The recovery phase after any treatment or surgery is the most important in perceiving results. If you do not care much after the surgical procedure is done no matter the condition, it will have adverse effects on your body as the body is in a healing phase during this period. If you plan to undergo a liposuction or tummy tuck surgery for weight loss purposes, take extra care afterwards to yield the most benefits.
Take a look at some of the aftercare suggestions you should consider if you are to go for tummy tuck surgery.
What to expect after the surgery
Okay now you have undergone the surgery, the hard part is over but still, a few steps should be taken for aftercare. Your nurse or doctor will brief you about:
- how to care for drain tubes and incisions
- how much to rest
- what to do in case of infection
- when to see your surgeon again
- what to avoid in terms of physical activity to care for the incision line
- what to eat afterwards
You will need someone to drive you home from the hospital after the surgery. The doctor will suggest you take a shower 48 hours after the surgery. You might need a chair to sit on during the shower.
You’ll be prescribed an anticoagulant and an antibiotic which you can buy easily from online pharmacies and get delivered to your home so you don’t have to worry about going to the medical store in this delicate condition.
Guidelines for at-home aftercare
You might need to sleep in an inclined position the first few days after surgery. Keep your upper body lifted with your knees bent at a comfortable angle to help with the swelling. Yes, your body will have some swelling especially the abdominal area but it will subside in a few days. Put pillows underneath your knees to reduce the pressure from your abdominal area.
Keep light physical movement even if it is walking to keep you active. Do not overburden yourself with exercises yet, just do light physical activity. This will help keep the blood circulate in the body and help to heal the wound, also decrease the chances of the build-up of blood clots in the legs and tummy area.
Avoid alcohol if you are on pain medications, as it may interfere with the medicines. Also, avoid any intake of nicotine several weeks before and after the surgery so it may be a better idea to quit smoking during this period.
Experts recommend the following additional care tips:
- Take vitamin A & C supplements.
- Drink green tea regularly to increase antioxidant levels and boost immunity.
- Take a probiotic supplement in your diet.
- Eat papaya and pineapple to reduce inflammation and bloating.
- Use arnica to help with bruising, swelling, and pain.
- Drink ginger tea to relieve nausea or take a phosphorus supplement which is quite helpful.
- Keep your hydration levels in check by drinking lots of water.