Tummy Tuck Boca Raton Part II: Your Abdominoplasty Recovery
What to Expect After Your Tummy Tuck Surgery
If you are one of the many men and women who’ve tried dieting and exercise but just can’t lose that last stubborn bit of belly fat, a tummy tuck may be the key to the firmer, flatter abdomen that you’ve been dreaming of. Pregnancy, prior surgeries, fluctuations in weight, even heredity, and simple aging can leave us with a protruding abdomen or sagging skin that no amount of exercise can correct. If you’ve already reached your weight and fitness goals and are looking to tighten up the appearance of your abdomen, then tummy tuck surgery could be right for you. In our last blog about this procedure, we explored how a tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, can fix these unsightly conditions and leave you with a slender, sleek abdomen region. Now let’s find out what you can expect during your abdominoplasty recovery, to ensure your procedure is a stress-free experience.
Immediately after your tummy tuck (the first week)
Once Dr. Berman performs your tummy tuck surgery, you’ll spend a few hours in the recovery area of our accredited ambulatory surgical facility and usually stay overnight. Sometimes, the patient opts to have the surgery in the hospital and stay overnight there. You’ll have drainage tubes in place and will be in a special surgical compression garment that you’ll need to keep on 24 hours a day for the first several days. Bruising and swelling from the surgery will reach its peak over the first few days, so plan on spending most of your time sitting and sleeping in a recliner. You will need to empty the drainage tubes and record the amount of fluid removed, typically for 3-4 days until the tubes can be removed. Dr. Berman will see you two to three times during the first week to monitor your progress and assess your condition through the healing process.
Recovery over the first several weeks
Once you no longer need to wear the support garment, you’ll be able to increase your activity and exercise level. Walking is permitted and even encouraged to aid in the healing process, but you will need to refrain from all lifting, bending, and stretching for the first few weeks. Most patients can resume their non-strenuous job duties within the first two weeks, and regular duties at 6 weeks. As bruising and swelling subside, you will begin to see a noticeable difference in your body shape.
A few months after your tummy tuck
Once a few months have passed, you’ll begin to see the true final results of your surgery. Any residual numbness and tightness from your tummy tuck should disappear and all swelling should be completely down. Your incision will have begun fading, and while it will never disappear, it will reach its final shade in about a year. You will need to avoid sun exposure and dark clothing when outdoors to protect your healing skin from heat and sun damage. Your abdomen area should finally have the svelte appearance you desire. Barring any significant weight gains, you will be able to enjoy your beautifully sleek abdomen and tummy for years to come!
If you live in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beaches, or the surrounding area and are looking for an expert to perform your tummy tuck Boca Raton plastic surgeon Dr. Jonathan Berman is the natural choice. As a double Board certified plastic surgeon and active member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) with more than 20 years of surgical experience, Dr. Berman has the expertise to ensure you enjoy the best possible results from your tummy tuck procedure. Because of Dr. Berman’s unrelenting insistence on the highest standards of patient care, his patients enjoy an incredible 0% facility infection rate to date.
If you are considering a tummy tuck procedure in Boca Raton, call Dr. Berman today for a private consultation at 561-417-0171, or complete this discreet online consultation form.
Dr. Jonathan Ross Berman is a Boca Raton plastic surgeon who has been certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology / Head and Neck Surgery with over 30 years of service experience specializing in Breast Augmentation, Rhinoplasty, Face Lift, Liposuction, and many other types of plastic surgery in Boca Raton, FL.
