Pain and soreness after the tummy tuck 

Pain and soreness after the tummy tuck 

The unsightly appearance of the tummy represented by an excess of skin and fat tissue on the inferior abdomen can occur in both men and women after a certain age. Aging is definitely one of the factors that contribute to altering the aesthetic appearance of our body, but there are other factors that can accelerate the process. For example, multiple pregnancies, as well as considerable weight fluctuations, can also have a negative impact on the body, affecting it in different ways. However, it is mostly by a lack of contour, adipose deposits in multiple areas, and skin sagginess.

The tummy tuck, also known under the medical term of abdominoplasty, is commonly performed nowadays on women who had multiple pregnancies or men and women who had bariatric surgery or undergone a massive weight loss. For these people, the tummy tuck comes as a solution to correct more than the appearance of the body, but also some additional health complications. For example, women who had multiple pregnancies often suffer from a condition called diastasis recti which is represented by a gap between the muscles of the abdominal wall. Other times, patients have an unsightly tummy because they suffer from umbilical hernia. Patients who have undergone significant weight loss can suffer from decreased functionality or mobility due to the occurrence of the belly apron, which is the excess of skin and fat tissue that is covering a part or all of the suprapubic area.

Abdominoplasty is a major plastic surgery and should only be performed by a talented, experienced board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited medical facility. At the same time, patients undergoing the procedure should be in good health and emotional condition and understand the complexity of the procedure and that there are risks and complications that can occur. 

Aside from the complications that are associated with any other surgery, there are certain side effects of the surgical trauma that can occur after the procedure. We are talking about the pain and soreness that can occur after the tummy tuck. A certain level of pain and discomfort is normal; however, the pain should be easily manageable with the help of analgesic medication that the plastic surgeon will prescribe. Depending on your tolerance to pain, the surgeon will prescribe a simple analgesic or stronger medication to help you navigate the first few days post-op. 

It is normal to feel a bit sore after getting home from the medical facility. Numbness in the area operated is also common, and most patients will experience it for a few days post-op. To reduce the pain and soreness after the tummy tuck, make sure to avoid strenuous physical activities, take the pain medication as prescribed by the plastic surgeon, and walk with the back slightly bent forward to avoid putting too much pressure on the incisions. Even when lying down, make sure to lift your knees or put pillows under your back so the incisions are not too stretched. Compression garments will also help alleviate the pain and reduce the discomfort.