
If you want more information about the abdominoplasty procedure, before and after photos, recovery time and all the complete information you can click here.