Senior Care - How to Provide Elderly Independence

What To Expect After A Tummy Tuck

by Stephen Silva

A tummy tuck is a big decision, and if you have decided to go ahead and get one, you are probably wondering how tough the recovery process will be. You may also be wondering how much time it will take. Knowing all of this is essential for your recovery to go smoothly. Here's a look at what you need to do to recover quickly and safely. 

Medications

You will be prescribed an antibiotic to ensure that there is no infection. You may also be given an anticoagulant to ensure that your blood is clotting properly so that the wound can heal. Your doctor may also give you some medication that you will need to apply to your skin. You will be given pain medication as well. It is important that you only take the pain killers that your doctor has given you. Anything with aspirin is usually off-limits, as it can cause you to bleed more.

Sleep 

You will usually need to sit on an incline for a few days after your surgery. When you keep your upper body slightly raised and your knees bent at an angle, your swelling will be greatly reduced. To ensure that your legs are correctly angled, you can put a pillow underneath your knees to help relieve any pressure you may be feeling on your tummy.

Physical Effects

When you stand after your surgery, you stand you may feel as if your tummy is being pulled. This is normal. Your stomach may feel numb for a few months after your surgery. You may also experience some bruising in the abdominal area. If you see any swelling that is filled with fluid, this is normal and it will eventually go away. Your scar is likely to look very red, but this will fade away with time.

Diet

To stop bloating, you can try eating food such as pineapple and papaya. Green tea is also effective at increasing your immunity level and providing you with antioxidants. Your doctor will advise you on the correct supplements to take, but vitamin E and C are usually recommended.

Getting a tummy tuck is a life-changing event. If you have been struggling with how your tummy looks for some time, it is a big decision to finally do something about it. To get the results that you have dreamed of, you need to carefully plan out your recovery so that you get results that will make you happy. Contact a doctor to learn more about tummy tucks.

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