Swelling and discomfort at the incision sites is normal following a tummy tuck.  The discomfort can be mitigated with proper medication.  Initially it will be difficult for you to stand fully upright.  Your plastic surgeon may actually tell you not to stand fully upright for several days in order to avoid putting too much stress on any internal sutures.  However, it is important that you do light walking as soon as you’re able in order to minimize the possibility of blood clots and other risks.  Do not bend, strain, or lift anything for several days to give your body time to heal.  You may need to put pillows under your legs to elevate your knees while you sleep.  Your plastic surgeon will give you a very specific set of instructions to follow.  To ensure the best results possible with little complications, be sure to follow all your surgeon’s directions very carefully.  Usually within a few days of surgery, you should feel comfortable enough to return to light activities.

The initial healing process can last from 5 to 10 days.  Your surgeon will remove any sutures necessary during this time.  Within a few weeks, you can return to your daily routines as long as you do not do any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise.  It’ll take several weeks for you to completely heal.  Make sure to use sun block or keep your wounds out of the sun during the healing process to avoid skin discoloration.  Continue to go to follow-up visits as scheduled and follow your plastic surgeon’s directions.

Tummy Tuck – Results and Outlook

A tummy tuck is a surgical process that provides dramatic results not possible via non-surgical procedures.  You’ll see a noticeable difference immediately.  As the swelling continues to subside and you continue to heal, the results of your tummy tuck will become more apparent.  The scars from your surgery will mostly be hidden by clothing but they will fade over time to some degree.  Your toned, flattering stomach will be fairly permanent given that you maintain your weight.  Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help lengthen the results of your tummy tuck.

Tummy Tuck – Choosing the Right Surgeon

Electing to undergo a tummy tuck is a very important decision so it’s important to pick the right plastic surgeon.  Two key things to look for in a plastic surgeon are board certification and privileges.
Board certification is granted by one of two organizations:  The American Board of Plastic Surgery and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.  Only these two organizations can certify physicians to perform plastic surgery of the face and entire body.  In order to be certified, doctors must:

• Graduate from an accredited medical school
• Complete five years minimum of surgical training after medical school.  This includes an accredited plastic surgery residency program.
• Pass all-inclusive written and oral exams

In addition to board certification, your surgeon should also have operating privileges at an accredited local hospital specifically for the procedure you plan on undergoing, for example, a tummy tuck.  This is highly recommended even if your surgeon can complete the procedure at an ambulatory surgery center or an accredited office-based surgical facility.

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