Tummy Tuck - What To Expect The Day After

A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a common cosmetic procedure in the U.S, used as a way to address excess skin and fat in the abdominal region. Though the procedure is quite popular, it is important to note that it is an extensive and serious operation that requires a great deal of thought, research and consideration. If you are interested in undergoing an abdominoplasty, you're going to want to know what to expect immediately following the procedure. In this article, we will offer up a few tips to help you prepare for what's coming your way.

Exhaustion

The day following the operation, most patients will be quite tired. This is mainly due to the effects of the pain medications you have been prescribed and the body's response to surgery. As such, you will want to be sure you have a safe place to recover along with a close friend or family member to watch over you during the first day or so into recovery. Grab a few movie rentals, a pile of pillows and sit yourself down for a long stay on the couch.

Mild Pain

Most patients will experience a bit of pain in the abdominal area during the first day of recovery. The pain should not be too severe due to the pan medications you have been prescribed and advised to take before, during and post surgery. If you find that the pain is a little more than you can bare, be sure to get in touch with your surgeon immediately.

Office Visit

Due to the complexity of this type of procedure, many surgeons will schedule a follow up appointment with their patients for the day following the operation. Be sure to pick out some comfortable clothing and reserve a family member or friend to help you to and from the appointment. Expect to feel a little drowsy and medicated during your appointment. The purpose behind the visit is for the physician to inspect your incisions and make certain that the medications you have been prescribed are working correctly.

Hunching

Because this procedure tightens the wall muscles and removes a fair amount of excess skin and fat from the abdominal area, it is common for patients to experience difficulty when trying to stand up straight during the first few days of recovery. This is a normal part of the recovery process and should only last up to a week.

Nausea

Most patients tend to experience a slight case of nausea during the first day of recovery. This is typically a result of the anesthesia and can be remedied by eating a simple diet consisting of soups, crackers, rice and bananas. Continue with a bland diet for the first few days of recovery. Making a point to eat properly and stay hydrated will not only work to make you feel better, but it will aid in speeding up the recovery process as a whole.