A tummy tuck can be a life-changing procedure.
But it’s important to remember that it’s still major surgery. Proper aftercare is essential for promoting healing and looking and feeling your best.
If you aren’t sure what to expect after your tummy tuck – we’ve got you covered! Keep reading for our top 5 tips for post-surgery care after a tummy tuck.
1. Drink Plenty of Water
A tried and true surgery aftercare tip for any procedure is to make sure you are staying hydrated. This is true if you’ve had a tummy tuck.
You should start making sure you are drinking enough water before your surgery. Drinking plenty of water helps your body flush out bad stuff like toxins and reduces the risk of post-surgical complications. You don’t want to end up dehydrated after surgery.
Consider using a water tracking app to help you get into the routine of drinking plenty throughout the day.
2. Eat a Healthy Diet
One of the most important things to remember for tummy tuck aftercare is to eat a balanced and healthy diet. Food is fuel for your body and your body needs extra help during surgery aftercare.
To help your body heal as quickly as possible, your diet should be nutritious. Foods that are rich in protein like lean meats can provide the fuel your body needs.
Don’t skimp on healthy fats during post-surgery care. These fats can help your skin heal.
3. Get Some Exercise
After a tummy tuck, you’ll be limited as far as what you can do for exercise. However, it’s important to get moving and stay moving.
Walking is a great form of exercise for those recovering from surgery. Try to take a walk outside each day. Just 20-30 minutes so you don’t overdo it.
If you can’t walk outside where you live, you can walk gently on a treadmill.
It’s important to get walking because movement improves your circulation. Better circulation can help you recover more efficiently after your surgery.
4. Be Mindful of Your Sleeping Position
After having a tummy tuck, you might have to change up your sleeping position to promote comfort and recovery. We recommend sleeping in an inclined position. This will reduce the amount of pressure put on your healing abdomen.
To maintain this position and further reduce stress on your incisions, use body pillows.
5. Invest in Compression Garments
It’s normal to experience swelling around your incision sites. To combat this and support your healing abdomen, you should use compression garments.
These include girdles and binders. They can even be worn while you sleep. Not only will using these devices help reduce swelling in the area, but they can help your skin deal with the changes to your body.
Want More Post Surgery Care Tips?
If you’ve had a tummy tuck, proper post-surgery care can speed up the recovery process. Of course, if you have any questions during the recovery process, it’s best to ask your doctor directly.
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