Tummy Tuck Recovery: Timeline, Tips, and More In Toronto, canada

Posted on February 26, 2021 in Tummy tuck

The tummy tuck is one of the best ways you can boost your confidence and your figure. Recovery after tummy tuck is equally important as the surgery itself!  Your tummy tuck recovery will be one of the most important parts of your procedure, since how well you navigate your recovery will determine your results. Whether you have a surgery date scheduled already or you’re still looking at your options, knowing what to expect from your recovery can help you plan. Here’s what to know about a tummy tuck recovery with Dr. Power.

Your Recovery Timeline

It’s natural to want to achieve your final results as soon as possible and get right back to your normal schedule. The reality, though, is that you’ll need to plan on giving yourself plenty of time to rest and gradually return to your regular lifestyle. Although Dr. Power will walk you through the right recovery timeframe for you based on your surgical plan, you should count on sticking to a prescribed recovery schedule. Firstly, two drains will be placed during surgery. You’ll need to measure the output for these at home and return to Dr. Power for removal within the first week or so, once output reaches an appropriate level. Then, you’ll be able to return to office-based work within one to two weeks after your surgery. However, you’ll need to continue wearing a compression garment for six weeks afterward.

What Should I Expect After Surgery?

After tummy tuck surgery, you will be admitted to stay overnight in our recovery suite for monitoring. This is for patient safety and comfort.  Once you are comfortable while taking oral pain medication and mobilizing around well, you will be discharged home the following morning.  You’ll be given detailed aftercare instructions regarding showering, incision care, medications, and drain care. It’s recommended that you enlist the help of a close friend or family member for the first few days to manage any household needs like cooking, cleaning, child care, and pet care.

Guidelines for At-Home Recovery

Among other things, you’ll need to adjust how you sleep for your initial recovery. You’ll need to keep your upper body reclined with a pillow under your knees to help reduce swelling and relieve pressure off your incisions and abdomen. You should make sure to do some light walking around the house regularly to lower the risk of blood clots. Dr. Power will give a specific timeline for when you can return to your exercise regimen, but you may generally return to exercise within 4-6 weeks of surgery.  In the meantime, your priority should be resting as much as possible.

Preparing for Your Tummy Tuck Recovery

A successful recovery starts even before your surgical date. Make sure to designate a space in your home for your recovery by making sure it has a comfortable bed or couch to rest on, plenty of pillows, climate control, noise reduction, and an area to keep your medications, foods, and water. Also make sure to fill any prescriptions ahead of time so you can avoid stopping at the pharmacy on the way home.  Take some time to prepare some healthy meals and snacks that are easily re-heatable and don’t require too much hassle. Finally, make sure you have plenty of entertainment to keep you occupied!

Schedule a Consultation

The best way to learn more about tummy tuck options in the Toronto area is by meeting with our board-certified plastic surgeon. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Power and our team, we invite you to contact our office by calling or filling out our online form.