Our post today is all about how to find the best tummy tuck swimsuit. Tummy tucks are an amazing way to get rid of that extra skin after pregnancy or weight loss, but they can also leave you with a little extra fat. If you’re worried about how that fat will look in a swimsuit, we’ve got the perfect solution for you!
Not only do we have tips for finding the right tummy tuck swimsuit for you, but we also have some great recommendations for flattering designs that will look good on your body. We’ll show you how to find a suit that will make it look like your tummy tuck never happened.
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 Best tummy tuck swimsuit, tummy tuck recovery photos. Read on to learn more. We at cosmeticsurgerytips have all the information that you need about worst days after tummy tuck. Read on to learn more.
Best tummy tuck swimsuit
e’re firm believers that every body is a beach body – and feeling confident and comfortable whether seaside, poolside or just sunning in the garden, is a primary goal. Enter cute, stylish and sexy tummy control swimwear that have extra support and help make you feel like your best self.
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There’s a whole range of fabulous swimwear that have a shapewear effect from popular retailers including Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, H&M, ASOS and Amazon. So if you’re ready to take the plunge, take a look at where you can buy the best tummy control swimsuits of 2022.
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Tummy control swimsuits at Marks & Spencer
M&S COLLECTION Tummy Control Wrap Swimsuit, £29.50, Marks & Spencer
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M&S COLLECTION Padded Mesh Plunge Swimsuit, £29.50, Marks & Spencer
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Marks & Spencer has a full line of tummy control swimsuits and bikinis, including this trendy plunge mesh panel look that’s getting rave reviews and a new-in wrap style.
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Tummy control swimsuits at John Lewis
John Lewis & Partners Twist Bandeau Swimsuit, £35, John Lewis
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Panache Anya Spot Balconnet Swimsuit, £54, John Lewis
Tummy tuck recovery photos
Tummy Tuck Swelling Pictures, Before and After, and Experience. Learn the stages of a tummy tuck, how to recover properly, and the results of a tummy tuck.
The road to recovery from any surgery can be frustrating, and tummy tuck surgery is no different. You may have been surprised to hear how long the recovery process will take and be a bit anxious about your ability to manage it. Generally, I find that it’s easy to be most afraid of the unknown, and often people don’t tell you about what will happen “after.” However, armed with some knowledge and preparation beforehand, you’ll know what to expect and can plan for an easy and successful recovery. Soon, you’ll be ready for beach gatherings and slinky dresses, but first, a bit of a rest.
If you missed the past articles of my journey, read about How much a tummy tuck costs and my Tummy tuck surgery day here.
TUMMY TUCK RECOVERY TIME
The first days home
When you first come home the day of your surgery, you’ll probably immediately notice things are rather uncomfortable. With a fully tummy tuck, the skin on your stomach pulled taught and the soreness and pain from surgery, you’ll be walking in a bent over L shape for at least a week or more. Go slowly! At this point I was sure glad I did not opt for a breast augmentation too!
Take it easy on yourself and don’t be alone. Let your support person help you when you need to use the bathroom or move around. I know this can be so difficult, but injuring yourself at this stage is just not worth it. A note to all those moms out there – resist the temptation to pick up those kiddos or join in on enthusiastic hugs. Lifting and any sort of strenuous movement is a huge no-no as you recover. Wait for your doctor to give you the all-clear first.
Also, be sure you understand your after-care instructions, especially regarding your medication and any drains that may have been inserted into the wound area. While it is difficult, try to walk around at least a little bit every few hours. This keeps your blood circulating and can decrease the likelihood of a blood clot forming. If you have any questions or concerns about what is “normal” at any time during your recovery, contact your doctor’s office. Make sure you keep all follow-up appointments with your doctor so they can monitor your recovery and let you know when you can up your activity level again. It generally takes a few weeks before you’ll be back on your feet. Prepare for this in advance and have some quiet activities like reading, knitting or several binge-worthy shows waiting on Netflix before your surgery.
MY FIRST WEEK HOME AFTER TUMMY TUCK
Truthfully the first week after my tummy tuck and liposuction was awful. Well, the first few days were awful and every day it DID get better but looking back, that first whole week sucked. I can’t even remember HOW I got home or in the house, although my husband said I walked. My doctor had sent home these things that went on your legs to help circulate your blood for a few days and help prevent blood clots.
I also had to wear a tight wrap, had a drain on my lower right side and stayed propped up by about 7 pillows when I was on the bed. I ended up sleeping in a zero gravity chair for about 10 days, but more on that later. I think the first few days are the worst because you are battling tightness, you cannot stand up straight at all and any amount of movement hurt my upper AND lower muscles.
Laughing hurt, coughing hurt, SNEEZING WAS THE WORST.
(tummy tuck pictures Post Op Day 1)
The first time I had to pee after surgery I thought it might be better to just get diapers.
I literally just stood over the toilet to pee, which by the way is a good tip. Pee like a dude for the first few days. Pride…gone. Sitting down meant standing up and I learned pretty quickly to limit my usage of abs. My husband had to help me remove my clothes for about 2 days any time I needed to use the restroom or get in the shower. This is also going to sound crazy, but I used a walker the first week as well and it really helped me feel a lot more stable and be more independent getting from the bed to other areas in the house.
I had not bought one prior to surgery but my husband brought one home and it ended up being used quite a bit.
Stay on your meds!
Keeping on the pain meds, stool softeners, muscle relaxers, vitamins, and whatever else your Doctor asked you to do is very important. Throw that whole “toughing it out” thing out the window. I slept for a good 4-5 days, in and out of watching TV and falling back asleep. Your body just went through something major and it needs recovery time. I thought, since I worked from home and have an office here, that I could be back at my desk pretty quick. I could…but NOT the first week.
You will absolutely need to take the time off. I had a few moments where I thought I was getting better (and I was) but then I had a set back of pain or exhaustion. Do not over do it!
LIPO RECOVERY SUCKS.
I had lipo of my flanks in conjunction with my tummy tuck. It helped transition the area a lot more smoothly. What I didn’t expect was how bad it hurt! My tummy tuck incision area hurt the least, my muscle repair hurt the second, but that lipo…I was way under prepared for the swelling, numbness and bruising. While I do believe lipo is a necessary evil to make all this worth it and wouldn’t have it any other way, it was probably the worst part of recovery.
I am going into week 4 at the time of this article and I am still slightly swollen on my lower back and still numb.
(lipo picture Post Op Day 4)
(lipo picture Post Op Day 6)
(lipo picture Post Op Day 9)
(lipo picture Post Op week 4)
TUMMY TUCK DRAINS
Prior to surgery, drains were my biggest fear. I did a lot of research on a drainless tummy tuck. To be honest, my fears were unfounded. I had one drain that came out on my right side and stayed clipped to my wrap. The drain had to be emptied during the day. My spouse took care of it the first few days and after that, I did it. I noted the drainage the last few days prior to my follow up appointment and as the fluid had slowed down, the Dr. removed the drain.
Removing the drain was WEIRD. There really is no way to describe it. The doctor clipped the drain at the site, then pulled the tube out. I could feel the tube slide over my abdominal muscles, but it did not hurt. There was a small hole where the drain site was that closed within a few days. It’s now a small scar that I am treating and will fade over time.
(tummy tuck pictures Post Op Day 4)
Week 2 After Tummy Tuck
At some point, you’ll get rather bored sitting around. Your body will start to swell, and you’ll get frustrated. About two weeks in you will also wonder if you will ever be able to walk upright again.
Hint: You will.
This stage of recovery, regardless of what type of surgery, is the most challenging mentally. It’s usually a good sign; it means you’re starting to heal, and your body is adapting. This is the time when it is most crucial that you closely follow your doctor’s instructions about exercise, activity, and diet. It can be easy to overdo it physically, languish in unhealthy foods, and feel a bit lonely and isolated. I think I ate more Oreo’s this week than I have my entire life.
Ironic, right?
Use this time to take gentle walks around your house and start to get back to your normal routine. Rest when you feel tired and listen to your body. Give yourself time and space to heal – enduring this short period of time is worth it. Week two felt like 10 weeks laying around. I thought it had been FOREVER.
I wanted to make dinner.
I wanted to go on walks.
I wanted to do ANYTHING.
You can do those things but do not be surprised if they suck more energy out of you than you realize. Enjoy the down time. I kinda miss watching Friends all day now that I am back to work.
I did try driving week 2 and my back hurt too much, so I decided not to drive anymore that week.
LIPO SWELLING
Otherwise known as “swell hell” in the online tummy tuck community, swelling is just part of recovery. To help alleviate this, you will wear a wrap for several weeks before your doctor will allow you to change to compression garments like Spanx. Many women also wear fajas, but I personally have not moved to heavy compression. I have followed instructions on the wrap given by my Dr. but when the Doctor says I can kick it all to the curb, I will. The entire reason I had a tummy tuck was to get rid of those!
I have went through several types of garments and the ones I like the most is the wrap my doctor office sent me home with and boy short spanx. I also wore compression socks a week after surgery and liked these ones the best
Week 3 after Tummy Tuck: Getting back to normal
After a few weeks, I was ready to get back to my office. I started transitioning in the middle of week two, but it took about 3 weeks before I could sit and work a full day without any issues. This is the week I was also able to stand up straight again. WOO HOO! Unfortunately this was also the week my sutures decided they did not want to self dissolve and began making their way to the surface of my scar and busting through.
My former clean nicely healed scar is now a bit of a mess with redness and my doctor had to cut them out, which was super un-fun. He assured me its a normal complication and the scar should still heal normally. If it doesn’t, he will visit a scar revision in about 8 months. I will blog about my scar at a later date when it has a chance to heal more.
(tummy tuck post op day 20)
Week 4 After Tummy Tuck
With the exception of the stitch abscess, all is well. I am doing most things normally, I can stand up straight, I can shop and drive. My lower back is still numb, slightly swollen and slightly bruised. My scar is very red still due to the stitch issue. I will update about that in the near future. Also these lines on my stomach around my belly button waistline are not stretch marks or surgery lines, they are just from my compression garment over night. 🙂
I will also mention here that as your numbness goes away at your incision site and your back/sides, your nerves start to fire off and it pings and itches all to heck. Its like an itch you cannot scratch. I will probably miss that the least!
TUMMY TUCK PICTURES
So its only been a month, but here are my before and after tummy tuck pictures:
- Starting weight 122 pounds pre-surgery, 28 inches
- Current weight 120 pounds, 28 inches
I know it seems like my waist should have gotten smaller. Swelling made it bigger (got up to 33 inches) and it’s just now back to where it was. I am assuming it will get a bit smaller in the coming months but if it doesn’t, I am still pleased.
ARE YOU HAPPY YOU GOT A TUMMY TUCK WITH ALL THE PAIN IN RECOVERY?
I wanted to be clear that this is not a totally easy road and not undersell the amount of change your body will go through. There is soreness, swelling, aching, complication risks, expense, time off of work and flat out pain. That being said…I would do it again. And again. And AGAIN! From the minute I was laying there bandaged up on day 1, I knew I was thrilled. Any time I am having a moment wondering when I will be normal again, I look in the mirror and realize that my new normal is FAR better.
Pain is fleeting and managable. I could not be more happy with my decision and wish I had had the courage to do it 5 years ago.
And for you?
No more will you have to worry about what feels like piles of extra skin hanging off your body. No more buying a size bigger than you actually are to accommodate “the belly.” No more mandatory one-piece swimming suits! One day you’ll look back at the anxiety and discomfort associated with your tummy tuck and wonder what you were so worried about. Ideally, you’ll be too busy getting the most out of your life to ever give your “before” pictures a second thought.
worst days after tummy tuck
Tummy tuck recovery is a process that takes many months. Fortunately, the most challenging portion is typically over within the first two to three weeks (and the first few days are the toughest part of all). If you follow the post-operative instructions provided by your plastic surgeon, this time is likely to be much less uncomfortable with fewer complications. Here’s a rundown of the experiences you may encounter during your tummy tuck recovery period.
Post-Operative Period of Tummy Tuck Recovery
As the anesthesia wears off, you may feel dizzy, disoriented and nauseated. Some patients vomit immediately after surgery or on the ride home. These sensations should pass within a few hours, although some types of oral pain meds may cause the symptoms to recur. Your incision site will be covered with a dressing to keep the area clean and protected. You will also be wearing a wide elastic compression garment to keep swelling down and provide support to the skin as it tightens up. You will wear this garment for several weeks.
Depending on the extent of your abdominoplasty surgery, you may have tubes in your incision to drain away fluid that collects under the skin. These tubes will be removed within the first seven days. If you have traditional sutures, these will typically be removed within the first week or two (absorbable sutures won’t need to be removed). Your surgeon should provide you with detailed instructions for managing your drains, changing your bandages and showering during recovery. You will also be told whether you can put any ointment such as Vaseline on your incision to reduce discomfort.
Pain Management During Tummy Tuck Recovery
You’ll probably start taking pain medication (and antibiotics) right away. You will find it is important to take your pain meds on a regular schedule rather than waiting for the pain to become severe. The pills are more effective when you don’t wait for the pain to get out of control. Pain is typically worst during the first few days. After that, it should get a little better each day. Be patient; you may still be somewhat sore weeks or even months after the operation. You may also feel quite tired. That’s because your body is using a great deal of energy to heal itself. Get plenty of rest, stay well hydrated and eat nutritious food to aid this process. Since pain meds can cause constipation, you will want to eat plenty of fiber (and maybe some prunes) to keep your bowel movements soft.
Physical Movement During Tummy Tuck Recovery
Even though you won’t feel like doing so, you will need to get up and walk around occasionally starting the first day after abdominoplasty surgery as directed by your doctor. This activity helps limit your risk of blood clots and gets your blood circulating to promote healing. Other than that, you will spend most of your time resting and managing post-operative discomfort. Be sure to have plenty of pillows in your bed and on your recliner or sofa so you can create a comfortable “nest” to rest in. You will probably need to sleep and rest with your head and shoulders elevated for a couple of weeks as suggested by your surgeon. When you need to get up, don’t try to sit straight up. Roll to your side first and scoot over to the edge of the bed before gently easing into an upright position. This puts less strain on your tender abdominal muscles.
Besides walking and resting, you won’t be doing any other activities (pulling, pushing, bending, lifting, etc.) If you have a sedentary job, you may be able to return to it at least part time after a couple of weeks. However, some patients require a longer period of recovery before they feel well enough to go back to work. Exercise won’t be an option at all for the first few weeks. After that, if your surgeon gives the OK, you may begin light exercise and gradually work your way back up to your normal fitness routine over the next couple of months.
Normal Side Effects During Tummy Tuck Recovery
Swelling is a typical side effect of tummy tuck surgery. This swelling is usually severe during the first few days after the operation. Then, it will begin to subside. However, it can take many weeks for the swelling to completely go away. During this time, it will be difficult to tell what your new body contours will eventually look like. In fact, it may be six months before your body takes on its final shape. You may find it helpful to take photos of your tummy tuck recovery journey so you can see the changes and improvements from one week to the next. Ice packs and gentle massage (if recommended by your surgeon) may help with swelling and discomfort along the way.
You may have extensive bruising on your abdomen after the surgery. This is another normal side effect. After all, your skin was cut and then pulled away from the underlying tissue during the tightening stage of the tummy tuck. As long as the blood isn’t accumulating under the skin in large quantities (a complication called hematoma), you shouldn’t be concerned. The bruising will fade over a period of a couple of weeks.
Numbness, discomfort and other unusual sensations are normal – especially in the area directly around the incision. These sensations may persist for weeks or months. That’s OK as long as you aren’t experiencing severe pain. Sometimes, numbness may be permanent if nerves damaged during the surgery don’t grow back.
The incision will start out red or pinkish. As long as the redness doesn’t spread and isn’t accompanied by fever, this is not a sign of infection. The color should fade and begin to look more like your surrounding skin over time. This process can take a year to be complete. Even after full healing, the scars will still be visible. Ask your surgeon about products such as silicone sheeting that may encourage the scars to fade more quickly and completely during tummy tuck recovery. This is especially important if you are prone to keloid or hypertrophic scarring.
Emotional Aspects of Tummy Tuck Recovery
It’s normal to go through a period of emotional adjustment during abdominoplasty recovery. This is a major surgery which places a significant amount of stress on your body. Plus, it changes how your body looks (and initially makes it look worse with all the swelling and bruising). This can be difficult to cope with on top of the physical discomfort. Just remember that it is normal to feel anxious or depressed occasionally during the first week or so. You may wonder what you have done to your body and feel that you look ugly. You may become irritable and impatient with the family or friends who are trying to help you out. You may feel like your tummy tuck recovery will never end. If you have severe or ongoing depression, you should seek professional help. Otherwise, just be gentle and patient with yourself as your emotions will take a while to normalize.
Once your body starts to look and feel better, you will probably be glad that you went ahead with the surgery. You may feel more confident and satisfied with the contours of your body after a tummy tuck. You may also like the way clothes fit you better – as well as the way you look in a bikini!