Tummy Tuck as it is commonly known is one of the most intense body contouring procedures that a woman can have- particularly if they have undergone pregnancy. Also equally for men who want to have a toned abdomen look.
Abdominoplasty is a highly recommended procedure for the ones who want to get rid of that extra skin around their midsection, as well for those who have a protruding stomach due to weak abdominal muscles or stretched abdominal wall (pregnancy).
What Does an Abdominoplasty Do?
An abdominoplasty can provide relevant changes to the appropriate patient, such as:
- Take away the loose fat and skin following significant weight loss or pregnancy
- Provides a contoured mid-section
- Repairs muscle separation
- Weight loss that can be maintained
What to expect after your surgery?
The length of recovery from a tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) can vary from person to person.Many patients chose to stay in hospital overnight. Depending on your occupation, you may wish to allow 2 weeks to recover following surgery. Mr Molajo recommends wearing a surgical compression garment for 6 weeks. Additionally, he also requests that you avoid heavy lifting for 6 weeks.
This is to aid the recovery process.
1 week: wound check and review
6 weeks: You should be able to return to most of your normal activities. Your scars will start to fade.
After a few months: Your scars will continue to improve over the next 12-18 months.
Generally, it takes 3 months if not longer to completely recover. Although the majority of the healing period is within the first couple of weeks, it is important to put off important plans, physical activities, and work stresses during recovery. Strenuous activities such as weight lifting, running, sports, motorbikes etc. should be avoided for at least six weeks after surgery.
It is important to not drive post surgery for a few days and especially immediately after surgery as the effects of anesthesia take time to wear off (at least 48 hours or more depending on your physical state).
You will need a family member or friend along with you to take you home and care for you post surgery as there is a level of disorientation and weakness, pain and exhaustion experienced.
How to know when you are ready to drive?
Driving after abdominoplasty surgery does not have a specific timeline and completely depends upon your recovery and pain levels. You should assess yourself in the car before you start to drive again. For example:
- Can you sit comfortably in a car?
- Can you open the door without difficulties?
- Is there any rubbing or pressure when you put on a seatbelt?
- Can you turn the wheel comfortably?
- Can you make an emergency stop to make a sharp turn to avoid an accident?
It is also important to note that driving is not recommended using certain pain medications. If you feel ready to do all of these things, then you are ready to drive. Usually, you have to wait 2-3 weeks after surgery to start driving
These are a few essentials that you need to care for
- Compression garments:
- A compression garment is given to wear after surgery.
- This aims to reduce swelling and support the abdomen in physical movements.
- It promotes healing and recovery.
- You should expect to wear this for between two weeks and two months depending on your healing progress and your surgeon’s instructions
- Wearing comfortable underwear that doesn’t put pressure on your incision is a must.
- Incision care:
- The incision wound is covered by a surgical dressing or bandage to keep it safe from the external environment.
- You will be instructed about what to do and when regarding wound care.
- You should keep your wound clean and remain gentle with it to avoid injury or bleeding.
- Any swelling, intense pain or discharge from the wound should be immediately reported to your surgeon.
- Drain care:
- A temporary tube MAY be placed in the surgical site under your skin following tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery.
- This is only used when required and will be removed once fluid stops accumulating.
- Antibiotics and painkillers:
- You will be given a prescription for both antibiotics and painkillers.
- These are to be taken orally to reduce the risk of postoperative infection as well as to help you manage your pain levels.
Ultimately your recovery is ALSO dependent on your lifestyle and your fitness levels before surgery as that is what will hold you in good stead post surgery.
Recovery from cosmetic surgery can vary greatly between individuals and depends on the specific procedure. Your surgeon Mr Molajo or any medical practitioner should be informed as soon as possible of any complications or concerns that develop after surgery. It’s important to follow all post-operative care instructions and to allow yourself ample time to recover.At Molajo Plastic Surgery, we believe in more than just enhancing aesthetics—we’re here to help you feel empowered and confident in your appearance. Whether you’re seeking subtle refinements or a transformative change, our range of body, breast, male, and skin procedures can help you achieve your goals with precision and care.
