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Tummy Tuck Chicago

An abdominoplasty, or more commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a major medical, cosmetic surgery designed to tighten stomach muscles and remove excess fat and skin that has been weakened and stretched out due to weight loss and gain, pregnancy or simply age.

How the tummy tuck procedure is performed, and what amount of skin and fat removed is determined by your Chicago plastic surgeon, however, how speedy and the ease of your recovery time depends almost entirely upon you.

Recovery process following a Tummy Tuck

Recovery from an abdominoplasty typically takes 4 to 6 months. Though scarring and any skin discoloration will continue to fade over time; swelling, bruising and discomfort should be gone. Initially, swelling and bruising will be severe, and your plastic surgeon will require you to wear a post-surgical compression garment for several weeks. He will also prescribe pain killers to relive any pain or discomfort in the week or so following the surgery.

Limited or no activity

The first couple of weeks following your tummy tuck surgery are the most important for proper healing and reduced chance of complications. Though most Chicago patients are released from the hospital the same day as their procedure, there are some that remain in the hospital overnight. Once home, you will be on strict bed rest for several days up to a week.

It is during this time that it is advised you have a friend or family member available to help you. If one is not, then it is recommended you pay for a home healthcare provider to stay with you to monitor your food and fluid intake, in addition to your vital signs, any reactions and medications. If you have children or pets, it is additionally recommended that they stay with someone for at least 2 or 3 days so that you are not tempted to get up. It is very important that you rest and take this time to heal.

After the first week, you are allowed minimal activity for the next 2 weeks. You are still prohibited from driving, lifting, engaging in any physically strenuous activities, including sex. It is also still advised that you avoid overly processed foods, caffeine, nicotine and alcohol as these can all impact the healing process. You should also continue to avoid sun exposure and any public water, such as a swimming pool, lake or beach.

A speedy Tummy Tuck Recovery

Following the guidelines and restrictions your Chicago plastic surgeon has outlined for you certainly is important to help avoid any preventable complications, however there are some additional steps you can take to assist your body in a quicker recovery process.

Though you should continue to avoid any strenuous activity, it is recommended that you walk, with assistance, for a few minutes every hour during those first few days post-surgery. Not only will this assist in restoring proper digestive function following your procedure, but it will also get your blood flowing helping your incision site and tightened muscles heal quicker, but also help prevent blood clots from forming.

You should also avoid tightening your stomach muscles. Doing this excessively will cause tension on the suture sight and could cause your stitches to pull or tear. When sitting up, have someone assist you and be sure to support your full body with pillows so that you exert as little tension and energy as possible.

Keeping clean and changing your bandages will also help speed the recovery process along, however baths and showers are not permitted in the couple of weeks following your procedure. Initially, a sponge bath in bed is your only alternative, however in time as the pain subsides and you are able to walk more comfortably, it is easier to sit by the sink and rinse yourself, or have someone assist you in cleansing more thoroughly.

Tummy Tuck Chicago

If you seek a Tummy Tuck in Chicago, as with any cosmetic surgery procedure, it is recommended to seek the advice of a professionally trained and experienced surgeon. Information provided is for general education about cosmetic surgery procedures only. CirugiaEsteticaPlastica.net does not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, and is not responsible for any actions resulting from the use of this information.

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