Tummy Tuck Recovery
Dr. Jejurikar commonly performs Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery for patients from Dallas, Plano, Ft. Worth, Frisco, McKinney, and Allen, Texas. All people are different, and as such, every patient experiences abdominoplasty differently. That being said, certain generalizations are helpful to give patients an idea of what to expect after Dallas tummy tuck surgery.
Most women experience pain significant enough to require pain medication for 3-7 days after tummy tuck surgery. After the first few days, the pain has usually subsided enough to transition to less, nonnarcotic pain medications. For the first few days after surgery, however, patients are asked to take pain medication on a relatively regular schedule to prevent their pain from becoming severe. Many patients are also prescribed a muscle relaxant to help during this interval.
After the first few days, the pain improves considerably. Patients commonly experience bruising and swelling, which can peak 5-7 days post surgery. It’s important to be aware of that; otherwise patients are apt to believe that they have abnormal swelling. Dr. Jejurikar asks his patients to wear a taut abdominal binder to provide compression to the abdominal wall during the first few weeks after surgery. This helps the swelling dissipate more quickly and can promote a better postoperative result.
Although not always, most patients have drains in place after tummy tuck surgery. Although not painful, these drains can be a nuisance, as patients are asked to empty the drains 2-3 times per day. The drains collect fluid from the space between the abdominal wall muscle and skin, and can prevent contour abnormalities and wound healing complications.
Dr. Jejurikar asks patients to walk around as much as tolerated starting the day of surgery. This helps prevent blood clots in the legs and can help restore the patient’s sense of well being. Patients are not allowed to engage in strenuous activity or exercise for up to six weeks after abdominoplasty, as strenuous activity can sometimes cause serious bleeding or bruising. Most patients take one to two weeks off from work.
It is common for patients to experience bouts of sadness and anxiety after tummy tuck surgery. They often second guess the decision to have surgery and lament decision to have proceeded. The normal pain, swelling and bruising which occurs after surgery tends to exacerbate these emotions. This incredibly normal and it’s important for patients to keep things in perspective during the first few weeks after surgery.
If you’d like to learn more about the recovery after tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) in Dallas and Plano, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Jejurikar’s office at 214.827.2814.
