Tummy Tuck

Tummy Tuck Recovery Tips: How to Make the Healing Process Easier

A tummy tuck can reshape your abdominal area, potentially boosting your self-esteem, but the recovery period is key to achieving these benefits, and tummy tuck recovery begins even before your surgery.

Start by asking someone to assist you post-surgery; daily tasks might be challenging initially. Next, prepare a comfortable recovery space in your home. This space should have essentials within arm’s reach, like medications, water, and snacks. Finally, closely follow your surgeon’s pre-surgery instructions.

These steps might include dietary adjustments or specific physical preparations. Taking these actions helps ensure a more comfortable and effective recovery, paving the way for the best possible outcomes.

Essential Post-Op Care Strategies

After your tummy tuck, following post-op care strategies is vital. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions — it’s crucial to stick to these to foster healing and reduce complications. Wearing a compression garment is key.

It helps reduce swelling and supports your new contours. Equally important is your diet. Opt for balanced meals that aid recovery; think protein, vitamins, and hydration. Gentle walks are beneficial, too. They boost circulation, aiding the healing process. However, balance this with plenty of rest. Your body heals best when rested.

Lastly, don’t skip your follow-up appointments. These are essential for monitoring your progress and ensuring everything is healing as it should.

Managing Expectations and Emotions

Tummy tuck recovery is as much about managing emotions as it is about physical healing. Understand that recovery takes time, and the results will emerge gradually. Patience and self-compassion are your best allies during this period.

It’s normal to experience a spectrum of emotions. You’re not alone in feeling this way. To navigate these feelings, consider discussing any concerns with your surgical team. They’re there to support you.

Joining a support group can also provide comfort and understanding to those who’ve been through similar experiences. Additionally, practicing relaxation techniques can aid in managing stress and promoting a positive mindset.

This journey is not just about physical transformation but also about welcoming a new chapter in your life with confidence.

Book Your Tummy Tuck Consultation in Calgary

Ready to take the first step towards a confident new you? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ryan Frank at Ryan Frank MD Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery for expert care in Calgary, Canada. Call us at 403-245-1228. Let’s make your dream results a reality together.

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How To Prepare for a Tummy Tuck Procedure

Perfect,Slim,Toned,Young,Body,Of,The,Girl,.,An An abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a cosmetic surgery used to contour and tighten the abdomen. During the procedure, your surgeon removes excess fat and skin and tightens the abdominal muscles, which may have become separated due to pregnancy or weight gain.

If you’re interested in a tummy tuck, taking the proper steps during your preparation and recovery is essential to ensure you achieve long-lasting results. Keep reading to learn more about how you can prepare for your procedure and recovery.

Candidates for a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck isn’t for everyone. Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck include those who are at a stable weight and are generally in good health.

We also recommend that patients receive a tummy tuck after their last child, as pregnancy after a tummy tuck can adversely affect your results.

If you have heart disease or diabetes, you may not be a candidate for a tummy tuck, as this can put you at increased risk of complications. Furthermore, if you have a body mass index over 30 or are using tobacco products, you will have to quit smoking and reduce your BMI before you’re eligible for this procedure.

Preparing for a Tummy Tuck

Before you go in for an abdominoplasty, you will have a consultation with Dr. Ryan Frank, who will review your medical history and perform a physical exam. Be sure to provide a thorough background on your medical history and that of your family. You should also bring a list of your medications with you – if any of them pose a risk to your recovery, you may have to stop taking them temporarily.

In addition, Dr. Frank may ask to take photos for your medical record so you can compare the before and after photos. He’ll then discuss your expectations, including why you want a tummy tuck and your goals for your procedure.

Finally, we recommend arranging for help during the recovery process. This includes having someone to drive you home after the surgery and stay with you for at least the first night after you return home.

Schedule a Tummy Tuck Consultation

To learn more about abdominoplasty, schedule a tummy tuck consultation with Ryan Frank, MD, at 403-245-1228. We proudly serve Calgary and the surrounding areas in Alberta.

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What Is An Abdominoplasty?

tummy tuckAbdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that improves the contour of the abdomen and waist. A tummy tuck flattens the stomach area by removing excess fat and skin and tightening the muscles.

What does the tummy tuck procedure involve?

In most cases, the abdominoplasty procedure takes about two to three hours, and is performed under general anesthesia. The surgery requires two incisions– one from hipbone to hipbone, close to the pubic area, and another around the navel.   The skin is then separated from the abdominal muscles which are then pulled together and stitched. This provides a taut abdomen and smoother waist. Next, liposuction is performed on the abdomen and flanks. The remaining skin flap is then pulled down over the tightened muscles and excess skin is removed. The navel is reattached in a natural position.

Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

This procedure is designed for individuals in overall good health and who have a normal body weight, but loose, sagging or stretched skin in the abdomen that does not respond to diet or exercise. These conditions are common in women who have experienced pregnancy and delivery, or those who have undergone significant weight loss. It is also important that abdominoplasty patients do not smoke.

Women who are considering future pregnancies are encouraged to postpone a tummy tuck until they are done with child bearing. This is because pregnancy can have an adverse effect on the results of the surgery.

How long is the recovery for a tummy tuck?

The complete recovery time following a tummy tuck varies from case to case, but typically takes up to 3 months. The recovery process may include the insertion of a temporary tube to drain excess fluid from the site of the surgery.

The procedure will leave a scar spanning the length of the abdomen, from hip to hip. Dr. Frank will make the incision as low as possible so that the scar can be covered by a bathing suit.

With proper diet and exercise, the results of a tummy tuck will be long-lasting.

Abdominoplasty in Calgary

If you are interested in abdominoplasty or would like to learn more about any of the other cosmetic surgery procedures we offer, contact Dr. Frank today. We can be reached at (403) 245-1228. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Abdominoplasty: Tummy Tuck FAQ

Tummy TuckCommonly known as a tummy tuck, abdominoplasty helps flatten and shape the stomach area and waist. The surgery removes excess fat and skin, while also tightening muscles to create a more flat, sleek and trim midsection.

What Is the Procedure?

During the surgery, which takes approximately two to three hours and is performed under general anesthesia, two incisions are made. One is from hipbone to hipbone, while the other incision is around the navel. The skin is then separated from the abdominal muscles, which are then pulled together and stitched into place for a firmer abdomen and narrower waist.

The skin flap is then stretched down and over the newly tightened muscles, while excess skin is trimmed away and the navel is reattached in a natural position. The incisions are then carefully closed, with the hip to hip incision’s sutures located close to the pubic area so that it is as discreet as possible.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Do you have loose, stretched skin and belly folds because of pregnancy? Or do you have excess skin as a result of major weight loss? Then you are a great candidate for abdominoplasty.

Candidates should be in great physical condition and non-smokers. Many people who undergo abdominoplasty because they have pockets of fat or loose skin that haven’t responded well to diet and exercise. Abdominoplasty can also help older, slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity.

What Other Factors Should I Consider?

Are you planning to have a child in the near future? Having a child can undo the results of the procedure, so we advise patients who plan to become pregnant to delay abdominoplasty.

Are you planning to lose more weight? Since further weight loss can cause more skin to become loose, we encourage patients who intend to lose a substantial amount of weight to wait  until they reach their goal weight before undergoing the procedure,

How Long Is Recovery?

The recovery process after abdominoplasty may include the temporary insertion of a tube that will drain excess fluid from the surgical site. Following the surgery, a patient’s recovery time can range from 8-12 weeks.

Abdominoplasty in Calgary

If you are interested in abdominoplasty or would like to learn more about any of the other cosmetic surgery procedures we offer, contact us today. We can be reached at (403) 245-1228. We look forward to hearing from you!

Abdominoplasty: Tummy Tuck FAQ Read More »

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