A tummy tuck surgery is an invasive surgical procedure that requires the skills and expertise of a qualified surgeon. Most women in New Jersey decide to go through with this surgery after having multiple pregnancies that distorted their abdominal appearance, or after losing a significant amount of weight leaving the skin sagging. Getting the recovery part right is important in order to ensure a successful outcome following this cosmetic procedure.
1. Heed your Surgeon’s Instructions
Your surgeon is your number one ally in your surgical procedure. He knows you, most especially your body’s ability to handle the surgery after careful tests and examination. Before and after surgery, he will give you some instructions which he expects to be followed to the letter so that your surgical journey could be a successful one. Ensure that you heed all his advice, and instructions if you wish to have an amazing experience.
2. Take all Prescribed Medications
Medicines are meant to help us feel better when our health is in jeopardy. After surgery, you would experience a lot of pain, nausea, and vomiting due to the anesthesia injection. The surgeon would prescribe several medications such as anti-nausea medicines to help stop the effects of the anesthesia injection injected during surgery, pain relievers to help reduce the pain felt at the incision sites, as well as antibiotics which would help fight against infections causing diseases. It is advisable while recovering to make sure that all your medicines are taken at the correct time, with a lot of water.
3. Maintain Cleanliness
A clean environment is always safe and secure for all. It is free from all kinds of bacteria, fungi, and viruses which may cause severe infections to the wounds. It goes hand-in-hand with maintaining personal hygiene such as wearing clean clothes and changing your bandages as often as possible.
4. Always Eat Healthily
Eating healthily is advised before and after surgery. A healthy body is strong enough to fight all infections and diseases and has the ability to produce antibodies that promote faster healing. However, the diet before surgery changes after surgery when one shifts from heavy, healthy meals to light, healthy meals. This is because post-surgery, a person’s appetite would probably diminish which makes one lose interest in food. Light, healthy meals would be easy to prepare and to eat which still keeps you healthy.
5. Drink Plenty of Water
The human body is 60% covered with water. It performs several functions in the body such as regulating body temperature, protecting the body organs and tissues, transporting nutrients and oxygen to the cells, lubricates the joints and reduces the burden on the kidneys and liver by eliminating waste products. Generally, it is of significant importance that’s why it has to be taken in plenty.
6. Avoid Constipation
Constipation is a condition in which you face difficulty while emptying the bowels. It is simply associated with hardened feces and pain. It is the last thing you would want to experience after a tummy tuck surgery. Remember you would still be in pain from your surgical procedures. Adding extra pain would be more than unbearable. To prevent this, start taking stool softener medications, or laxative drugs such as lactulose, Miralax, and lactitol.
7. Have Plenty of Sleep and Rest
Post-surgery, a patient’s tummy is usually swollen, and painful. Although drugs are administered to help counter this, one needs to get plenty of sleep and rest. Sleep and rest help the body experience a smooth recovery as it tries to restore itself to its initial state. The stomach’s tissue muscles are able to relax more which shows positive progress. Also, the sleeping position changes after surgery to accommodate the abdominal body changes. A patient is advised to sleep in an inclined position, with the help of pillows for support, thus reducing pressure and stress on the abdominal section.
8. Change your Wardrobe
Post-surgery, it would be difficult to put on your regular outfits which are tight and uncomfortable. A tummy tuck surgery would require you to put on loose, comfortable outfits to avoid disturbing the abdominal section that probably would still have fresh wounds. These clothes should open, or zip-up from the front which makes them easier to remove and put back on.
9. Always wear a Compression Garment
A compression garment is as important as your prescribed medications. It is recommended as it applies significant pressure on the surgical area to hold it in place. This helps prevent unnecessary movements on the operated area causing unnecessary in-built pressure that may result in avoidable complications.
Conclusion
Recovery depends on one’s willingness to heal. A willing person would do all that this article says, and a little extra as instructed by the surgeon. Follow the above guide to experience a fast, smooth, and safe recovery.
