On average, patients usually lose 2 to 4 pants sizes after a tummy tuck. Will my stomach be completely flat after a tummy tuck? In some cases, the answer. Because cosmetic abdominal surgery is not intended as a weight-loss tool, patients should not expect to lose a significant amount of weight with the procedure. However, most patients lose several kilos as a result of the liposuction and skin removal that is performed. Still, the number of inches lost with tummy tuck is often the most dramatic change patients notice.
The recovery from tummy tuck lasts approximately three months. While post-operative swelling may last several weeks, a tummy tuck usually takes six weeks to heal and look normal. However, many factors influence the amount of time it takes for the abdomen to heal and for the final results to appear, so this time period varies from patient to patient another one. About 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, the incisions should be healed enough that you can sleep on your back if you want.
However, be sure to check with your surgeon before making that change. The skin on your belly may still feel very tight, so you may want to take a flat position gradually for a few days. Don't strive to return to a flat position until you're really comfortable. As long as the surgeon gives you the go-ahead, you can set the pace to go back to sleeping in a horizontal position.
So, have you just had a tummy tuck and are wondering if you can lie down in a horizontal position? After cosmetic abdominal surgery, it's usually safe to lie flat after at least a full week of recovery. Normally, immediately after surgery, you should sleep with your upper body slightly raised (flexed forward) at an angle of approximately 30 to 45 degrees to help ease pain, tightness and discomfort and limit tension in the incision. Limiting the pull or traction of the incision just made with tummy tuck early in recovery not only helps to reduce some pain, but it can also help prevent wound formation and scar widening. Of course, it's important to follow the post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon, as individual recovery may vary.
Cuzalina generally recommends sleeping with 2 pillows behind your knees and one behind your knees to ease pressure on the incision, or sleeping in a recliner for the first week after surgery. Walking the next day is highly recommended; however, Dr. Cuzalina recommends tilting your waist forward slightly while walking the first 2 days after full tummy tuck. Most patients can go back to bed in a horizontal position after about six weeks if their healing goes well.
Your abdomen will be sore and swollen for the first week after surgery. You may need to wear a compression garment as you recover. The skin on your stomach will be almost numb for several weeks or months. It's normal to feel tired while you're recovering. It can take 5 to 6 weeks for energy to recover its energy.
Next, we'll discuss what you can expect from a tummy tuck, including how much your figure can change and whether the flat abdomen you've always dreamed of is possible for you...
