After a tummy tuck, it is common to be in pain. You may be wondering, how long will my stomach hurt? What about walking and sleeping on my side? These are all important questions to ask yourself after undergoing this procedure. Below you will find some helpful advice.
How long will my stomach hurt after a tummy tuck?
After having your tummy tuck, you’ll have some soreness for a few weeks. However, it will be less painful after two weeks. The first week is the worst, with three to four days of discomfort. Pain medication will help you cope with the pain.
After surgery, you’ll be required to stay home for at least two weeks. Your recovery time will depend on your overall health and the complexity of the surgery. You shouldn’t drive for at least four days, and should avoid heavy lifting for the first few days. Also, the anaesthesia will make you feel tired and confused, and you’ll need to take it easy.
Your recovery time will vary based on several factors, including your age, overall health, weight, and the type of tummy tuck you’re having done. You’ll also need to consult with your surgeon to determine how long you’ll need to recover. You might need to stay at the hospital for a night or two.
Is there a lot of pain after a tummy tuck?
After a tummy tuck, patients should expect some pain and swelling for up to three weeks after the procedure. The pain is mild to moderate and can be controlled with prescribed pain medication. Swelling and bruising may also increase. During this time, patients are encouraged to take walks around the ward and their home, to help blood circulate and prevent blood clots. After the procedure, patients should schedule a follow-up appointment to assess how long pain lasts.
Depending on the type of surgery performed, patients may be able to engage in light activity as early as two weeks following the procedure. However, patients undergoing full tummy tuck procedures should wait for at least four weeks before engaging in sexual activity. During this time, they should also avoid excessive lifting or strenuous activities. They should also have someone to drive them home from the hospital, and the first few days should be spent resting at home. Once the drainage tubes have been removed, patients can shower. They should use a chair when showering.
While most tummy tuck patients are satisfied with the results, some people experience prolonged pain after surgery. Some patients experience discomfort for a few days, while others can experience pain for three months. Some patients experience swelling and bruising for more than two months. However, these symptoms usually go away after a few weeks.
When can I sleep on my side after a tummy tuck?
Following your tummy tuck, you may have a few questions about sleeping. While some patients do fine with sleeping on their sides, others should avoid it because it can delay the recovery process. The key is to make sure your shoulders are elevated and that you are not rolling on your side. You may also want to purchase a good pillow to help support your body. A boyfriend pillow is especially helpful.
Using a supportive pillow is an excellent way to reduce pressure on your tummy and buttocks while you sleep. You can also try using rolled-up blankets or pillows to prop up your legs. You can even consider using a donut-shaped pillow to sleep on your side.
Although you should not sleep on your side right after a tummy tuck, it’s best to sleep on an incline instead of a flat surface. This will help ensure that your incision doesn’t stretch out or get pulled. Plus, inclining your body will prevent blood from pooling in your lower abdomen and increase the risk of infection.
When can I walk straight after tummy tuck?
Walking after a tummy tuck can be difficult, but it is possible once the incision site has healed. It may take at least a week to be able to walk straight, and you should keep to light walking. It is common to experience constipation after surgery, but this can be easily remedied by eating fibre-rich foods and taking over-the-counter stool softeners. You should schedule follow-up appointments to ensure you’re not experiencing any complications. You can also return to work about one month after the operation, but it is important to check with Dr Carmen and her team before performing strenuous activities or physically demanding tasks.
The time it takes for recovery after a tummy tuck depends on the type of procedure you had. Some people recover quicker than others, but it can take a few weeks to return to full activity. You should avoid driving or heavy lifting for at least two weeks after your surgery.
What helps with pain after tummy tuck?
After undergoing a tummy tuck, you will likely be a little sore, so you should be sure to take the right pain medication. You may be prescribed an opioid for the first three days, and you should switch to over-the-counter pain relievers as you heal. You can also ask your surgeon about pain pumps, which are small pumps of local anesthetics that infuse Lidocaine or Marcaine into the wound. These pumps can be sent home with you, and they can minimize the amount of pain you experience after the surgery.
Exparel(r) is a prescription pain reliever that is injected into the abdominal area and helps with the post-operative discomfort. Patients who choose this medication report that it greatly reduces the amount of narcotic pain medication they need. Exparel also has the added benefit of reducing nausea and disorientation, which are common side effects of oral pain relievers.
Over-the-counter pain medications such as Tylenol and NSAIDS are available and can help with the pain after a tummy tack. They are safe, effective, and don’t increase bleeding. However, if you have a history of substance abuse, it’s advisable to consult a doctor before taking any prescription medications. Also, it’s important to follow all directions on the medication and to follow them exactly. Taking more than recommended may increase the pain and exacerbate the condition.
Are tummy tucks worth the pain?
Before getting a tummy tuck, you must know the risks and complications associated with the procedure. The standard tummy tuck is less invasive than a c-section, and only deals with the skin and surface of the abdominal cavity. Additional procedures, such as liposuction or an extended tummy tuck, may cause more pain. You should discuss any previous medical conditions with your surgeon, and make sure you tell him about any allergies you may have. You must also disclose any weight loss. The doctor will examine your abdominal area and take pictures.
Most patients report significant pain and downtime after having the procedure. However, they report that their recovery time is well worth the results. After a tummy tuck, you will have a more firm, flat stomach and the confidence to wear revealing clothes. In addition, the procedure is a great option if you’ve lost a significant amount of weight or have recently given birth.
One downside of tummy tucks is the big scar they leave behind. The procedure can leave a long scar on the abdomen, which runs from the hipbone to the bikini line. However, most patients find that the scar will fade over time. During the surgery, the skin on your abdomen is separated from the nerves that give it sensation. This causes numbness, which some women find uncomfortable. However, most people grow used to the sensation and move on with their lives.
Can you damage a tummy tuck?
One of the most common concerns about tummy tucks is the possibility of damage to fatty tissue deep beneath the skin. In addition, smoking is an important risk factor because it reduces the amount of blood flow to the area and increases the chance of tissue damage. Smoking also reduces healing time and increases the risk of infection. It is important to discuss your lifestyle with your surgeon and follow his or her advice.
The first step in determining whether you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck is to discuss your medical history. You should disclose any previous surgeries, medications, or allergies. Also, you should disclose whether or not you’ve lost a significant amount of weight. During this consultation, your doctor will also examine your abs and take pictures.
After undergoing a tummy tuck, your abdominal muscles will be sore for about a week. The sutures that hold the muscles in place cause them to fatigue. After a week, most women will feel normal enough to resume daily activities.
How long does tummy tuck take to heal internally?
Once you have undergone a tummy tuck, it will take time to heal internally. During the first few weeks, you will be unable to do much more than pick up your child and run the vacuum cleaner. During this time, your support network is very important. Your family and friends should be aware of the recovery process and be willing to help you. Additionally, you will not be able to drive until you are cleared by the doctor.
It is important that you allow adequate time off work after your tummy tuck procedure. Depending on the type of surgery, you may need up to 6 weeks off from work. You should also avoid heavy lifting and driving for several weeks. You may also need to wear a support garment for up to a month.
While the pain is likely to be most uncomfortable during the first week, you can take prescription pain medication to reduce your discomfort. Light walking is also beneficial, since it helps blood flow to the area. However, you should not engage in heavy lifting or strenuous activities until your doctor says it is safe to do so. Your health care team will also remind you to drink lots of water and eat a balanced diet. Lastly, make sure to call the office if you notice any complications during this time.