Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Recovery Time
The extent of a tummy tuck cosmetic surgery and the surgical technique involved will determine for how long the patient needs to restrict their physical activities.
While the patient will not be confined to the bed for long (and should not be) they will have to avoid rigorous activities for a few weeks. Furthermore, special care will be required to avoid putting excessive strain on the incisions.
A patient could benefit greatly from understanding the overall process of abdominoplasty from the pre-op preparation to the recovery phase. This information can assist patients in going ahead with a tummy tuck confidently, and achieve excellent outcomes and satisfaction from this mid-section contouring surgery.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Bryson Richards provides tummy tuck surgery to patients in Las Vegas, NV, and surrounding locations in this area of the country.
Variable Recovery Time
The degree of correction performed will be the most significant determinant of the time needed for recovery post-surgery.
A mini tummy tuck or a partial abdominoplasty helps to refine the region below the navel. It usually entails an incision in between the hip bone area, making the abdominal muscles tauter, while eliminating the surplus tissue and fat. Patients can typically resume their routine after a week of restricted activities.
While a standard abdominoplasty is quite like a mini tummy tuck plastic surgery, it will also include addressing the area above the navel.
An extended tummy tuck surgery, on the other hand, will typically include liposuction in conjunction with other procedures targeting the flanks or love handles. These two major abdominoplasty surgeries may need one to two weeks of restricted activity after the surgery.
The standard and extended tummy tucks involve placing drainage pipes that assist in preventing the accumulation of blood and fluid at the location of the incisions. The surgeon may take one tube out after the initial three days of the surgery.
The remaining tubes will be removed after a few more days. Also, the surgeon will recommend a customized support garment to help prevent fluid buildup.
Meanwhile, patients must remember that they do not need to be immobilized while they heal. Instead, they should include some light activities and short walks at home in their early recovery phase. Patients can decrease the risk of the formation of blood clots with these simple and light movements. Usually, the incisions are completely healed after a period of two weeks.
Each abdominoplasty case is different, but typically patients with sedentary desk work can resume work after a week. Patients with more physically demanding jobs will need to be away from work for a minimum of 2 to 3 weeks before resuming their normal work.
Follow-up Appointments
The first follow-up appointment may be scheduled a day after the tummy tuck surgery to monitor the condition. Additional appointments will be made according to the patient’s risk factors. Stitches and drain tubes may be removed around the end of the first week. Accomplished cosmetic surgeon Dr. Bryson Richards receives patients from Las Vegas, NV, and other cities and towns in this part of Nevada for tummy tuck.
If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070
Taking new patients from Las Vegas, Bullhead City, Laughlin, Pahrump, Mesquite NV and surrounding areas.