What Your First Week of Recovery After a Tummy Tuck Would Be Like

Recovery from a tummy tuck here at our Houston body contouring surgery practice is all about supporting your body to heal optimally while avoiding complications at the same time. During initial consultations with Dr. Cortes, one of the most common concerns of men and women who want to have a tummy tuck is how recovery would be like, particularly during the first week following surgery.

Bed Rest

You should spend most of your time following recovery in your bed. It is very important that you keep the head of the bed elevated with several pillow underneath your slightly bent knees. This position will help you heal optimally by expanding your lungs (reducing your chances of pneumonia and other respiratory complications) and relaxing abdominal skin which was overly stretched during wound closure.

You are to maintain this position for the first 5 to 7 days following surgery. Walking should be limited and should only be done when necessary such as when you’re about to head to the bathroom or to the refrigerator. Too much movement on your end will most likely lead to hematoma (pooling of blood) or seroma (pooling of fluids).

Diet

You can resume eating your normal diet as tolerated. It should be noted that you are to increase your fluid intake during the first 72 hours. Avoid sodas and energy drinks and focus on fluids that are the least processed such as broths, fruit juices, and of course, water. 

Hygiene

Do not take showers during the first 5 to 7 days as you are to make sure that the compression garment stays dry. You can take sponge baths instead and can resume taking a full bath once the compression garment has been removed. In addition, make sure that you have someone to support you on your way to the bathroom.

Drains

Drains are put in place to collect fluid that accumulate in the wound area. It should be regularly emptied when full and the amount of fluid removed should be recorded every time it is emptied. You will be instructed as to when to visit our office for removal.

Compression Garments

Compression garments are put in place to reduce swelling and prevent seromas (fluid accumulations). They are not to be removed during the first 5 to 7 days following surgery and should be worn 24/7.

Pain Medications

Take pain medications as needed. 

Planning for Your Tummy Tuck with Dr. Cortes

Dr. Cortes’ approach to a tummy tuck procedure, may it be a mini or a full tummy tuck, is to not only remove excess abdominal fat and tighten weakened abdominal muscles. He also aims to create a customized tummy tuck plan that will suit your needs and will help you achieve an abdominal contour that is in proportion with the rest of your natural curves.

Call us at 713.234.6244 or fill out this contact form to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Cortes. We look forward to your visit!