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Tummy Tuck Recovery
 
The recovery from your tummy tuck or abdominoplasty surgery, like any surgery, has a few phases.  The post-operative care phase is just following surgery, and patients may have to stay in bed in the hospital for a few days.  Some pain is normal, so patients are given pain killers as well as antibiotics.  Tummy tuck garments are recommended during this time to maintain slight pressure to the abdominal area to ensure proper healing.

There may be side effects from the operation such as bruising, bleeding and swelling, and the general anesthesia can cause after effects such as nausea, vomiting and grogginess.

People in Los Angeles vary in how long it takes them to recover, but within 10 days to 2 weeks you should be healed enough to have your stitches removed, and move about.  Most people are able to return to light work after a few weeks.  After about 4 weeks, you can return to most of your normal activities, including exercise. Generally, people who have toned abdominal muscles will recover in about 2 weeks, while people whose abdominal muscle tone is poor tend to take longer.

After the initial post-operative recovery, the patient is ready to return home.  Your doctor will give you specific instructions and medications that are based on your individual profile and needs.  Sometimes you will be asked to wear special socks or lie in certain positions to prevent blood clotting.  You will also be coached on how to monitor yourself for infection, prevent scarring and other potential complications.

If you develop heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, abdominal swelling or redness, or difficulty breathing you should contact your doctor immediately.  These could be signs of hemorrhage or infection, and need to be treated.

Although swelling from the surgery usually subsides after about a week post-surgery, it may take up to 6 months before all swelling is gone.  Bruising also tends to remain for several weeks as well.  Some people experience numbness below the naval area during the recovery period, which usually goes away soon and fades within a few months.  Occasionally, slight numbness can persist indefinitely.

After the initial healing period and you have resumed normal activities, you will be able to work on maintenance of your new tummy.  Special abdominal exercises and proper diet will not only keep you tummy looking good, but also will help reduce any remaining swelling, tone the muscles and reduce the likelihood of blood clotting..