The 101 of Tummy tuck Aftercare

Tummy tuck is no longer taboo, with 160,000 performed in the U.S. every year, more and more people are finding freedom in their bodies aligning with how they feel inside. Also, what many people may not know, is that tummy tucks are not merely done for aesthetic reasons; there are many medical benefits that come with them. Whether you are aiming to look (and feel!) better or to improve the symptoms of a medical condition, our experts at Riviera have put together a guide to recovery for optimal results.

About the Tummy Tuck Procedure

A tummy tuck is a surgical intervention to make your abdomen look tighter and flatter. It is a popular procedure for both men and women because of its outstanding belly-flatting outcomes. As a result, people are not only more satisfied with their overall appearance, but they also find relief from:

Ventral hernia, which forms when your intestine or abdominal tissue breaks through your abdominal wall to create a type of pouch or sack.
Stress urinary incontinence, as it tightens the muscles.
Back pain, because a tummy tuck provides abdominal support.
Bad posture—as a result of the procedure, the tightened muscles offer better support to the spine.

The procedure in itself is quite simple: a surgeon removes the extra fat in the abdominal area and tightens the muscles and skin to provide better definition.

Tummy Tuck in Houston: The Aftermath

At Riviera, our comprehensive care goes beyond the exam table. Below is a list of recommendations to take into consideration when recovering from a tummy tuck in Houston.

☝ Keep in mind that every body is different and will heal at its own time.

Recovery in General

You will have to wait around 24-48 hours for your first shower, once the drains come out. Until then, we recommend using wipes to keep your body clean.
Get your beauty sleep. Surgical procedures are invasive, so the body will inevitably feel tired afterwards. Sleeping will give it the necessary time to heal better.
When you are not sleeping, try to get up and walk a little every day, increasing the time gradually. As a result, you will prevent catching pneumonia or being constipated.
Even when walking is recommended, you should not try to attempt abdominal exercise or activities that put pressure on the area (or the whole body, really). You may slowly retake your activities after 6 to 8 weeks.
In the same vein, you should avoid doing ANY heavy lifting.
As far as going back to work, for example, you might return to a desk job after 2 or 3 weeks after the surgery. For more physically demanding jobs, please consult with your surgeon.
If you are wondering when it will be safe to drive again, you should consult with your doctor.
Please consult with your doctor when it is advisable to have intercourse again.

👉 Read more: What Is an Abdominoplasty?

The Compression Garment

Your surgeon will give you a compression garment and specific instructions on how to use and care for it during your recovery. It is essential that you follow his or her instructions regarding this to the T, since it will support your muscles as they heal.

In fact, you will wear two garments: one during the first stage (1 to 2 weeks), which will reduce inflammation and increase circulation; and a second one which will act as support to your new contours as they become more defined. The second phase should last up to 8 weeks.

Self Care

Your incision will be covered with tape strips—leave them on until they fall off or follow your doctor’s instructions on how to remove them.
You should keep the area clean with warm water and pat it dry. In order to keep the area fresh, you might want to cover it with gauze, but remember to change it regularly.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or anticoagulants to prevent any postop infections or blood clots; follow his or her instructions on the doses.

About Your Tummy Tuck in Houston

At Riviera Medical Center, our exceptional facilities and staff speak for ourselves. We are committed to helping patients achieve their desired appearance, understanding their unique goals and needs. With state-of-the-art installations, our spaces are equipped with cutting-edge and specialized technology. As a result, we can guarantee efficient and safe procedures for our patients.

Our commitment to excellence underscores our dedication to the health and wellbeing of our patients. Call our office at +1 (713) 637-4372 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our experts today.