The Physical Healing Process

The tummy tuck operation, although relatively straightforward in the sense that thousands of operations are successfully carried out every year, is a major surgery.  Involving the stretching of a large surface area of skin and the exposure of the rib cage and vertical abdominal muscles, the procedure carries various risks and requires a long recovery period.  It is important in this period to work with the surgeon or medical practitioner to discuss your progress and identify any problems if they arise.

Prior to your surgery, your consultant will discuss all the dietary and lifestyle requirements necessary to ensure a speedy recovery.  In the case of abdominoplasty, this means a refrain from smoking for at least two weeks after surgery, and avoiding exposure of the operation site to sunlight until healed.  The consultant will also discuss more specific requirements, which will be variable based on a number of factors including age, health, gender and body type. 

In the immediate aftermath of your procedure, you will almost certainly require the assistance of another.  Patients find themselves lost without their physical capabilities, and great discomfort can arise from even the simplest of tasks such as driving or getting dressed.  It is important to ensure someone is there at the hospital to collect you from your procedure and remain with you for the immediate future until you get used to coping with you discomfort and learn what you can and can't do.  This is usually a trying time for patients, particularly those who previously lead an active lifestyle, although it is a beneficial sacrifice to ensure a speedier overall recovery.

It is also strongly recommended that patients eat a balanced healthy diet after their surgery.  This includes a blend of fruit and vegetables as well as meats and carbohydrates to aid recovery.  Under no circumstances should patients starve themselves, or use this as an opportunity to lose weight as this will seriously hinder the recovery process and could lead to a requirement for additional surgery.  Additional surgery could lead to unusually visible scarring, and could cause complications with the procedure itself, therefore it is best avoided, particularly during the recovery period.

Additionally, patients are recommended to engage in some form of light exercise, although care should be taken to avoid over exertion.  Patients should also give priority to the advice of their surgeon, and plan light exercise according to his/her guidelines.  Patients can initially begin by trying some walking and very light stretching, although it is essential that patients' realise their limitations.  The tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure, therefore care should be taken not to progress too quickly to avoid injury.  Only after several weeks to months of mild activity should patients consider exerting themselves in more active pursuits. 

The physical healing process is one that takes time.  There is no magical cure other than rest, mild exercise and eating well.  With patience and time, you will be able to resume your natural daily lifestyle with no complications or discomfort other than the permanent scar left by the procedure.

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