In the early post operative period it is important to remain mobile ("pottering around the house") to keep the risk of blood clots on the legs low (DVT) but equally important not to do too much as this can cause fluid to buildup between the skin and muscles and create a seroma that may need draining in the clinic. Many patients will feel unusual sensations form time to time following surgery of any type so I'd hesitate to say that the tugs and pulls go completely forever! It is three months before I tell patients you are "back to normal" but you can begin exercise after 6 weeks. By the second week, you are able to walk into my rooms without crouching and bending forward. The recovery period for a tummy tuck is typically between 6-8 weeks, it is important that patients rest following their procedure. As your abdominal muscles heal, you must abstain from doing certain activities for the time being. By the end of the first week you are getting over this. A tummy tuck can help you keep the weight off, but you have to be careful after surgery since the recovery period can last up to 12 weeks. This long acting medication can reduce post operative. In the first 2 to 4 weeks following your tummy tuck and up to 6 weeks, if it was an extended operation, it is recommended you sleep on your back in a slightly bent and elevated position. One option that your surgeon may offer you is a non-narcotic, non-opioid pain reliever called Exparel which is injected directly into the abdominal muscles, tissue and fascia during surgery. Controlling swelling will promote healing and help you see. During your weeks of tummy tuck recovery, you can take extra steps to feel normal as quickly as possible. In general, I tell patients that the pain from this lasts around a week. All of this will cause pain, tightness and lack of mobility during the Tummy Tuck recovery period. Infection or other complications can cause swelling to persist and prolong the recovery period. You will find it hard to stand up straight and feel as though your stomach is tugging this will disappear over time. It is best for returning the loose abdomen to a more firm pre-pregnacy state. Some practitioners suggest that this suture cinches in the waist but I feel that this is not it's main role. In general the main pain from a tummy tuck comes from a "muscle repair" this is when we pull the "six pack" rectus muscles together using a strong usually permanent suture.
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