12 Things I Want Patients To Know Before Tummy Tuck Surgery


You might be well aware of cosmetic surgical procedures nowadays. A tummy tuck is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries. Almost 1 in 5 people suffer from obesity regardless of their age. It is no doubt that today’s lifestyle, food habits, and many more factors lead to early diseases, obesity, physical & mental health complications, etc. On one hand, the modern lifestyle has set its foot everywhere and on the other hand, science has come a long way too. Today, science has an answer to every possible question whether it is related to the human body, traveling space, and what not.

Cosmetic surgeries are commoner and awareness about their often dramatic and very satisfying results and benefits has spread widely. More and more people are attracted to such surgeries because it ultimately helps them look beautiful and young. Here comes another point that whether you should opt for such surgeries directly or not. A good surgeon will always say ‘no’. It is a general saying ‘know it before you do it’. A tummy tuck is a surgery that involves removing excess fat and skin from the area around your stomach. Before you consider getting this surgery done, find a good surgeon, and discuss everything about it.

You should also know that there are certain factors upon which the success of this surgery depends. https://indiancosemticsurgeon.com/ will help and guide you in regards to tummy tuck surgery.

Many questions may arise in your mind as a patient before you undergo a ‘tummy tuck’. It is a normal and wise thing to pose as many questions as you can to avoid any future complications. Starting with general advice, you must know that this surgery is not as simple as it sounds. It may require lots of post-op care, help from someone, a good number of bucks from your pocket, and be ready for risks it carries. There are a few things that every patient must know before undergoing a tummy tuck. Let us have a look!

1. Be ready to spend a good amount of time off work –
Although you may get discharged from the hospital in a maximum of 1 – 4 days, that doesn’t mean you will also heal & recover that quickly. You need to rest properly and do not perform any heavy physical activity until 2-4 weeks. Make sufficient arrangements for your care and for those who are dependent on you.

2.Only care and rest are all you have to do for the first week after your surgery –
Even if you think you can do some amount of light work, remind yourself there is a big ‘NO’. Do not try cooking, cleaning, dusting etc. Walking a few steps frequently is important and should be done and prevents lots of complications.

3.Ask someone you trust for taking care of you.
You would need help getting out and laying back into bed. Wearing a pressure garment would need help. Also helps psychologically and morally to have someone dependable around. If you have small kids who want to be lapped up, then you surely need a close relative to look after them.

4.First 3 days after a tummy tuck is usually very painful.
It is better to know that you are likely to experience varying degrees of pain during the first 2-3 days and be mentally prepared for it. It is common for some to even question having undergone the surgery in first place. But I do not remember anyone regretting their decision after 7-10 days. Most visit me walking with a smile after about two weeks.

5. Choose a good and experienced surgeon –
You should be comfortable with your surgeon as you will have to consult him again and again for desired results.

6. No Gym no high impact exercises for a while –
If you are a heavy weight lifter and do regular exercises, you will have to give a break to your routine. No abdominal workouts for about 2 months. You would be encouraged to walk for longer distances and at gradually increasing pace after four weeks.

7. You will have surgical drains and stitches which will need removal
Surgeons vary in their preferences about how long to keep drain. While some stick to a minimum number of days while others prefer to remove it once the fluid draining out per day drops below a certain level. But be mentally prepared for having them for at least 3-4 days more commonly to 7-14 days rarely. Sometimes you may be discharged with these. Stitches or staples will be removed again based on your recovery and also based on your surgeons protocols. You would need to be driven around for these follow up visits.

8. Medications for Pain –
Simple pain medications are good enough for dealing with pain. Do not take any medication without your doctor’s recommendation.

9. Diet and Nutrition are very important –
You may have to consume lots of proteins, egg whites, fruits, and water as well for fast healing. During this time remember that you need to recover and not bother about dieting. Once you have recovered from the stress of surgery you will have a long life ahead to take care of your new found fitter slimmer body.

10. You may return to work much before full recovery –
You would be able to sit and do desk job after 2-3 weeks. But recovery would take much longer. Swelling takes 2-3 months to resolve. Skin may take upto 6 months to become supple. Some sensations may be altered and could take even upto 9-12 months to become normal. Scars will start to fade away after 6 months and skin around your belly will come to normal shape within a year.

11. No Driving for the initial few weeks after the procedure.
For a lot of people driving appears to be an effortless activity. But after tummy tuck driving could mean reasonable strain on the lower abdomen. You would need someone to drive you around for at least 3-4 weeks.

12. You should be financially sound to afford this surgery and its aftercare.
While you prepare yourself for the cost of surgery, you should prepare yourself in terms of the number of paid leaves you are entitled to or loss of income. Also the extra help like a paid maid or relatives staying over or extra food ordered for delivery, everything costs and adds up as hidden expense.

So, now you might have got an idea why it is important to clear all the doubts and confusions from your surgeon before having a tummy tuck.
https://indiancosmeticsurgeon.com/ promise to guide you at every step possible and wishes you good luck!

Dr. Sumit Malhotra is the best cosmetic plastic surgeon in Lucknow and is famous for his exceptional techniques used in treating his patients. With 19+ years of experience, Dr. Sumit Malhotra fully understands the human body and applies the appropriate technology needed to treat the patient’s body parts according to their desires. Dr. Sumit Malhotra currently practices in SIPS, Superspeciality Hospital, Lucknow where he has been operating since 2005.

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