You may find it odd to think about your tummy tuck recovery before you even have the procedure but the truth is, this is the perfect time to be planning for a healthy recovery. While everyone’s recovery timetable is unique and depends on many factors, such as age, overall health, and if you had any additional procedures, these 5 tips can help you better prepare for your recovery after a tummy tuck from Dr. Francesco Campanile and help you get back to your normal routine and your beautiful new curves.
Prepare Ahead of Time
Your tummy tuck recovery starts before you arrive at the surgery center. Preparing ahead of time ensures that you will have everything you need when you come home. This can include everything from post-surgical prescriptions picked up ahead of time to meal prep so you can ensure you have healthy food with minimal work during your recovery. Collect items like ice packs to help minimize swelling and compression garments that you must wear during recovery. If you have children at home, it may be a good idea to ask friends or family members for help at home during your recovery. Start a list of everything you might need and check it off as you prepare.
Create Your Recovery Station
When you get home from your procedure, you are likely to be swollen and sore and not want to move around very much. Creating a recovery station will help ensure you have everything you need with minimal effort. For example, a shelf near the recliner can be packed with all the medications you need, your favorite snacks, a collection of must-read books, and the television controller. If you have a recliner, we highly recommend using it at least for the first few weeks after your tummy tuck so that you can sleep in a comfortable position.
Follow all Aftercare Instructions
After your tummy tuck procedure, your surgeon will send you home with post-surgical recovery instructions. These instructions can include how to take your prescriptions (pain medications and antibiotics), how and when to wear your compression garment, and a schedule of follow-up appointments. You must follow all the instructions provided by Dr. Campanile to help ensure a smooth recovery.
Eat Healthy and Stay Hydrated
A tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure and the body will take time to heal. To effectively heal, the body needs quality energy sources which include healthy foods and water. Foods like fruit, vegetables, and lean proteins provide the energy your body needs to recover. Avoid processed or fatty foods during your recovery period. As mentioned above, it might be a good idea to make meals ahead of time that can be thawed and reheated during recovery. In addition, staying hydrated with lots of water is another valuable resource your body needs during recovery.
Rest But Don’t Forget to Move
After your tummy tuck, you are going to be tired and sore and your body is going to require a lot of rest to best recover. Taking it easy for the first few days is essential, but it is still important to get up and move every once in a while. This can be as simple as a short walk around the house. This small movement helps promote circulation which aids in recovery. Just don’t try to take on too much before your body is ready.
If you are considering a tummy tuck, Dr. Campanile and his team are available to answer any questions and help you determine which procedures will help meet your unique body contouring goals. Call 303-345-7476 today to schedule a consultation and take the first step to a new you.
Author: Dr. Francesco Campanile
Board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Francesco Campanile is a cosmetic surgeon in Denver who is focused on body contouring and breast enhancement. Time and time again, the women and men who choose Dr. Campanile say that they’ve found “the whole package” – a doctor who cares deeply about the quality of their results and has the skill to achieve excellence.
