Best Ab Board After Tummy Tuck

If you are considering a tummy tuck, it is important to know that your recovery will be different depending on the extent of your procedure. A full tummy tuck involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdominal area, as well as tightening the muscles in the abdominal wall. This procedure can offer dramatic improvements in contour and shape for patients who have loose skin and excess fat in this area.

A partial tummy tuck does not remove any skin or fat. Instead, it focuses on tightening the muscles in the abdominal wall. A partial tummy tuck is an ideal option for patients who have a small amount of extra skin but also want to tighten their muscles without removing any skin or fat at all.

To ensure a quick recovery and reduce the risk of complications, you can do a few things before surgery, regardless of the procedure you choose:

• Eat well and follow your doctor’s advice about drinking plenty of fluids before surgery; this will help prevent dehydration during recovery
• Avoid strenuous activity for 2 weeks after surgery; exercise after that time should be limited to light aerobic activities like walking or swimming
• Stay off your feet as much as possible while recovering from surgery; lying down while resting helps reduce swelling in.

If there is one thing that confuses patients after they’ve had body contouring, it’s whether or not (and how!) to wear a compression garment. This article will answer all your questions about wearing compression garments. We gathered the most common questions from patients across the globe to create the most comprehensive guide you will find anywhere online.

Benefits of wearing compression garments after surgery

Compression garments serve many purposes and help aid your recovery after a tummy tuck, lipo, or body lift. Some of the key benefits include

• Reduced swelling: If you are wondering how to reduce swelling after a contouring procedure, a compression garment will do just that. It helps restrict the edema that occurs after surgery by applying firm pressure to the area.
• Lower risk of bruising and bleeding: Studies have shown that wearing post-op garments reduces hematoma and lowers the risk of postoperative bleeding.
• Speeds the healing process: Patients who wear compression garments after body contouring surgery may be able to return to their normal daily activities sooner than those who do not. They can improve oxygen levels in soft tissue, allowing faster tissue repair. Some brands, like Lipo-elastic, even have perforated material that touches only some parts of the skin to increase blood circulation. Increased circulation promotes faster recovery.
• Shapes & contours: A compression garment can help support and reinforce your new curves as you heal. For example, after liposuction, wearing one is especially beneficial for patients with poor skin elasticity since after-surgery garments promote skin retraction.
• Potentially reduced risk of keloid scarring: Keloids can form when excess scar tissue grows over a healed wound. Compression therapy is the first line of defense against keloids since it can soften and break up keloid scar formations.
• Reduced infection risk: Like a Band-Aid, a compression garment can shield your skin from outside germs like a barrier. It protects the wound while you heal.
• Less pain & discomfort after surgery: Gentle pressure and support can relieve pain symptoms. For example, think about when you bang your shin. Your instinct is to apply pressure to the area with your hand. Why? It makes the injured area feel better. The same principle applies after trauma from a surgical procedure. Again, the key is gentle pressure.

Common questions about post-op compression garments

How long do I need to wear compression garments after liposuction, a tummy tuck or body lift surgery?

Patients typically wear a compression garment for 4-6 weeks following larger body contouring procedures on average. For minor procedures, two weeks may be enough. The length of time you need to wear a post-surgery garment may vary based on your surgeon’s protocol. It can depend on the amount of skin and fat removed, the amount of loose skin remaining, your skin elasticity, and other factors.

Do I need to wear compression garments 24/7?

After surgery, many surgeons recommend wearing the garment day and night for the first 1–3 weeks, except to shower. Of course, this advice may vary depending on the specific procedure and extent of the surgery. During the second phase of recovery, which typically spans weeks 3-6, you might only need to wear the garment during the day. Some surgeons recommend wearing the garment around the clock, even during the second phase of recovery, if you can tolerate it. The choice ultimately depends on your surgeon’s aftercare protocol.

Can I remove my binder or garment to shower?

It is safe and necessary to remove your compression garment when taking a shower. Most patients are cleared to shower 48 hours after a tummy tuck, liposuction or After bathing, gently pat yourself dry with a clean towel. Once your skin has completely dried, it’s time to reapply your compression garment.

What is the best garment to wear after a tummy tuck?

You will wear a surgical bra for four weeks following smaller procedures like breast augmentation or a breast lift.

The quality of a compression garment is critical. It can vary depending on the manufacturer. Here are some features to consider when making a purchase:

• Antibacterial properties: For For example, Lipoelect is a brand that manufactures garments embedded with silver nanoparticles, which help prevent bacterial growth on the skin. These properties These materials may reduce the spread of microbes, which the company claims will speed healing and reduce odor.
• Choose a blend of breathable materials to enhance your comfort. You should avoid cheap, scratchy or itchy fabrics that are too abrasive for healing skin. Breathable materials will reduce sweating, keeping you dry and comfortable.
• Durability: A sturdy, supportive fabric with plenty of stretch and durability will perform well.
• Moisture-wicking materials aim to remove moisture from your skin. This procedure will not only enhance your comfort but also inhibit the spread of bacteria, as they thrive in conditions of moisture and heat. It It may also reduce odor caused by bacteria.
• Flat seams or seamless design: This approach will help you avoid unnecessary irritation on the skin as you heal.
• Quality closures: Unlike binders, compression garments feature zippers or hook-and-eye closures. Zippers and clasps should be easily accessible for your comfort. These features will lessen the strain you experience when putting on and taking off the garment.

How can I hide my post-op garments during the day?

During the initial phases of recuperation, you will be resting at home. However, it might be necessary to conceal the garment when you return to work or attend an event. Tummy tuck girdles and binders are relatively simple to hide if you avoid tight clothes. However, the hooks and zippers of compression garments pose challenges. The right clothing can easily conceal these.

If you’re wondering how to conceal a compression garment under your clothes, here are some tips:

Accessorize with outerwear: Vests and kimonos are a wonderful way to hide compression garments no matter the season. In spring and summer, look for lightweight fabrics and gauzy materials. In In the fall and winter, opt for vests or jackets made from heavier or knitted materials.

Layer your clothing: An extra layer of fabric can go a long way in concealing a compression garment, especially if it has zippers and hooks. These can look bumpy under clothes. A For example, adding a breathable camisole tank top can help.

When it comes to thicker fabrics, denser materials like knits or thick-knit cotton can effectively conceal the garment.

Choose nude compression garments: They come in various nude shades. If you are wearing light-colored tops, the color of the garment underneath matters. The closer the garment matches your natural skin tone, the better. If you are very pale, choose a light-colored garment. Dark or tanned skin may go for taupe, tan or chocolate brown compression garments. If you are Asian, a garment that is more tan or has a slight yellow undertone may work better. Of course, each patient has a unique skin tone, but you get the idea.

Wear loose, comfortable clothes to ensure your comfort during your recovery. Luckily, office attire is much more relaxed today than ever. Choose flowing fabrics and garments that won’t chafe your skin. Often, natural materials will enhance your comfort when worn under a compression garment. Fabrics that are itchy or tight can cause discomfort.

Ab exercises after a tummy tuck.

6 Steps to Working Out After a Tummy Tuck

An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a procedure that reduces and removes unwanted fat and skin in the abdominal area. It also tightens the abdominal muscles when necessary. Getting a tummy tuck is an exciting process, but what should you expect post-op? After the surgery and throughout the first few weeks of recovery, you will likely see a tremendous difference in your body and be excited to resume your regular activities and workouts. But, before you jump on the treadmill or pick up a kettlebell and start lifting, it is important to follow your doctor’s guidelines for resuming exercise after a tummy tuck.

1. Listen to Your Doctor

Before you do any physical activity, talk to your doctor about what you should expect from exercise after an abdominoplasty surgery and how long you should wait to get started. Your surgeon’s response will depend on your condition prior to surgery, your personal surgical experience, and how your body is recovering. If you were a marathon runner before your procedure, you will most likely return to your active lifestyle more quickly than someone who spends more time on the couch.

2. Sit Up and Get Up

Immediately following a tummy tuck procedure, even the most physically fit people may need support with seemingly simple tasks like sitting up and down. It is important to move around a bit in the first 24 hours following your abdominoplasty surgery to help promote blood circulation. However, it’s crucial to have a companion present when you initially start, as you may feel unsteady. Walking after tummy tuck surgery is important; each day following your procedure, you should walk a little bit longer and a bit farther to increase your strength and facilitate healing.

3. Perform Light Cardiovascular Activity Soon After Surgery

Would your tummy tuck require tightening the abdominal muscles? As in most cases, it usually takes about 2 weeks before you will be able to begin light cardiovascular exercise. Again, it is important to consult your doctor before beginning any exercise after plastic surgery. Once you receive approval, you can begin with light exercise activities that raise your heart rate without directly engaging your abdominal or core muscles, such as walking, elliptical riding, or stationary cycling. If your tummy tuck is “skin-only,” meaning only the skin is excised and tightened, but no tightening of the muscles is necessary, then recovery is quicker, and you will be able to return to pre-surgery exercise levels sooner.

4. Strengthen Your Upper Body and Legs, but Avoid Your Abdominals

Once you are comfortable with light cardiovascular activity, most patients can begin performing light weightlifting activities about 3 weeks after a tummy tuck procedure. These should be exercises that strengthen your arms, chest, shoulders, and legs—in addition to light cardio activities. Again, it is important to avoid heavy weightlifting during this time. You will want to avoid pull-ups, powerlifting, planking, sit-ups and other abdominal or lifting exercises. (Who doesn’t love an excuse to avoid burpees?) Having a personal trainer during this period is crucial to your recovery. The personal trainer can provide you with targeted exercises that do not put undue stress on your abdominals, ensuring your tummy tuck recovery timeline remains as short as possible.

5. Start Working Out Those Abs

After about 5–6 weeks following your tummy tuck procedure, once your surgeon has given you approval, you can gradually start to expand your exercise program, including pilates and yoga. During this time, a personal trainer can be an invaluable resource. They can coach you on the form, duration, and even progression of exercises as you regain strength in your abdominal muscles. You should still avoid any heavy weightlifting or exercises that target the abdominal muscles until your physician permits it. This is because abdominal toning exercises after a tummy tuck only lead to stress in the region, which can adversely affect your recovery.

6. Resume Your Normal Workout Routine

Congratulations! Around 7-10 weeks after your tummy tuck procedure, you should feel comfortable easing back into your regular exercise routine. You can begin doing crunches, sit-ups, and planks, as long as you progressively increase your repetitions. I recommend focusing on performing these exercises with impeccable form. Be sure to pay attention to your body as you resume your routine. Start slowly, set reasonable goals, trust your body, and listen to what it needs.

Every patient is unique, and every recovery process is personal; your recovery will not be the same as that of your sister or friend. Your genetic makeup, pre-surgery fitness level, nutrition habits, environment, and support structure all play a part in your recovery time—and your surgeon’s advice takes these and many other factors into account. To achieve the results you desire, it is critical to follow your surgeon’s recovery instructions for care after a tummy tuck with precision. Trying to skip recovery steps or pushing through the recovery process too hard not only yields frustration, it can undo the results you have already achieved.

Conclusion

A tummy tuck procedure is a big decision but can also be life-changing. At Belcara Health, we want you to be as comfortable as possible and excited about your decision, which is why we offer a private in-person consultation with your doctor, as well as virtual consultations to address any concerns you may have prior to surgery.