4 Realistic Expectations For Tummy Tuck Surgery
Dr. Paul Angelchik is a Phoenix plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Angelchik is well-trained and experienced in all forms of plastic surgery, namely breast enhancement and facial rejuvenation. He has been serving patients for over 20 years. Dr. Angelchik brings his surgical experience, expertise, and quality care to patients in and around Phoenix, Arizona.
When looking into information about a tummy tuck online, you’ll likely run into a wide variety of reviews from real people who have had the procedure, many of which can trend to the extreme ends of the spectrum, from horror stories to too-good-to-be-true results. Because it can be difficult to sort through what’s helpful and realistic in a sea of opinions and circumstances, here are four realistic expectations of what you may expect from this plastic surgery procedure.
It’s worth mentioning that no amount of online research can match the expertise provided by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Paul Angelchik. The best way to know how you may benefit from an abdominoplasty is to schedule a consultation and examination for a personalized quote.
Tummy Tuck Results Take Time
Abdominoplasty is not a minor operation. It requires weeks to heal and usually longer to start experiencing the flatter, firmer abdomen you expect to have after surgery. Specifically, in the days following the procedure, your stomach will be swollen and the incision site will be red, scabbed, and very tender. Typically, these symptoms will eventually subside, leaving a thin scar low on the abdomen.
Tummy tuck patients typically start enjoying more natural-looking results after a few months, with final results appearing after six months or more. This extended recovery time means that, for those looking for a bikini-ready summer body, you’ll need to plan a tummy tuck well in advance of the warm weather.
Activities Will Be Limited During Recovery
As an invasive surgery, tummy tucks will limit patients’ ability to go throughout their normal routine for several weeks to a few months. . Typically people can resume their full spectrum of activity after 6 weeks of recovery. Initially, there are restrictions on driving, work, chores, and general physical activity. Dr. Angelchik will give specific instructions for when patients can return to their normal life and strenuous activity during a consultation, but generally speaking, you can expect at least two weeks of downtime as you heal.
After this time, you may be cleared to return to work if it doesn’t involve lifting, reaching, or long periods of standing. You can be cleared to drive around this time as long as you feel comfortable with the arm and neck motions needed to steer and monitor traffic around you, and are off any narcotic pain medications.
During recovery, you’ll need help from a caregiver to do housework and provide childcare if necessary. Some people may feel a little helpless during this period, so be encouraged that your results depend on letting others do the work for a little while as your body heals—the better you follow your recovery instructions, the better your results!
Healing Can Be Uncomfortable
During the healing process from tummy tuck, you will experience a good deal of discomfort. Nearly every motion you make involves the core muscles to some degree, which means even simple tasks as sitting up, standing, and reaching out your arms can be painful during recovery.
Dr. Angelchik prescribes pain medication to help keep recovery as comfortable as possible, and excessive pain should be addressed with him. Everyone heals differently from tummy tuck surgery in Phoenix, and each procedure requires its own specialized set of instructions for how to manage discomfort during the healing process.
Satisfied Patients Prioritized Their Healing
Focusing on healing as the main task during recovery keeps your mind focused on what’s important in the moment rather than on future goals like weight loss. Especially in the early days after your tummy tuck, your body uses a ton of energy and resources to repair tissues and heal itself. This means it’s important to not only rest well and often, but also to eat a nourishing diet to fuel the recovery.
It can also feel demoralizing to watch everyday tasks like washing dishes or doing laundry get pushed to the back burner, resulting in a messier living space that may bother you. It’s important to stay focused on the positive outcome you’re working toward, rather than the present circumstances. Before long, life will be back to normal, and you’ll be able to do everything you’re used to while looking toned, trim, and curvy!
Tummy Tuck Surgery in Glendale
To learn more about what you can realistically expect both the recovery process and results of tummy tuck, it’s best to hear it from an expert. Dr. Paul Angelchik is board-certified and has achieved high ratings for his natural tummy tuck technique. Call today or contact us online to schedule your consultation today.
