How To Have A Good Tummy Tuck Recovery
Joseph Then

A tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure that requires the patient to take recovery seriously.  A patient's surgeon will give them detailed instructions about what to do during the recovery process.  It is very important that a patient follows all instructions and makes sure they understand them before they go home.

A tummy tuck is a plastic surgery procedure that flattens the stomach area.  Skin and tissue are removed to help contour and flatten the stomach during the surgery.  It is a good option for people who have been unable to flatten their stomach through diet and exercise.

Immediately following the surgery some patients will be required to stay in the hospital for a few days, while others will be released.  The hospital stay is going to be determined by the extent and complexity of the surgery.

After surgery for the first few days, pain and swelling will be most prominent.  The surgeon will likely prescribe medication to help with this.  It is important for a patient to follow all instructions regarding medication carefully.  A patient may also experience bleeding, numbness and nausea following their surgery, which are all common and should have been explained by the surgeon.

Bed rest is usually recommended for the first three days following surgery.  However, the surgeon will likely recommend trying to move about to prevent blood clots form forming in the legs and lower body.  When lying in bed it can help to keep the legs bent slightly to reduce strain on the abdominal area.  Some patients will be given a compression garment to wear that will help to control swelling and pain.

The instructions that a surgeon gives each patient for recovery are usually personalized, since no two patients are going to recovery in the exact same way.  It is very important to follow these recovery instructions.  The surgeon will tailor the instructions to help minimize the pain, promote healing and ensure the risk of complications is minimized.

In two to four weeks a patient will be feeling normal again.  At this time they can begin to really appreciate their tummy tuck results.  Before this time, however, they will likely not see much of a change in their abdominal area due to swelling. 

During recovery patients will be advised to seek medical help should they experience any of the following:
- severe pain that is not helped by medication
- signs of infection
- problems breathing

It is important for a patient to understand that tummy tuck recovery is as important as the actual surgery for getting good lasting results.  The recovery phase lets the body heal and can play an important role in preventing complications. 

Tummy tuck recovery is important for patients to understand.  They are responsible for ensuring they follow all doctors' orders about recovery so they can recover quickly and minimize the risk for complications.