A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a great operation to improve the middle of your body. It is so effective that I call it the facelift of the body. Here are ten instructions to know to help you recover after your tummy tuck surgery.
1. Abdominoplasties (tummy tucks) usually have a moderate amount of postoperative
discomfort due to the sewing of the abdominal muscles together. In addition to taking
your pain medication, keeping yourself in a partially flexed position (knees slightly
bent toward your chest) when resting in either a chair or bed is very helpful during the
first week after surgery.
2. You will have either one or two drains coming out of the pubic area after surgery.
They will be removed when the drainage is sufficiently low. As most drains don’t
come out before 10 to 14 days after surgery (in a full tummy tuck), it is not
important to start recording their output until after the first postoperative week.
3. Get up and walk periodically even in the first few days after surgery. This will help
you breathe deeper and ultimately feel better. Judge your activity level on how you
are feeling. You will tire more easily than expected, even up to one month after
surgery.
4. You may shower on the 3rd day after surgery. Do not submerge your incision in a bath
tub or hottub/jacuzzi until 1 month after surgery. By this time, your drains will have
been removed and the incision healed adequately to prevent internal contamination.
5. Tapes are usually placed across the abdominal incision. They should be left in place
and do not require any care. They will be removed within the first two
weeks after surgery.
6. You are to continue wearing your abdominal binder for 2 weeks after surgery. As
these binders have a tendency to ride up, it is important to keep them repositioned
low over the hips so some pressure can be maintained over the incision site.
7. Numbness of the abdominal skin is to be expected and complete return of feeling
may take up to 6 months after surgery. During this period, exposure to heat (e.g., hot
tubs, heating pads) should be done with this consideration in mind to avoid potential
burn injuries.
8. Avoid exercise and heavy lifting for 6 weeks after surgery. Abdominal stress and
abdominal specific exercises can be resumed 8 weeks after surgery.
9. You may drive when you feel comfortable and can react normally and are off pain
medication.
10. If any redness, tenderness, or drainage develops after the first week of surgery, call
immediately and have your pharmacy number ready.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana