During tummy tuck recovery, patients should plan to sleep on their back with their upper body slightly elevated. Just like walking at a slight bend, this modified sleeping position minimizes tension on the tummy tuck incision, reduces discomfort, and encourages proper healing and attractive results.
If you have a “mini tummy tuck” with a smaller incision, you'll likely need between one and three weeks of elevated sleeping. On the other hand, full-tummy tuck patients require about four weeks, with six weeks of limiting any strenuous exercise or lifting.
When Can I Lie Flat? One factor determining how long you'll need to sleep in an elevated position is the type of abdominoplasty you receive. Generally, mini tummy tuck patients require 1-3 weeks of elevated sleeping, while full-tummy tuck patients require 4-6 weeks.
The best sleeping position after tummy tuck surgery is on your back with your upper body elevated to create a slight bend or angle. Using pillows or sleeping in a recliner is ideal to achieve this position.
Answer: Sleeping position after tummy tuck
Each plastic surgeon can have different surgical and post-surgical protocol. I ask my patients to sleep in a recliner or on the back in a lawn chair position for the first 7-10 days.At 3 weeks post-op, you should be able to sleep on your side.
We suggest scar massage many times throughout the day for 5-10 minutes each session. It is important to strictly follow your post-operative tummy tuck instructions. We encourage you to walk around immediately in the post- operative period.
In the first week after tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Patronella recommends patients take short walks of 10 minutes, gradually increasing this to one mile, twice daily by days 10 to 14 days after the procedure.
Coughing Exercises
Depending on the surgery you had, support your incision firmly with your hands or a small pillow before you try to cough. Breathe in deeply and cough firmly. If you cough up some mucous, clear it into a tissue. Repeat the coughing until there isn't any more mucous.
Sleeping comfortably after a tummy tuck
A recliner provides one of the best sleeping positions after tummy tuck surgery, as you can stay slightly bent at the waist while elevating your head and feet. Another good option is to place several pillows underneath your knees and under your head on the bed.
You will have an abdominal binder put on at the time of surgery. It should be snug but not too tight. It should be comfortable to wear.
After sleeping in an elevated position on your back for at least four to six weeks, you can usually transition to just sleeping on your back, flat on your bed, for a few weeks.
Tissue damage.
During a tummy tuck, fatty tissue deep within your skin in the abdominal area might get damaged or die. Smoking increases the risk of tissue damage. Depending on the size of the area, tissue might heal on its own or require a surgical touch-up procedure.
Answer: Activity after a Tummy Tuck
If you do too much too early you put yourself at risk for seromas, hematomas, or incision separation. Be careful and follow the instructions of your surgeon.
Answer: Breathing difficulty post "Tummy Tuck"
Your problem has to do with your abdominal organs residing in less space because your muscle wall was tightened . The guts push up on your diaphragm and make your lungs harder to expand. This usually eases within the first week.
It's not uncommon for people who have a tummy tuck to have a smaller appetite for the first three to six months following their surgery. The tightening of skin and muscles in your abdomen may cause your stomach to feel constricted, encouraging you to eat less.
How long do you walk hunched over after a tummy tuck? You will need to walk hunched over or bent at the waist for about a week. This helps prevent additional pressure on your incision lines.
Some restrictions right after a tummy tuck include; No Heavy lifting at all during your recovery. Avoid strenuous physical activities, swimming and driving until your surgeon gives you the green light. Stay home and get rest for 2-3 weeks.
Share on Pinterest It can take around 8 weeks to recover from tummy tuck surgery. Typically, a person can expect to feel themselves again around 8 weeks after surgery.
Compression garments reduce swelling, promote healing, create shapely results, and reduce the risk of fluid buildup known as a seroma, a possible tummy tuck complication.
Answer: Gas after tummy tuck
Yes, you can use simethicone. Walking around also helps (although it can feel uncomfortable at first). Be sure to use a stool softener so you don't become constipated.
Answer: Lymphatic massage is not a necessity at all
Lymphatic massage is not required after tummy tuck. You did not miss out on anything. It had no impact on scar or the final result.
Thinned out muscles and their lining causes this muffin top deformity in some patients. This occurs following muscle tightening if the increased tension makes the muscle and lining stretch out again. The medical terminology for thinned out muscles is muscle attenuation.
– What is the purpose of drains after tummy tuck? Drains are placed to reduce fluid accumulation at the surgical site. They may reduce the incidence of seromas (fluid collections) and resultant complications following tummy tuck. Drains also indicate the amount of bleeding that is occurring during early healing.
Yes, a vertically stretched belly button oftentimes indicates that a person has had a tummy tuck.