Recovery after abdominoplasty

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen in order to tighten it. The procedure, in most cases, is popular with women who, after childbirth or as a result of losing weight, cannot get rid of the stretching of the abdominal muscles. Recovery after abdominoplasty is slow and therefore requires not only constant monitoring by the medical staff, but also a responsible attitude to the process of the patient himself.

The duration of the rehabilitation period is on average six months. The term is determined by the volume of the operation performed, the speed of suture healing, the absence of complications and the restoration of the functionality of the abdominal muscles.

A person is already able to return to his usual life after two months.

How is the postoperative period

Depending on the indications, the operation is performed under general or local anesthesia. The patient is in the operating room for about 2-3 hours, then he is transferred to the intensive care unit for a day. This step should not scare patients. In the intensive care unit, the postoperative patient is under constant medical supervision to exclude unforeseen complications. On the second day, the patient is transferred to a regular ward, where he will stay for a few more days.

Any type of peritoneal surgery requires the placement of drainage tubes. With their help, the accumulation of blood and fluid at the site of the incision is prevented. The tubes are removed after a few days.

Immediately after surgery, hematomas and edema may appear not only in the area of ​​the surgical field, but also along the muscles of the abdomen and lower back. To prevent complications, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic therapy is carried out. To normalize bowel function, the doctor may prescribe laxatives. Drink more fluids to avoid dehydration.

Rehabilitation after abdominoplasty in the early postoperative period

The tummy tuck operation is a full-fledged surgical manipulation with a violation of the integrity of the skin and muscles of the abdominal wall. Therefore, the early postoperative period is accompanied by soreness of the entire surface of the abdomen.

Pain relief is carried out on the first day with drugs with a gradual transition to non-narcotic drugs. In the first days after the operation, patients often complain of a feeling of tightness, which disappears on its own within two weeks.

With positive dynamics, the patient can be transferred to a day hospital. Stitches are removed 10-12 days after surgery. The scar left after the removal of the suture material is somewhat different in color from healthy skin, but becomes less noticeable over time.

Recovery at home

The patient, being on a day hospital, continues to visit the doctor who performed the operation. After the sutures are removed after abdominoplasty, for successful rehabilitation it is recommended to wear a corset or compression underwear for one and a half to two months. Such a measure is necessary to prevent the development of complications. It is not recommended to remove compression underwear during the first two weeks at all, except for taking a shower. Then it will be possible to shoot only at the time of rest or sleep.

In addition to preventive measures, the doctor will recommend limiting physical activity and good nutrition.

Rehabilitation depends on the type of work performed. If the activity is not associated with physical activity, then you can start working two to three weeks after the intervention. For work related to physical labor, the rehabilitation period after abdominoplasty of the abdomen is at least a month.

To speed up the recovery of the body, experts recommend:

• during the first three months, the performance of special gymnastics. From the complex it is necessary to remove power loads, fitness, weight lifting;
• stick to a diet. Food should be taken in small portions, eliminating foods that promote gas formation from the diet;
• avoid taking medications during the recovery period without the recommendation of the attending physician, and if there is a need to take them, be sure to coordinate with the doctor.

What is prohibited

To avoid complications in the postoperative period, you should follow the appointments of a specialist:

• bed rest in the first days after surgery;
• complete exclusion of physical activity, as well as movements that contribute to the tension of the muscles of the abdominal wall;
• in order to avoid divergence of the seams, it is important not only to eliminate the load on the abdominal muscles, but also to move around, fixing the stomach with a corset;
• during sleep, bend your legs to prevent skin tension.

How to behave

• In the rehabilitation process, physical activity should be introduced gradually. Their intensity should be determined by the doctor.
• It is necessary to remove hard-to-digest foods from the diet. Alcohol should be excluded, tk. its use negatively affects the blood and intestinal flora. As a result of disorders caused by alcohol intake, the processes of tissue regeneration slow down.
• It is not recommended to use a bath until the stitches are removed. You can only shower.
• In order for the scar to form correctly within 1.5 months, hot air or steam should not be exposed to the seams. Therefore, for a while, you will have to abandon the sauna and bath.
• Within six months, you will need to refrain from visiting the solarium and sunbathing.

Expert advice

To speed up the healing process, doctors prescribe physiotherapy procedures. Among the methods used are the use of gels and therapeutic ointments. The postoperative scar on the abdomen, as a rule, is large. After removal of the sutures, the scar is quite dense and very different from neighboring integuments. The introduction of hormonal ointment or gels containing heparin using ultrasound into tissues accelerates the process of healing and tissue repair. The seam becomes soft and elastic, as well as invisible.

Ointment and gel are prescribed only after the stitches are removed and the scar heals.

Application of silicone applicators with therapeutic substances on a fresh scar gives excellent results:

• as a result of the pressure of the applicator on the scar, the scar is smoothed out and becomes less noticeable;
• drug exposure accelerates tissue healing.

A similar effect can be achieved using another physiotherapeutic method - pressotherapy. As a result of pressure on the abdominal wall, blood and lymph circulation through the vessels improves. Surgeons recommend using this technique not only in the postoperative period, but also before surgery, in order to exclude such a complication as thromboembolism.

To exclude the appearance of edema and hematomas, doctors prescribe magnetotherapy and vacuum massage. And sessions of ozone therapy - to accelerate the regenerative processes.

How long do you need to stay in the clinic

The length of stay in the hospital depends on the anesthesia used, the amount of intervention and the subsequent state of the body. Usually, after the operation, the patient stays in the hospital for two or three days, and then he is discharged. But, until the suture is completely healed and he feels normal, he is under the supervision of the operating surgeon. If mini-plasty was performed, then the patient's stay in the hospital is not required. After surgery, the patient goes home the same day.

When can you resume exercise?

If the rehabilitation period proceeds without any features, then from the second month after the intervention, you can engage in physical education. Start with light exercises with a gradual increase in load. In case of complications after abdominoplasty, sports are contraindicated. Do not lift heavy objects for three months after the operation.

How the rehabilitation process will proceed after the operation is largely determined by the behavior of the patient. Therefore, before deciding on an abdominoplasty, you should weigh the pros and cons. If the patient is ready for the fact that the recovery after the procedure will be long and will be able to comply with all the prescriptions of doctors, then the result obtained (beautiful shape of the abdomen, confidence in its attractiveness) will not disappoint him.

Rehabilitation after abdominoplasty - video