Top 10 Tips for a Great Tummy Tuck Recovery
Dr. Ronald DeMars, a highly experienced Portland Plastic Surgeon, sees many patients every month for Abdominoplasty, or Tummy Tuck, surgery. The procedure is performed to remove excess skin and fat from the tummy as well as tighten the muscles when necessary. Most of Dr. DeMars’ patients seek his expertise to regain their youthful tummy after having babies. Others request The Tummy Tuck procedure after major weight loss. Whatever the reason, Dr. DeMars shares his top 10 tips for a great tuck recovery below.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Tips
- Be at your best weight possible. That doesn’t mean you have to reach an unattainable weight, but the closer you are to your ideal weight, the better the results. Significantly overweight patients can have more complications of surgery and are not good candidates for a Tummy Tuck.
- Be well nourished prior to surgery, that is don’t be on a strict diet in the two weeks preoperatively. You could become depleted in proteins and essential nutrients necessary for healing.
- Plan for adequate help during the days after your operation. You may need help to get up and move around the first few days and it is most important you do not be a couch potato as gently moving about after surgery helps prevent some potentially dangerous circulatory problems.
- Arrange for child care, don’t underestimate your healing time. You will need help with small children for 10-14 days.
- Avoid Aspirin and Ibuprofen for 10-14 days prior to surgery and several days afterward as it can cause increased bleeding.
- Do any household projects ahead of time as you need plenty of rest during the early postoperative period.
- Plan your food supply and preparation ahead. Be sure to stock the pantry and prepare some easy meals you can freeze or refrigerate ahead of surgery if you don’t have a good cook in the house other than yourself.
- Purchase all your necessary medications prescribed by Dr. DeMars ahead of time so they are available when you get home.
- Plan to have someone help you with your medications so they are taken on time and in the proper amount. It sounds so simple, but it may not be when you are sore and not feeling your best the first few days.
- And finally – keep a great attitude. Even though the recovery can be a little tough for a few days, you are going to love the changes you see once the healing is complete.
Dr. DeMars understands that patients for this surgery are generally very busy and active women and need to return to their family and work responsibilities as quickly as possible. Dr. DeMars carefully evaluates each of his patients to determine what variation of the tummy tuck procedure will best help them reach their goals of a flatter, tighter, and more youthful shape and discusses the following factors that will help them get the best results and recover as quickly as possible.
If you feel you are interested in learning more about Tummy Tuck Surgery and you think it may be a good option for you, call Dr. DeMars’ office at 503-253-3458 to arrange an appointment.
