11 Things You Should NOT Do After a Tummy Tuck
If you do go home the same day, you’ll need to have a friend or relative pick you up and take you home. Your friend should also stay with you overnight to make sure you’re OK. If you prefer, you can choose to stay overnight at the surgical center. Limiting your salt intake for at least the first week after your tummy tuck is a good idea as it will help with the swelling.For the most part, exercise is a big no-no for several weeks after a tummy tuck. Any sort of vigorous, aerobic activity needs to be avoided until your surgeon gives you the say-so.
There is one exception to this rule, though. You don’t want to transform into a complete couch potato during your recovery period. Some walking is usually recommended, starting a few days after surgery.If you were a smoker before your tummy tuck and want to resume that habit afterwards, you should still wait several weeks before doing so. Smoking interferes with blood flow, which can affect the ability of your incisions to heal.
There are a few reasons to hold off on drinking alcohol during the recovery period after your tummy tuck. For one thing, the alcohol can interact with any pain relievers you’re taking. For another, alcohol can thin your blood and interfere with healing. It can also be very dehydrating if you over indulge and don’t drink enough water. Your surgeon will give you an idea of when it will be OK to have a glass of wine or a beer again after your surgery.Clothing can be tricky after a tummy tuck. You probably had the surgery in part so that you could fit into certain clothes again. But the swelling that occurs right afterwards can make it difficult for you to fit into certain clothes. You also should avoid binding or very uncomfortable clothes right after surgery, as they can irritate your incisions.
Usually, it’s best to stick with loose-fitting and comfy clothes during the first few weeks after a tummy tuck. If you’ll be relaxing at home during the day, loose-fitting pajamas or sweats are fine. If you don’t want any elastic digging into your waist, you can try wearing a flowing and loose house dress.Right after surgery, you want to keep your risk of infection as low as possible. That can mean avoiding snuggling with your pets and steering clear of anyone with a cold or other illness until you’re back on your feet.
The initial recovery after a tummy tuck usually takes up to two weeks, after which time you can go back to work or other daily activities. Many people are fully back on their feet by the six-week mark and are able to resume full workouts and other previously off-limits activities.