Having a tummy tuck is a big decision. It’s not something that you can just take back if you don’t like the results. That’s why it’s so important to have a doctor who knows what they’re doing, and who has the experience and training to get you the results you want.
When Dr. Robert T. Gruber first started doing tummy tucks back when he was in college, it was considered an experimental surgery. But now, thanks in part to his work, tummy tucks are routine procedures performed every day all over the country.
Dr. Gruber is an experienced professional with decades of experience performing plastic surgery on patients of all shapes and sizes. He’s skilled at working with patients who have had significant weight fluctuations, as well as those who have given birth multiple times or have had babies later in life. Dr. Gruber specializes in abdominoplasty and has performed thousands of successful surgeries over his career.
You may find it hard to access the right information on the internet, so we are here to help you in the following article, providing the best and updated information on 5 months post op tummy tuck swelling, 6 months post op tummy tuck pictures. Read on to learn more. We at collegelearners have all the information that you need about swelling 4 months after tummy tuck. Read on to learn more.
5 months post op tummy tuck swelling
When it comes to looking your very best, there is plenty that you can do on your own. For instance, exercising regularly, staying well hydrated, and eating right can keep you looking quite fit. There are some things that you can’t do on your own, however, such as tightening your skin after major weight loss. In such cases, drooping, sagging, and stretch marks are unavoidable. Thankfully, a skilled plastic surgeon can help you achieve a trimmer, slimmer frame, addressing those issues with skin laxity that diet and exercise cannot. One of the most common options for these kinds of issues is the tummy tuck, which you may know better as an abdominoplasty.
About Tummy Tuck Surgery
Tummy tuck surgery can tighten the abdominnal skin and eliminate stretch marks, which is ideal for people who have lost a considerable amount of weight and are dealing with loose skin and other body contouring issues. During the tummy tuck, a series of incisions is made along the lower abdominal region. Through these incisions, underlying structures are adjusted and excess skin is removed.
Following surgery, there are a number of side effects that patients may face. One of which is swelling.
Is swelling common after tummy tuck surgery?
Side effects following surgery are normal and a sign that your body is healing. As such, swelling after tummy tuck surgery is a common issue that all patients face and it is perfectly normal.
How long will the swelling after tummy tuck surgery last?
Swelling after tummy tuck surgery can last for quite some time since the surgery is rather extensive. The most noticeable swelling experienced after tummy tuck will subside after about two to three months, though mild swelling or puffiness in the abdominal region will still be common. Gradually over the course of a year to a year and a half, patients will notice the post-surgical swelling diminish.
What is the best way to deal with the swelling after tummy tuck surgery?
In general, the best option for dealing with post-surgical swelling is to follow your surgeon’s instructions for post-operative care to the letter. Be sure to wear your compression garments as directed, as this will help you experience a better recovery and will also help ease the swelling and puffiness after surgery.
Remember to be patient after you undergo tummy tuck surgery since swelling will naturally resolve itself with time as part of the natural healing process.
Keep In Touch with Your Surgeon for Additional Guidance
It’s important that patients stay in touch with their surgeon as they recover, which means more than just showing up to follow-up visits. Any questions or concerns should be addressed to the surgeon so that various matters can be addressed in a timely manner. This is crucial not just for ensuring total wellness but peace of mind as well.
swelling 4 months after tummy tuck
When considering a tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, you’ll more than likely envision the end result right from the very start. Convey these goals to the board-certified plastic surgeon during your consultation. From there, the two of you can discuss how to effectively achieve them. It’s also essential to understand what recovery will look like, and how long it will take. This helps ensure you’ve set realistic expectations.
The timeline for tummy tuck recovery varies, based on the individual patient and factors such as age, general health, type of tummy tuck (extended or mini), and level of post-surgery care. After the procedure, your surgeon will discuss your specific road to healing, but patients typically see results and feel fully recovered eight weeks later.
Long Island’s premier plastic surgery practice Buglino Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery developed a useful timeline explaining the various stages of recovery following your abdominoplasty. For more specific information, contact your surgeon.
Immediately After Surgery
Your abdomen will be secured with an abdominal binder, which is later exchanged for a compression garment. A mesh strip surgical dressing will be placed along the incisions, and small tubes around these, to drain any built-up fluid.
Follow your surgeon’s instructions to ensure you are adequately prepared for a successful recovery. You’ll be told how to care for your drain tubes. The secured mesh over the incision will not require any daily maintenance. You will be instructed on the types of physical activity to avoid, how long to wear an abdominal pressure garment, and more. You won’t be able to drive yourself home, so make the proper arrangements.
Several Days After Surgery
Because you’ll have limited mobility for a few days following the abdominoplasty, you’ll need to recruit help. You’ll have difficulty bending, lifting, and standing for long periods, so having someone around to provide assistance can be beneficial to your recovery.
You may feel some pain and tenderness at the site for several days. Most surgeons will prescribe antibiotics and anticoagulants for patients to take. An abdominal support garment should also help with swelling and discomfort.
Patients may want to keep their diets light in the days following surgery to ensure they’re not straining their stomach muscles. Try to eat low-sodium foods to reduce inflammation, and increase fiber intake to decrease strain during bowel movements.
Alcohol, smoking, and excessive sun exposure should be avoided for at least three months post-surgery.
One to Three Weeks After Surgery
It’s also essential to understand what recovery will look like, and how long it will take. This helps ensure you’ve set realistic expectations.
During the follow-up visit with your surgeon, he or she will decide if it is the right time to remove your mesh strip bandage. At this time, you should already notice a significant change in your stomach’s contour.
After the checkup, you’ll need to continue wearing your support garment, based on your surgeon’s instructions.
If you have a sedentary job, you can likely return to work. However, if it requires heavy lifting and constant standing or bending, you may not be able to resume work for two to three weeks.
Those looking to jump back on the treadmill or elliptical machine will need to wait about three weeks. Although ultimately determined on a case-by-case basis, it will commonly take approximately six weeks to return to weight training. When you resume either of these activities, keep an eye on your incision. If you notice any swelling, limit your activity and contact your surgeon.
One to Three Months After Surgery
Many will still experience swelling in the months following a tummy tuck. You may also feel a numbness, pulling sensation, or experience bruising in your abdomen area. The incision should be fully healed, but it’s possible your remaining scar will still appear red and raised. This will eventually become flat and fade.
One to two months after surgery, it’s generally safe to resume normal activities, including strength training or a profession that involves physical activity. However, your surgeon will make the ultimate determination.
One Year After Surgery
One year later, your abdominoplasty should be fully healed, and results visible. Your inflammation should be gone, and your scar faded. Although the latter will never completely disappear, it should be nearly invisible, and hidden beneath your underwear line.
Ensure you’re maintaining your results with a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Gaining or losing weight may change the appearance of your abdominal area, and produce sagging skin. This is one of the reasons why patients should wait until they’ve had all their children before undergoing the procedure. If you maintain your weight, the results of an abdominoplasty by a board-certified surgeon will last a lifetime.