Following a well-balanced diet and exercising daily are important tasks if you want to lose weight in a healthy manner. Unfortunately, some people are unable to reduce their weight and tone excess skin. In these instances, a tummy tuck procedure is smart. Considering a tummy tuck is one of the most popular plastic surgeries, you may choose this procedure to reduce fat and tighten loose skin around your abdomen. Of course, proper recovery is imperative to ensure your surgery is a success. Using these tips, you can recover from your tummy tuck in a safe, efficient manner.
Diet
If you are consuming foods that have no real nutritional value, your body will not be able to heal efficiently after surgery. Do not eat any foods that are high in sodium, since this could increase swelling and inflammation after surgery. Avoid processed foods and refined sugars to ensure your body is not consuming hidden sodium.
Focus on foods that are high in protein, such as chicken and fish. Protein strengthens your immune system, which will help heal your wound after surgery. Green, leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, are also important. These vegetables are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, which aid in the healing process.
Make sure to drink sufficient water after your surgery, as well. You may believe water will only increase swelling after surgery, but it is actually effective for flushing your body out to increase your recovery's success.
To ensure you stay hydrated, you must calculate how much water your body really needs. Take your total body weight and divide it in half. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds, you need 100 ounces of water to stay hydrated. Once you know exactly how much water your body needs, consider documenting your intake on a graph or smartphone app.
Exercise
You will experience inflammation and pain after your tummy tuck procedure, so you will most likely not have any desire to exercise. However, light walking is recommended after the surgery. Walking increases blood circulation, reducing your risk of clotting.
Each day, increase the distance you are able to walk, but do not overexert yourself.
Once your wound has healed, you will be able to resume normal activities.
Wound Care
Proper cleaning and care of your wound is key to preventing dangerous infections. Your surgeon will change the first bandage after surgery, but you will need to maintain your wound once you are at home.
Here are a few tips to keep the incision site clean:
- Support Garment – You will need to wear a support garment over the abdomen 24 hours a day for the first two weeks after your tummy tuck. This garment reduces the risk of fluid leaking into your body's tissues, which can cause inflammation, swelling, and pain. In addition, the garment helps your abdomen heal in a smooth manner. Remove the garment before showering and cleaning your wound.
- Showering – After removing the support garment, make sure the surgical tape still covers the incision before getting in the shower. After showering, use a towel to dry off the surgical tape over your incision.
- Hydrogen Peroxide – Each day, dip a cotton swab in a solution containing half water and half hydrogen peroxide. Use the swab to gently dab around the incision site. The hydrogen peroxide will remove any dirt and debris while killing bacteria that may be present.
- Ointment – Add a thin layer of antibiotic ointment over the incision using a cotton swab.
- Tape – Place surgical tape gently over the incision site after cleaning.
Your surgeon uses drains to remove fluid from the abdomen after surgery. Unfortunately, these drains will remain in place for a week or so after surgery. Emptying the drains at home will be necessary to prevent fluid buildup.
As the drain's container fills up, remove the plug to empty the container. Document the amount and color of the fluid. Notify your surgeon immediately if the fluid appears to have a gel-like consistency. This could be a sign of a post-surgical infection.
The tummy tuck surgery is a serious procedure that requires ample time for recovery. With these tips and the help of your surgeon, your tummy tuck will be a success. For more information, contact a business such as Renaissance Center For Facial & Body Sculpting.
