Tummy Tuck Recovery
Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica
A tummy tuck can have dramatic results on your appearance, helping you regain the sexy, small waist line you once enjoyed. However, it is important to remember that a tummy tuck is extensive surgery that requires a considerable recovery time.
There are several factors which may impact the length of your recovery after a tummy tuck, including:
- Your overall health and fitness level
- The type of tummy tuck procedure that was performed
- How carefully you follow Dr. Kim’s post-operative instructions
At your initial tummy tuck consultation, Santa Monica plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim will give you a detailed explanation of the recovery process. In general, you should expect to miss one to two weeks of work while you recover. However, in some circumstances the recovery period may take longer, especially if you require a full tummy tuck.
The First Week after Tummy Tuck Surgery
Depending in the extensiveness of your procedure, you may need to stay at the hospital overnight following surgery. You may experience some swelling and pain, but this can be managed with a pain pump. The pain and discomfort should gradually subside over the first week.
Dr. Kim encourages you to move around as soon as you feel up to it to promote proper healing. Light exercise can generally be resumed by the end of the first week, although it is best to avoid strenuous activity for about a month.
Your drains will most likely be removed at the end of the first week of your recovery period. Dr. Kim will give you detailed instructions regarding how to change your surgical dressings, when you can shower, and when to begin light activity. It is important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure a smooth recovery.
The Next Few Weeks
You will need to wear a compression garment for the first few weeks after your tummy tuck to promote proper healing and help your skin adjust to the new contour of your stomach region. The compression garment will also minimize swelling and reduce the chances of loose or sagging skin after your tummy tuck.
It is important to resume light exercise as soon as you feel up to it since this will promote faster healing. Walking is generally the best form of exercise at this phase of your tummy tuck recovery. Following the exercise regimen recommended by Dr. Kim will help reduce swelling, prevent blood clots, and improve your immune system. Make sure to pay attention to your body’s reaction to this exercise in order to prevent adverse affects such as reopening your wounds.
Your Tummy Tuck Results
It may take as long as six months for you to see the final results of your tummy tuck. It is important to be patient during this period and understand that your body will take a long time to heal after an extensive procedure like a tummy tuck. The best way to ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible results is to follow Dr. Kim’s after-care instructions very closely.
Please contact us today to schedule your initial consultation. Dr. Eugene Kim serves patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, California, as well as out of state and international patients.
