What Do You Wear After A Tummy Tuck

Your tummy tuck procedure is the final step in a journey that began years ago, and it’s the culmination of all your hard work. But now that you’re here, you need to know what to wear after a tummy tuck.

The last thing you want to do is re-injure yourself or cause unnecessary pain by wearing the wrong thing after your surgery. And there are so many options! But rest assured: we’ve got you covered.

Here’s what we recommend:

1. A compression garment made of medical-grade silicone will help you heal faster and keep your skin from stretching out or becoming loose. While these garments aren’t very fun to wear (they look like Spanx), they have been shown to increase speed of recovery and decrease scarring.
2. A support belt like this one will help support your stomach muscles and reduce swelling, making it easier for you to get back on track with exercise and everyday life post-surgery. It also helps with posture correction so that when people see you they don’t think “Oh no! Did someone just get a tummy tuck?” when they look at your belly button area instead of thinking “Wow! You look amazing!” which is what we all want right?

Wearing clothes after a tummy tuck is important for a number of reasons. First, it’s essential to wear loose clothing for the first few weeks after surgery, so that your incision can heal properly. Second, it’s important to keep in mind that your new shape will take some time to settle into place—your stomach muscles have been separated, and you’ll find that they have a tendency to pull in different directions. This can make it difficult to fit into your old clothes at first.

One of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world is abdominoplasty. It repairs torn abdominal walls, removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen and lifts the remaining skin for a taut, toned, svelte physique. At eSSe Plastic Surgery in Fort Lauderdale, FL, we receive a lot of questions about abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck. One of the most common is what should I wear the day after. Today, we answer that and give you seven tips on making your abdominoplasty recovery as smooth as possible.

What Should You Wear the Day After a Tummy Tuck?

Immediately after your tummy tuck, your abdomen will be wrapped in bandages. You may also need to wear a prescription-strength compression garment to mitigate swelling. On the way to your procedure, wear loose, baggy clothing.

Rather than your cutest pair of jeans, we recommend a loose pair of drawstring pants. You should also wear a button-up or zip-up shirt that is large enough to wear easily over the bandages and possible compression garment. We strongly recommend against wearing a top that requires you to reach over your head.

For the first week post-op, you should continue to wear loose-fitting, soft, comfy clothes. Some women prefer to wear a soft, loose dress rather than a baggy shirt and sweatpants. Whether you prefer pants or a dress, we strongly recommend investing in a soft bathrobe.

Depending on the extent of your procedure, you may need to wear a medical-grade compression garment or regular Spanx garment for up to six weeks or longer. This should be worn at all times except for when you bathe.

After your post-tummy tuck recovery, your wardrobe will fit differently. Depending on how much fat and excess skin was removed, you may find that you go down a pants size or two. Unless you already have a sewing machine, you may find it is easier and more affordable to go on a shopping spree than tailor your own clothes down to two sizes.

If you didn’t have much fat and excess skin removed, your clothes might not go down a size. However, your waist will look flatter and leaner without a soft tummy hanging out over your pants. You can still go on a shopping spree, too! Find a bold belt in your favorite color to accentuate your new tight, trim tummy. And don’t forget a little black wrap dress to highlight your new hourglass figure.

7 Tips for Making Your Tummy Tuck Recovery As Smooth As Possible

1. Get Some Rest

The most important thing you can do after your tummy tuck is to rest whenever you feel tired. On the day of your procedure, you may feel drowsy or groggy after being put under general anesthesia. Sleep whenever you feel it’s necessary.

For the first seven to 10 days post-op, you may want to sleep in a recliner or up against the head of your bed. By three weeks post-op, you should be able to sleep on your side again. It may be between four and six weeks post-op before you can sleep on your stomach again.

2. Stay Lightly Active

The day after your procedure, start walking. Track your steps with a pedometer app on your phone or try to remember how far you walked. Try to increase the distance you walk a little each day. For example, if you walk from your bedroom to your kitchen on one day, walk from your bedroom to your front door on the next.

Among the many incredible benefits of walking is improved circulation. This mitigates the risk of constipation which may occur if you take too many painkillers. Stand as much as you can, but remember it’s okay to sit whenever you need to. To be a good candidate for this procedure, you must be able to listen to your body rather than your pride as you recover from your procedure.

3. Do Not Bend or Lift

Immediately after your procedure, you will not want to lift your arms above your head to get dressed. For the first week post-op, bend over and lift objects heavier than 10 pounds as little as possible. If you have small children, you will probably need a caregiver for them. You may need a pet sitter if you have rambunctious dogs or curious cats.

We strongly recommend against using a vacuum cleaner, carrying a heavy briefcase or bag of groceries or wearing a heavy backpack. If you only need a mini-tuck, you may only need to take between three and five days off of work. If you require a full or extended abdominoplasty plus liposuction, you may need to take two weeks off of work if you have a desk job.

4. Drive When Ready

You can drive whenever you feel ready after your abdominoplasty. However, you may not drive within 24 hours of taking prescription narcotics. After one to three days, you should be taking only Tylenol for discomfort.

A full day after your last dose of narcotic painkillers, there are no restrictions on your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. Just be sure to go slowly when you leave your driveway. Your tummy may still be a little tender.

5. Avoid Strenuous Activities

Do not engage in strenuous activities for the first-week post-op. This includes vigorous aerobic exercise like cycling and running. You should also avoid heavy weight lifting and other anaerobic activities. Ask your surgeon for the green light to swim when you feel ready.

6. Control Diet

Make sure you’re eating enough protein and fiber after your procedure. If your prescription painkillers are causing you gastrointestinal distress, eat bland foods. A temporary diet of boiled chicken, plain rice, toast and yogurt should make you feel better. If you can’t stomach a bland diet, ask your surgeon for a prescription for an alternative analgesic.

Don’t worry if you aren’t as regular as you usually are for the first week post-op. This is a perfectly normal part of going under general anesthesia and taking prescription narcotics. Just be sure to not strain while you make bowel movements. We strongly recommend filling your diet with legumes, high-fiber fruits, whole grains and a gentle fiber supplement. People who were irregular before their procedure may need to take a mild laxative.

7. Take the Right Prescription Medications

When you come in for your in-person consultation, your surgeon will advise you when you can resume taking your normal medications. He will also give you instructions on how to take any new prescriptions, such as narcotics and antibiotics.

If you take blood thinners, including Plavix (clopidogrel), Coumadin (warfarin) or aspirin, be sure to mention this during your initial consultation. You should stop taking all drugs and supplements which thin your blood for several weeks pre- and post-op. If you don’t understand one of your surgeon’s instructions, please do not hesitate to ask. Following all of the instructions completely is key to a quick, successful recovery.

Am I a Good Candidate for Abdominoplasty?

If you experience gastrointestinal trouble, take your antibiotics as directed and any pain relievers after meals. Do not use more than one analgesic at a time, and for three weeks after surgery, stay away from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Because abdominoplasty is a very personalized treatment, the first step in selecting a suitable candidate is to schedule a consultation.

A suitable candidate will be in good overall health, have a stable weight, have reasonable expectations for the results, promise not to smoke for 12 weeks, and be unhappy with the look of their belly. Some of the many causes of abdominal dissatisfaction include: age, ventral hernias, natural childbirth, quick weight reduction, heavy lifting too much, and straining when using the restroom. Abdominoplasty could be essential if the abdominal wall is damaged.

Having a history of healthy, stable weight maintenance makes you an ideal candidate for abdominoplasty, regardless of whether you still have 10–30 pounds to go until you reach your desired weight. Keeping at this weight is essential because it gives the skin room to extend to absorb the extra fat, which might lead to more skin tightening down the road.

Absininoplasty is most effective in nonsmokers since nicotine narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure. Cigarettes and other tobacco products have a negative impact on skin health, causing it to sag and age faster than non-smoking people.

Patients are advised to reschedule their procedures if they have been diagnosed with an active infection or other disease within two weeks prior to the scheduled surgery. Before undertaking any operation, it is crucial to provide the body enough time to heal.

What To Pack For Tummy Tuck Surgery

Exercise and diet do not always help get the smoother, firmer abdominal contour that you desire. Tummy tuck surgery is the best procedure choice for anyone who is on a quest for a tighter tummy. This procedure entails the removal of excess fat and tightening of loose skin and muscles to deliver a slimmer belly profile. If you have thought about receiving this cosmetic surgery treatment, this article delivers a step by step tummy tuck preparation list that will get you to the desired procedure outcome.

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that aims to reshape and tighten the abdominal area using liposuction to remove excess fat, tighten skin, and strengthen weak muscles. It is not a weight loss procedure and can be performed on adult individuals of any age. The average cost of a tummy tuck will vary depending on the patient’s needs, the location of the procedure, and the skills of the plastic surgeons.

To find a great surgeon for abdominoplasty, it is essential to research different options and ensure that the surgeon is highly competent and inspires confidence. Look for board-certified plastic surgeons with significant experience in the procedure you are interested in, ask for before and after photos, and review reviews to understand their skills and approach.

After finding a good surgeon, attend the first consultation visit to gather information related to your medical history, concerns, and expectations for the procedure. Ask questions about the risks of the surgery and recovery expectations. The surgeon will let you know if you are the right candidate for abdominoplasty and chart the way forward for treatment. In some cases, the doctor may recommend alternative cosmetic treatments to suit your needs and goals. For example, patients with stubborn belly fat and good skin elasticity may benefit from liposuction alone.

Tummy tuck is not a one-size-fits-all procedure, and understanding the available options is crucial for your preparation. Plastic surgeons like Dr. LaBarbera typically offer several types of tummy tucks: full tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, and extended tummy tuck. Full tummy tucks address general roundness and excess abdominal skin, while mini tummy tucks specifically address the lower belly below the belly button. Extended tummy tucks aim to address the abdominal area while also improving the appearance of the hips and flanks.

In summary, a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that aims to reshape and tighten the abdominal area using liposuction and other techniques. It is recommended that patients achieve and maintain their ideal weight goal for at least a year before undergoing abdominoplasty.

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess fluid from the treatment area through drain tubes, wearing a compression garment for six weeks, and taking antibiotic medication to minimize infection risk. Patients should take at least 2-3 weeks off work and it will take at least six weeks before they can resume strenuous activities.

To ensure a smooth recovery process, it is essential to quit smoking and drinking at least three weeks before and after the surgery. This is because carbon monoxide gas and nicotine can impair blood flow and increase the risk of complications. Alcohol can also interact with painkillers and lead to dangerous consequences.

After the abdominoplasty procedure, it is crucial to obtain necessary supplies such as a recliner, body pillow, toilet seat riser, healthy food items, stool softeners, alcohol wipes, lanyard (for drains), compression socks, and scar care ointments. It is essential to have everything you need well before the procedure to secure your peace of mind.

A comfortable resting space is essential for recovery, especially after the surgery. Isolate a specific room in your home with ample pillows or a recliner and stock up on your favorite TV shows, magazines, and novels to help with boredom during recovery.

Arrangeing for help during recovery is also essential, especially for patients with children and pets. A trusted friend or family member can help with basic chores, such as preparing meals, getting in and out of bed, putting on clothing, and running basic chores.

Conclusion 

At the end of the day, the decision to have a tummy tuck is a highly individualized one. If you are not sure about this treatment, stick with diet and exercise to see if you can get the results you are looking for. Patients who have already decided to move forward with abdominoplasty can pave the way for a successful and smooth procedure through our tummy tuck preparation tips above.