Before and after a tummy tuck: how to prepare and recover optimally

Preparation for the tummy tuck

The decision to have surgery has been made, so now it’s time to wait for the appointment? Not quite. Because preparation for a tummy tuck begins a few weeks beforehand and plays a key role in making the procedure and recovery phase as smooth as possible.

Precautions for the domestic closed season

The time after a tummy tuck is crucial for a successful recovery. You should therefore think in advance about how you can best prepare your home environment for the recovery phase. Especially for the first few days after the procedure, it is advisable to organize help around the house, for example from friends or relatives. You should avoid physically strenuous activities during this time, so it is helpful to have someone by your side to help with everyday tasks such as shopping, cooking or childcare.

You should also inform your employer of your absence in good time. Depending on the nature of your work, it may be necessary to allow several weeks until you are fully recovered. This applies in particular to physically demanding work. Make sure that you have reserved enough vacation days for your recovery. Also remember to organize your journey home after the operation. As you are not allowed to drive after the operation, you should clarify in advance who will take you home safely.

Physical preparation

It is particularly important that you prepare yourself physically for the abdominoplasty, as you want to minimize the risk of complications during and after the procedure as much as possible. Therefore, follow your specialist’s medical instructions exactly and, if necessary, stop taking blood-thinning medication (e.g. Aspirin®) at an early stage. We recommend that you abstain from alcohol and nicotine at least 2 weeks before the operation, as these substances can have a negative effect on wound healing.

Nutrition also plays an important role in your preparation. Make sure you eat a balanced and healthy diet and keep your weight stable over a longer period of time. Weight fluctuations can have a negative effect on the outcome of the operation and impair wound healing. On the day of the operation, you should not eat or drink anything for six to eight hours beforehand.

Mental preparation

An operation is always a strain on the body. But the mental component must also be taken into account. Always have realistic expectations of the final result and remember one thing above all: you will need patience. The final result will not be visible immediately after the procedure, but will take several weeks to develop. Maintaining this patience and adapting to the entire healing process is very important. A positive attitude can therefore help you to get through the post-operative phase well and overcome the small challenges that may arise during recovery.

It can also be helpful if you seek emotional support from friends and family in your social environment. You are also welcome to discuss your fears and concerns openly with your specialist at any time so that you can go into the operation with a good feeling. We want to clarify all your questions and possible uncertainties in advance so that you know exactly what to expect and what you can expect. Therefore, never hesitate to contact us before (and after) the operation if you have any questions.

What you need to consider for the healing process after a tummy tuck

Recovery after a tummy tuck is an individual and personal process that depends on various factors. Every body heals at different speeds, so follow the instructions given to you by your doctor after the operation, listen to your body and, if in doubt, take things slowly.

The first days after the tummy tuck

The first few days after a tummy tuck are the most important for the healing process, as you are still weakened and the wound is still fresh. Rest is then the be-all and end-all. The following factors are very important to ensure that you rest as much as possible:

• Home on the same day and comfortable recovery: You can usually return home the day after your operation. Make sure that your surroundings are prepared so that you are in the immediate vicinity of the bathroom and can rest comfortably. This avoids unnecessary movements and promotes wound healing.
  
  
• Clothing and accessibility of important items: Keep all important items such as medication, food and toiletries within easy reach so that you do not have to bend or stretch unnecessarily. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that does not press on the surgical wound and makes it easier to get dressed and undressed.
  
  
• Movement around the house and everyday activities: You do not have to rest all the time. On the first day after the operation, you should take short walks around the house or apartment to promote blood circulation and reduce the risk of thrombosis. On the second day, you can undertake light activities such as climbing stairs, short walks outside or light cooking. Activities such as shopping or short car trips are possible after four to five days, light housework after about a week.
  
  
• Showering and personal hygiene: With a special shower plaster, you can shower as early as 48 hours after the operation, provided no drains have been placed. However, avoid bathing for the first six weeks to minimize the risk of infection.
  
  
• Wearing a compression girdle and physical rest: You will be fitted with a compression girdle immediately after the operation, which you should wear day and night for six weeks. Physical exertion should be avoided during this time.

2 weeks after the tummy tuck

After about two weeks, you should be able to slowly resume your daily routine:

• Socially acceptable: As a rule, you will be socially acceptable again after two weeks and can take part in social activities.
• Fit for work: Most patients can return to work after one to three weeks, depending on the type of activity, of course. After a mini-abdominoplasty, it is often possible to work from home after just a few days.
• Sexual intercourse: As a rule, you can have sexual intercourse again after four weeks if you feel ready.
• Regular aftercare: Attend all aftercare appointments so that we can monitor the healing process and recognize any complications at an early stage.
• Exercise: Slowly increase your physical activity, but without putting excessive strain on your abdomen.

6 weeks after the tummy tuck

Healing should be well advanced six weeks after the operation:

• Reduction in swelling: Most swelling should have gone down after six weeks. However, it is normal for some swelling to reduce slowly.
• Bathing, sleeping, sport & endurance training: You can now bathe again, sleep normally and start light sport and endurance training. However, you should continue to avoid abdominal exercises.

What are the risks and after-effects of a tummy tuck?

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and possible after-effects with a tummy tuck, which should be carefully considered beforehand.

The best-known complications include

• Infections,
• Bleeding
• Water retention and
• Scarring.

However, these usually only occur rarely and can be significantly minimized with professional treatment and careful aftercare. Another possible after-effect is temporary numbness in the surgical area, which can occur due to the severing of nerves during the procedure. This numbness usually disappears over time, but in individual cases it can last longer or be permanent. Make sure you keep your follow-up appointments with your specialist so that possible complications can be recognized and responded to at an early stage.

Personal consultation in our practice in Saarbrücken

You and your body are unique and the decision and preparation for a tummy tuck should be just as individual. That is why we would be delighted to welcome you for a personal consultation at CenterPlast in Saarbrücken. In a confidential consultation, we will take plenty of time to discuss your wishes and expectations in detail and provide you with comprehensive information about the procedure and the possible risks. This allows us to determine the best procedure for you and answer all your questions. We will accompany you from the initial consultation through the procedure to aftercare.

Simply make an appointment during our consultation hours. We look forward to getting to know you personally.