Abdominoplasty recovery takes approximately six weeks, with most patients feeling back to normal by this time. It is normal to experience mild to moderate discomfort with associated fatigue immediately after the procedure and during the first two weeks of the abdominoplasty recovery period. We recommend you get sufficient rest during the first three weeks after surgery and avoid vigorous physical activities, including going to the gym for a minimum of six weeks. We commonly get asked about the abdominoplasty recovery process and what activities can be safely undertaken during the first six weeks.
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What can I expect to feel after abdominoplasty surgery?
It is normal to experience swelling and tiredness magically after the procedure and for the first few weeks. It is important not to do too much too soon to minimise the risks of complications occurring. Always listen to your body; if you experience sudden discomfort, you should refrain from that specific activity. Your surgeon will give you customised recommendations during the recovery period after an abdominoplasty. Our post-operative nurses will review you one week after your procedure and show you how to look after your incisions. You will also be told about the features to look out for, which may signify an impending wound infection. Advice will also be given on the best foods to eat after a tummy tuck and when you can safely resume physical exercise.
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What is the quickest way to recover from a tummy tuck?
The quickest way to recover from a tummy tuck is to ensure you maintain healthy lifestyle habits, including good nutrition and take sufficient time to rest and recuperate. Your surgeon may issue an antibiotic prescription to prevent infection, and you should avoid excessive alcohol for at least one week after surgery. Smoking should be avoided for at least six weeks after surgery to minimise the risk of wound breakdown and delayed healing. We would recommend at least one week off work and, in many cases, two weeks off to ensure you get adequate time to rest and heal. The exact amount of time off will depend on the type of job you undertake. People with physically demanding occupations will require a longer period of time off. Our specialist surgeons will advise you on what tummy tuck recovery involves and what side effects to look out for. Our post-operative nursing team is available around the clock to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your recovery after tummy tuck surgery. If you want to find out more, reach out to us today on (020) 7993 4849 or complete the contact form below to get further information on tummy tuck surgery in London.
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Is tummy tuck recovery painful?
In most cases, patients report pain after a tummy tuck to be relatively mild as long as they follow the post-operative care instructions in full. Your surgeon will inject a local anaesthetic into the wounds at the end of the procedure, making the initial recovery period smooth and well tolerated. It is normal to experience mild soreness in the tummy tuck incision areas for the first week after surgery. Prescription painkillers can be taken on a preventive basis to minimise any discomfort you may experience. Please contact our nursing team if you have any questions about the pain after a tummy tuck and how this can be best managed. Although a tummy tuck incision can be relatively long, it is not as painful as many believe. Specialised anaesthetic techniques, including local anaesthetic pain pumps, will help to minimise any discomfort during the tummy tuck recovery period. If you experience significant discomfort, we recommend you notify your surgeon to enable an in-person clinical assessment and commence prompt medical treatment.
Drains After Tummy Tuck
The surgeon places surgical drains at the end of the abdominoplasty procedure to facilitate the removal of any blood or body fluids. The drains are under negative pressure, allowing any fluid inside the abdomen to drain efficiently outwards. Without drains, the risk of seroma and haematoma development is much increased, resulting in an adverse impact on wound healing. Our patients are sent home with two drains in situ, and your surgeon will give detailed postoperative advice on all aspects of drain care, including emptying the contents. One of our expert nursing team removes the drains between 3-5 days following your tummy tuck procedure. Drain removal is an effortless and straightforward procedure and takes less than 30 seconds per drain removal.
How do I look after my surgical drain?
You will be discharged with two drains in situ. It is important to keep the drains in a bag to minimise the risk of them coming out prematurely on their own. The drains should be handled only with clean hands and avoid any water from bathing from getting into the drain sites. The character of the drain output is also essential. A straw-coloured or pink colour is to be expected. If the output looks like bright red blood or thick cloudy fluid resembling pus, then this should be urgently reported to your surgeon. Any unusual drainage should always be reported to the surgeon. We may need to call you in for a face-to-face assessment.
Can I get a drain-free tummy tuck?
A drain-free tummy tuck, also known as a “dry” tummy tuck, is a newer technique in which the surgeon does not use drains during the healing process. This technique can offer several benefits for patients, including less discomfort, less risk of infection, and a quicker recovery time.
During a traditional tummy tuck, the surgeon will make an incision in the lower abdominal area, and will then remove excess skin and fat. The remaining skin will be tightened and the abdominal muscles will be repaired, if necessary. After the surgery, the surgeon will place drains in the incision area to remove any excess fluid that may build up. These drains can be uncomfortable and can make it difficult for patients to move around, and they need to be checked and emptied regularly.
A drain-free tummy tuck, on the other hand, uses special techniques and devices to reduce the amount of fluid that accumulates in the surgical area after surgery. This can include the use of compression garments, special dressings, and other techniques to help the body to reabsorb the fluid more quickly. By reducing the need for drains, patients can experience less discomfort, less risk of infection, and a quicker recovery time.
It’s important to note that not all patients are candidates for a drain-free tummy tuck. Factors such as the size of the surgical area, the patient’s overall health, and the surgeon’s experience and expertise may affect the ability to perform a drain-free tummy tuck.
It is important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon at Centre for Surgery who has experience with drain-free tummy tuck techniques, in order to determine if this approach is suitable for you and to discuss the potential benefits and risks. Your surgeon will also give you detailed instructions for post-operative care, which will be crucial for the success of the procedure, and can include the use of compression garments, special dressings, and physical therapy.
When can I drive after abdominoplasty surgery?
We would advise against driving a car for at least two weeks after abdominoplasty surgery. Patients should also avoid vigorous physical exercise, including going to the gym for a minimum of six weeks after surgery. Light exercises such as short walks in the park are beneficial to minimise the risk of deep vein thrombosis. Our post-operative nursing team at Centre for Surgery is available continuously to answer any questions or concerns you may have about the abdominoplasty recovery process. You will be given contact details for our nursing team once you have had your procedure. You will be able to reach out to them at any time, and they will act as your dedicated point of contact throughout your patient journey with us at Centre for Surgery.
Abdominoplasty at Centre for Surgery
Centre for Surgery in London is renowned for its expertise in tummy tuck and abdominoplasty surgery. We are home to some of the top abdominoplasty experts in the UK. As well as the traditional full tummy tuck, we have expertise in Brazilian tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck, Fleur de Lis tummy tuck and mini tummy tuck. Call us today to book an in-person consultation at our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic in Marylebone.
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