COSMETIC TOWN JOURNAL



5 Things to Expect After Abdominoplasty

Posted June 08, 2016

When you’ve lost a lot of weight, or gone through a pregnancy or two, chances are you may have a bit of excess hanging skin  you’re looking to get rid of especially around the stomach region. Luckily, these days you have the option of getting back your beach body with minimal effort and a lot faster than dieting and exercise thanks to plastic surgery.

A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a body sculpting procedure designed to remove any loose skin and finally bring out your underlying physique. After the loose skin is excised, the remaining skin is pulled taut giving you a flat, tight stomach.

Not so fast! We often get too excited about the outcome and forget about what hardships the process can bring. So let’s talk about what many people aren’t talking about: the nitty gritty details of tummy tuck recovery and healing.

1. You will need A LOT of assistance.

Whether it’s your parents, partner or hired help, you will need someone to look after you for the first few days after the procedure. Every little movement you make will cause a lot of pain and simply adjusting your position while lying down can be a whole ordeal in and of itself. You will probably be on heavy medication as well so expect the first few days to skip you completely.

2. Sleepless Nights

Even though you’re hopped up on pain meds and essentially using all of your body’s resources to heal, you won’t get much sleep for the first few days. Your body is so uncomfortable and sore after the procedure that most people can only get 30 minutes of sleep at a time. Forget tossing and turning, just moving the wrong way can leave you sweating in pain.

3. Using the Bathroom Sucks!

No one likes to talk about this but it must be addressed. Peeing and pooping will suck, especially pooping. First, your digestive system goes into a mini-hibernation from all the painkillers and changes in your diet following the procedure. Some people can’t use the bathroom for a one week! Once your digestive system goes back to normal, you will still be in a lot of pain just sitting on a toilet, let alone wiping after yourself. Let’s just say you and your helper will be getting to know each other really well during this time.

4. You Will Look Gross for a While

Let’s clarify one thing: You just went through a major operation that literally removed a few pounds of skin and fat from you. Since you will have big wounds across the abdomen, you will not be allowed to take a shower for a few weeks. You will also be covered in scars and bruises so it will not be a pretty sight for a while when you look at yourself in the mirror. Think of a horror movie set when it comes to your abdomen area.

At this point in time, it is important to keep a close eye on your self-esteem. Many people get disheartened during their recovery so it’s crucial to realize that all the discomfort you are going through is all part of the healing process.  Just remember that most positive changes come with obstacles and challenges that you need to overcome. Plastic surgery is a tough ordeal to recover from so remember to stay strong so you can reap the rewards later.

- KT

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