The Tummy Tuck: Reducing Post-Op Swelling

Many women (and not a few men) get a procedure known as a tummy tuck to reduce the amount of loose skin and extra fat in their lower stomach. All of these things combine to create a very flat stomach, but as involved as it is, it also means a bit of downtime for the patient. During this downtime, swelling is normal. Here are some ways to reduce the effects of that swelling.

Many women (and not a few men) get a procedure known as a tummy tuck to reduce the amount of loose skin and extra fat in their lower stomach. Not only does the procedure involve removing these things, but often means strengthening and tightening the muscles of the abdomen themselves. All of these things combine to create a very flat stomach, but as involved as it is, it also means a bit of downtime for the patient. During this downtime, swelling is normal. Here are some ways to reduce the effects of that swelling.

Get Plenty of Water

You’re going to be taking pain medication after your tummy tuck and pain medication has been known to create bloating and swelling. Sometimes this occurs through constipation. In both cases, drinking plenty of water can keep things moving along and prevent excessive swelling from becoming a problem. Drinking plenty of water and making sure you take your medication with food can also prevent nausea from accompanying your pain medication.

Avoid Salt

This is good advice for any time of the year, but especially when you’re already battling swelling and bloat from your tummy tuck. Salt retains moisture. This is why you’ll never see a bodybuilder going anywhere near salt or sodium as they ramp up to a content. They want every muscle to be on display, which means removing as much excess water from the body as possible. If you want to do likewise, stay hydrated (it sounds like a contradiction, but it really isn’t) and eat foods low in salt and sodium.

Avoid Caffeine

Caffeine has some of the same properties as salt when it comes to causing your body to retain water. It is a prime candidate for causing swelling to become worse than it needs to be. Put down the coffee and the soft drinks for a few days while your body is trying to heal. You should be trying to eat as healthily as possible during this time, anyway. Drink juices, water, and eat foods that your body needs to get the nutrition it can use to heal properly.

If you begin experiencing swelling that you don’t think is normal, make sure you contact your doctor immediately. He should be available to you around the clock following your surgery. If he’s not, contact 911 if you think something might be amiss. It is better to be safe than sorry. As long as you follow your surgeon’s advice explicitly, however, there is little reason to think there should be any problems.

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