2 Min Read
A tummy tuck surgery, also known as an abdominoplasty, is when excess skin and fat are removed from the lower and middle part of the abdomen to tighten the abdominal wall. This procedure gives patients a stomach that appears thinner and firmer.
While many people know what a tummy tuck is, there may still be some common burning questions.
1. Is a Tummy Tuck Procedure Painful?
An abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure, so there will be some level of discomfort and pain.
The intensity of the pain varies from patient to patient. Some patients report moderate pain, while others report high levels of pain.
There have been recent medical developments that have reduced the level of pain associated with the abdominoplasty procedure. Pain pumps and long-lasting local anesthetic make the surgery much more tolerable than in previous decades.
Your doctor can prescribe pain medication that will help soothe the symptoms during your recovery process.
2. What Should I Expect From My Recovery Process?
Most patients can walk after a tummy tuck surgery and are encouraged to do so. Depending on your doctor’s advice, you may be asked to take short walks three to four times a day, lasting for only a few minutes.
Immediately after surgery, you may find it difficult to stand up straight and may walk hunched for a few days. The skin of your stomach is tight at first, and your doctor may ask that you do not straighten for the first four to five days.
If your tummy tuck surgery includes drains, they will be removed anywhere between four days to two weeks post-surgery.
Most patients can drive a car one week after surgery.
You will need to restrict most movement for the first two weeks after surgery. Patients will also need to wear an abdominal pressure garment for several weeks. This garment will promote circulation and reduce swelling.
Many patients can return to work within two weeks. However, this will depend on the type of job you do. In some cases, individuals will need to wait up to four weeks before returning to work.
The recovery process can be quite different from person to person. The average patient is completely recovered in six to eight weeks.
3. How Long Do the Results Last?
If you do not experience drastic weight gain or pregnancy after the surgery, the results can be permanent.
Are You Interested in Learning More About Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Stop just dreaming about a smooth abdominal contour. You can have the body you dream of with a straightforward procedure. Book a consultation today to discuss your tummy tuck by calling the Birmingham Specialists at 205-298-8660.