What to Know About Tummy Tuck Surgery Aftercare

For many women, loose skin and small fat deposits around the midsection can be a source of embarrassment and insecurity. Tummy tuck surgery in Las Vegas, NV is designed to remove excess tissue and restore weakened abdominal muscles to create a more toned appearance overall.

As with any body contouring surgery, proper aftercare is essential to ensure optimal results. Dr. Andrew G. Silver and Dr. Terrence "Terry" Higgins can walk you through post-tummy tuck recovery during a consultation. Call now to receive a personalized evaluation, or read below for more on what to expect after your procedure. Our professionals at Plastic Surgery Vegas are dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable experience for every patient.

What does a tummy tuck involve?

During a tummy tuck, your surgeon will make an incision across the lower abdomen just below the belly button. Liposuction techniques are used to address excess fat, then loose or excess skin is removed. Finally, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and tightened to create a smoother core region.

Since body contouring involves multiple steps and takes a significant amount of time, you should plan to stay in a recovery room for a short period. We will provide any medications needed to minimize discomfort and reduce your risk of infection.

Post-tummy tuck aftercare protocol

Dr. Silver or Dr. Higgins can provide a detailed list of instructions for what to do after a tummy tuck. We recommend resting throughout the day and avoiding strenuous exercises such as lifting weights or running. Wear a supportive compression garment over your abdomen for side effects like swelling and inflammation. Plastic Surgery Vegas will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and answer any questions about tummy tuck recovery.

About incision care and scarring

Once healing begins, you can use a gentle cleansing product around the incision sites. Avoid harsh soaps and moisturizers on the area, as this could increase your risk of infection. We recommend speaking with your surgeon in Las Vegas, NV about scar management strategies such as topical treatments or silicone bandages. Most tummy tuck scars are hidden beneath clothing and should fade over time.

When to return to work and exercise

Depending on the extent of their tummy tuck, patients should wait 4 – 6 weeks before resuming strenuous physical activities. This includes returning to a job that involves manual labor or participating in sports. Of course, everyone heals from body contouring at a different rate, and you should not push yourself too hard. If you feel any pain, simply take a break and contact our staff for advice.

What about diet and nutrition?

It is important to maintain a healthy diet during tummy tuck recovery. Fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins keep your energy up while providing essential nutrients that promote healing. Drinking water also helps support tissue recovery and flushes out toxins from your system. Avoid too much sodium since this causes swelling around the midsection. Not all patients have the same dietary needs, so speak with your doctor before making major changes to your diet.

Enjoy your tummy tuck results with proper aftercare

We understand that body contouring is a major decision, and our staff at Plastic Surgery Vegas is here to provide support every step of the way. Allow Dr. Andrew G. Silver and Dr. Terrence "Terry" Higgins to help you achieve your aesthetic goals through cutting-edge tummy tuck surgery in Las Vegas, NV. Call now for more information about recovery or to schedule a consultation at Plastic Surgery Vegas.