I know you’re tired of the pouch you have on your stomach that you just can’t seem to get rid of no matter how many crunches you do, and that you are considering a tummy tuck (if you weren’t you probably wouldn’t be reading this article) the next logical question is how long is the tummy tuck recovery period?

A tummy tuck, otherwise known as abdominoplasty, is a major surgery and you have to make sure you understand everything that’s involved before you make your decision to have it done. As with all surgeries there is a risk of complications so be darn careful when you pick out the plastic surgeon, as well as the surgery center, who will perform the procedure.

Also, make sure you have someone who can help you out with your daily activities for at least several days post surgery. You won’t be able to do much at all, even cooking, getting dressed and moving around your house will be a challenge. Of course, you won’t be able to drive for a while after your surgery so make sure you stock up on groceries around your home (or get one of your friends to help you out).

Make sure you have someone who can fill your prescriptions. The doctor will usually prescribe something for pain and usually some form of antibiotic as well to prevent infections.

Since some types of pain medications can make you constipated, which is the last thing you want after having abdominal surgery, many surgeons will prescribe a laxative to take after the surgery. Whatever your doctor prescribes, take it. Make sure you take your pills on time. You don’t want to have unnecessary pain or risk an infection, take your pills on time every time.

It’s also a good idea to have a thermometer on hand so you can check for an infection. Infections are a common complication of having surgery and one of the first signs of an infection will be a fever. By being able to check your temperature often, you can see any signs of an infection early on, which is good (so you can treat it early before it gets to serious) and something you want to watch for during your tummy tuck recovery.

Don’t think that you don’t have to listen to the doctor or follow his instructions either. A tummy tuck is major surgery, you don’t want to risk injuring yourself of ripping out your sutures, so follow his directions. These instructions will cover everything from when you can take a bath how often to change your bandages, how much you can lift and what activity levels you should restrict yourself to, all the way up to when you can have sex again. Listen to him.

Recovering from a major surgical procedure will take time, in order to make your tummy tuck recovery as painless and as quick as possible make sure that you fully understand and follow all your doctors advice, this is not the time to be a know it all.

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You have this little pooch belly that just will not go away no matter what you do and you are wondering how long it takes for an abdominoplasty recovery if you choose to have one done. Recovery usually will take at least six weeks. So be prepared to have a few minutes of extra time on your hands.

Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is major abdominal surgery. Do not let anyone tell you any different. Make sure you have a good understanding of the procedure and all the pros and cons that go with it. Do some research before you talk to your doctor and find out about the procedure and make a list of questions you have so you get all the answers you need. Talk about complications that are possible and what to do if you experience any of them.

Now, it would be a good idea to make arrangements with a family member or friend to help you with things that need to be done for several days after the surgery during the abdominoplasty recovery period. You will not be much for being up and moving around. In fact, you will not even be able to stand up straight so the things you normally would take for granted like getting dressed or cooking a meal will be out of the question for the time being. It would be a good idea to stock up on essentials before you even go in for the surgery but, if something gets overlooked then family or friends will be happy to get whatever it is for you, I’m sure.

Also be sure to ask family or friends if they mind being available to get your prescriptions filled. The doctor performing the procedure will no doubt prescribe a good narcotic pain reliever as well as an antibiotic to prevent infection. You should plan ahead for the possibility of constipation as well. This can happen with the surgery itself and also with taking a narcotic pain reliever, so take a stool softener for at least three days prior to the surgery because the doctor will advise you not to strain to go to the bathroom after surgery.

Abdominoplasty surgery is no laughing matter. You will be incapacitated for a while after the surgery. If you plan ahead then you can alleviate some of the potential boredom that will come with the sudden lack of activity you will experience during the recovery. During this time please be sure to follow any and all of your doctor’s orders. If you try to do too much then you risk injury and infection.

Doctor’s orders will include how soon you can bathe after surgery, how often you should change your bandages, care and cleaning of the drain tubing and pouch, any lifting restrictions and any activity restrictions and even instructions on how soon you can begin having sex again, too. As with all surgeries there are possible complications. The most prevalent of which may be bleeding. If you experience any excessive bleeding during your abdominoplasty recovery then call your doctor immediately.

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