Many people living in Maryland’s Charm City choose to improve the way they look by getting certain Baltimore cosmetic surgery procedures done. For one, those who, even after rigorous diet and exercise, still couldn’t get rid of that last bit of flabby skin opt for a tummy tuck to finally get into their ideal shape. However, as with any surgical procedure, you should follow the recommended steps to recovering from the treatment if you want to experience its full effects.
Surgeon’s Instructions
An article in WebMD discusses how it’s very important to follow your doctor’s instructions with regards to taking care of the surgery area, especially during the critical first days after the operation:
Whether you’re having a partial or complete tummy tuck, the area that’s operated on will be stitched and bandaged. It’s very important to follow all your surgeon’s instructions on how to care for the bandage in the days following surgery. The bandage used will be a firm, elastic band that promotes proper healing. Your surgeon will also instruct you on how to best position yourself while sitting or lying down to help ease pain.
You will have to severely limit strenuous activity for at least six weeks. You may need to take up to one month off work after the surgery to ensure proper recovery. Your doctor will advise you on what you need to do or not do.
Minimal Work
It’s important to define the difference between immobilizing yourself and working much less during the first post-op days. You shouldn’t lie in bed all day lest you end up developing blood clots—walk around from time to time, but be sure not to do excessive exercise or heavy lifting, either, as you could open up the wound.
No Smoking
This simple tip is for regular smokers: quit, at least for one month before the surgery and another month afterward. Smoking keeps your immune system and your body’s overall recovery system from functioning effectively, so the more sticks you finish, the more time your skin will need to get completely healed.
Compression Garment
After the surgery, your doctor might recommend a compression garment or binder for you to use (usually velcro); be sure to wear it throughout the recovery process. These garments help in further collapsing the fat tissues that you want gone. Ask your surgeon about how long you will have to keep wearing one.
Reliable Baltimore cosmetic surgery practices like the Baltimore Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center should also be able to walk you through the right steps to recovering from tummy tuck surgery. Always remember to follow your surgeon’s recommendations and suggestions if you want to recover in as little time as possible.
(Source: Tummy Tuck, WebMD)