For many people who choose to get plastic surgery, their primary concern is what the days and weeks after the procedure will be like. We know that you have questions about this and our Board-certified plastic surgeon is available to discuss everything involved in the aftercare and recovery from a drainless tummy tuck in Houston. When it comes to an abdominoplasty, meet with our expert medical team and Discover the Deigni Difference.
Although you will need to take pain medication in the days after the procedure, most people can wean themselves off by the second week. Patients are typically very pleased to have undergone the procedure and their excitement gets even stronger once the swelling has subsided a few months after surgery and they can truly see the results.
Initially, patients will start walking slowly and partially upright, and most patients will feel tired after a few hours of being awake over the first few days after surgery. This is completely normal and every day it will get easier to resume normal activity. At around five to seven days, patients are more comfortable and able to walk fully upright. It is important to properly prepare for these days ahead of time by getting all necessary medications and having healthy meals available.
Most patients will get back to a normal routine by the end of the second week of a tummy tuck recovery. By the third week, you should be able get back to light aerobic exercise as your body allows, like ellipticals, and walking long distances. You can resume exercising with light weights by six weeks and then gradually increase to no restrictions on your activities by eight weeks. By the end of the second month, you should be able to return to the gym and the full exercises that you usually engage in.
Dr. Deigni will meet with you five times within the first six months after surgery. He will usually see you within the first week after the procedure, and have you come to the office for follow-up visits at three weeks, six weeks, three months, and six months.
At that point, you can choose to return yearly to check on progress, but most patients choose to sign off from Dr. Deigni’s care, knowing that they can always contact us with any questions or if they want any other surgeries.
The initial results of a tummy tuck are immediate and patients who have had a large pannus (the extra belly skin and fat that begins to hang down past the waist) will be able to appreciate a much finer belly immediately after surgery. The final results will become apparent around four to six months later, once the natural swelling from the surgery has significantly subsided.
The days following any major surgery will require lots of rest, little physical activity, and help from family or friends. Fortunately, this will not last long and you will be able to return to your routine in short order. Call us at 281-721-4373 and speak with our medical team about what to expect from your drainless tummy tuck aftercare and recovery in Houston.
