Eat Foods High In Protein & Drink Plenty Of Water After A Tummy Tuck. Patients should pack lunches and snacks that are high in protein. High protein foods give enough energy to get through the day. Eating proper amounts of protein is also essential for the healing process.
If you have a “mini tummy tuck” with a smaller incision, you'll likely need between one and three weeks of elevated sleeping. On the other hand, full-tummy tuck patients require about four weeks, with six weeks of limiting any strenuous exercise or lifting.
After a tummy tuck, getting low enough to sit down on the toilet can be difficult and uncomfortable. A toilet seat booster may just be your new best friend. This device can be purchased online and delivered to your home for your convenience.
Constipation is a common complication after surgery and can cause unwanted strain on the abdominal muscles. Avoiding constipation goes hand in hand with a proper diet. To prevent constipation, add high fiber foods to your diet both before and after the surgery to make it easier for the bowels to empty.
After a tummy tuck procedure constipation can be an issue, because opioid pain medications will slow down your bowels. After a muscle repair, there can be pain with straining if you are constipated.
The best sleeping position after tummy tuck surgery is on your back with your upper body elevated to create a slight bend or angle. Using pillows or sleeping in a recliner is ideal to achieve this position.
Dr. LoVerme advises patients to wear loose, baggy clothing to and from surgery. Pick a pair of drawstring pants and a zip-up or button-up top or jacket that can easily slip over the compression garment, bandages and possible drains.
Removing drains too soon may result in fluid buildup, seroma, and the need for fluid aspiration and/or a second surgery. Generally speaking, most patients who require tummy tuck drains are able to have them removed after about 1 – 3 weeks.
In the first week after tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Patronella recommends patients take short walks of 10 minutes, gradually increasing this to one mile, twice daily by days 10 to 14 days after the procedure.
Use a mild soap and keep your shower on a gentle setting. Avoid applying soap directly to the incisions until they are sealed. Air dry. Avoid toweling the incision area to prevent reopening the wound.
To prepare for a tummy tuck, your surgeon will instruct you to stop using drugs, medications, and supplements that could increase bleeding. This may include herbal supplements, anti-inflammatories, or aspirin. For those who smoke, stop at least two weeks prior.
Most women lose between 2 and 3 pants sizes after a tuck, but there are patients who lose even more. If you had a lot of loose skin before the procedure, for example, you could go down 4 more pants sizes.
Many tummy tuck patients choose to sleep in a recliner during recovery, which perfectly situates their body in a safe position. If a recliner is not possible or comfortable, U-Shaped body and neck pillows will give you the foundation to sleep correctly in your bed.
In general, you do not need breast support during tummy tuck and you can wear regular bra after surgery.
Patients report feeling groggy, tired, and occasionally nauseous. You'll feel weak and sitting or standing up may be uncomfortable on the first day of your tummy tuck recovery.
How soon can you walk after a tummy tuck? You absolutely can walk up and downstairs immediately after surgery. Once again use common sense. If you need someone to help you on the stairs then do so.
Answer: Resting Position After Tummy Tuck
Most doctors are going to want you in a "lawnchair" or reclined position for the first week or so after surgery. I provide an electric lift chair for my patients at our overnight facility, and they can also easily be rented by the month from many places.
One thing people don't realize about a tummy tuck is that after the surgery it can be difficult to sit or stand upright. You'll want to have someone on hand to help you get around your home and help with daily tasks that you might not be up to, such as washing the dishes, getting the mail or doing the laundry.
A properly performed tummy tuck can reduce your waist size and help you feel confident about your curves again. Some patients may lose many inches off their waist, while others will see more subtle results. It all depends on how much tissue can be removed safely. Dr.
Some shortness of breath is not uncommon following a surgery such as tummy tuck. Bedrest, immobility, pain meds, etc. can attribute to some changes in activity tolerance. However, severe shortness of breath coupled with lower leg pain could be a sign of serious concern such as a blood clot.