How To Recover From A Tummy Tuck In Your Mommy Makeover

The tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is one of the most commonly requested procedures by women desiring a flatter and more contoured midsection. Whether a patient has stubborn belly fat due to aging, childbirth, or other causes, a tummy tuck procedure is a highly effective way to eliminate loose skin and fat that are not responding to traditional diet and exercise. As part of a mommy makeover, which may include procedures like breast augmentation, a breast lift, liposuction, and labiaplasty, a tummy tuck helps to complete a highly transformative process for many women.

While the procedure can produce gorgeous and significant results, the overall success of a tummy tuck depends largely on how closely a patient adheres to the recommended recovery protocol. At SSK Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi is committed to providing the highest level of care and education by guiding patients through the entire process from consultation to recovery.

Some of the key things to consider regarding your tummy tuck recovery:

Adhere to postoperative guidelines

Following your surgeon’s postoperative instructions is one of the most crucial parts of a successful tummy tuck. Although it is a fairly common procedure, a tummy tuck should still be treated as a serious invasive surgery. Both before and after the procedure, Dr. Kelishadi and the expertly trained medical staff at SSK Plastic Surgery will provide patients with written and verbal instructions for the postoperative period as well as prescriptions for pain medication. In addition to these instructions, Dr. Kelishadi will outline restrictions on physical activity. Although most patients begin to feel like themselves within a week or so, it is important to remember that full healing can take several months and rushing the recovery process can be detrimental to the final results.

Have a plan for tummy tuck recovery

As part of a tummy tuck procedure, multiple surgical incisions are made for the purpose of removing excess skin and tightening the underlying muscle. In many cases, the surgeon may also elect to use liposuction to address stubborn fat and enhance the final results. The combination of these procedures can result in a significant level of discomfort and limited mobility for the first few days after the procedure, so it is strongly recommended that patients plan to have help during that time. This is particularly important for patients with young children, as heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity will be strictly off limits. When a tummy tuck is performed as part of a mommy makeover, the physical limitations may be even more profound due to the additional procedures. Planning for the recovery period in advance can help relieve a significant amount of stress for the patient and her family.

Have a preoperative plan for a tummy tuck

While the recovery period is crucial to the success of a tummy tuck, the preoperative plan is arguably an equally important part of the process. Patients seeking a tummy tuck as part of their mommy makeover can greatly benefit by preparing their bodies for a successful surgery and easy recovery. During the initial consultation, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi and the experienced medical staff at SSK Plastic Surgery will give patients recommendations and instructions to help ensure that their recovery is as quick and easy as possible.

One of the most advantageous preparations a patient can make before surgery is to establish and maintain a healthy body weight through regular diet and exercise for at least six months. These patients typically experience the best and longest-lasting results following their tummy tuck. When a patient has a significant weight fluctuation in the postoperative or immediate preoperative period, the final result can be significantly diminished. This is a particularly important consideration for patients who are planning to have additional children. In general, it is recommended that women defer a tummy tuck and mommy makeover procedure until after they are done having children.

Since blood vessels are affected during a tummy tuck and other plastic surgeries, smoking can compromise your body’s ability to heal. All trusted tummy tuck doctors strongly recommend quitting smoking and tobacco use at least 4 – 6 weeks before the procedure to increase your chances of a smooth recovery. 

In addition to understanding what can help to achieve the best possible results, it is also important to know what may interfere with the tummy tuck healing and recovery process. Some of the most common culprits in a prolonged recovery time include not adhering to the postoperative care instructions, and not maintaining a consistent weight for at least six months before and after the procedure.

Schedule your consultation at SSK Plastic Surgery 

Long before the surgery and recovery, the most important first step for tummy tuck and mommy makeover patients in Newport Beach, CA, is to consult a qualified, experienced physician. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi is an expert in the field of abdominoplasty and other procedures associated with a mommy makeover, and the supportive medical team at SSK Plastic Surgery is committed to guiding patients through the entire process from the initial consultation to the final result.

Call SSK Plastic Surgery in Newport Beach, CA, to schedule your consultation today, and find out more about how a tummy tuck and mommy makeover can give you the flat, contoured, and enhanced midsection you have always dreamed of!