Planning A Tummy Tuck? 4 Things You Can Expect Following The Procedure
If you've decided to have a tummy tuck, you're not alone. Tummy tucks are a popular cosmetic procedure. There are a variety of reasons to have a tummy tuck. Some women undergo tummy tucks to restore their stomachs to pre-pregnancy appearance. Others have tummy tucks to alleviate the bulge left behind after weight loss. Regardless of the reason, tummy tucks remain an excellent way to obtain a flatter stomach. Now that you're preparing for your tummy tuck, you'll also want to prepare for the recovery process. Here are four things to prepare for.
Your Weight Might Go Up
If you've decided to undergo a tummy tuck following weight loss, you might expect to lose a few pounds after the procedure. You might even decide to check the scales as soon as you get home from the hospital. You should know, however, that your scales might actually show a slight weight gain for the first few days following the procedure. That's because you'll experience some water retention during the recovery process. The extra weight should drop off once you've recovered from the surgery.
Your Skin Will Be Tight
If you're scheduled for a tummy tuck, you'll need to prepare for the changes you'll experience during the first few days after surgery. One of those changes involves your abdominal skin. When you have a tummy tuck, the excess skin you have on your abdomen will be removed, and the muscles will be tightened. This is done to create a flatter abdomen. However, because of the tightening, you won't be able to stand up as straight as you'd expect, especially during the first couple of weeks after surgery. You can alleviate the discomfort by resting in a reclined position.
You'll Experience Swelling
If you plan to have a tummy tuck, be prepared for the swelling. After your tummy tuck, your abdomen will experience some swelling and inflammation. To keep the swelling to a minimum, your doctor might recommend that you wear a compression garment for several months following the procedure. The compression garment will reduce the swelling and help to ensure optimum results from your tummy tuck.
You'll Have Some Drainage
If you're going to have a tummy tuck, you can expect to have some drainage. In fact, your doctor might place a drainage tube in your abdomen following the surgery. The drainage tube helps to remove fluid that builds up after a tummy tuck. In most cases, you'll have a tube at least several days following your surgery.
Share