McRae Plastic Surgery

Expected recovery times vary from patient to patient.  You can expect to be off work for up to 6 weeks following surgery.  Your final results may not be experienced for 3-6 months post-surgery due to prolonged swelling.  As you are feeling better, the more activity you add back to your regular routine can promote further swelling.  In the recovery room a surgical binder will be placed over the abdomen and wrapped around the torso.  This will add in reducing swelling and will be worn for approximately  4-6 weeks.  It is advised to patients when doing physical activity beyond the 6 weeks to wear the binder for added support. 

During your tummy tuck recovery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and you will be wrapped in an elastic bandage or compression garment to minimize swelling and support your abdomen as it heals following surgery.

A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect. This will be removed around the one week mark or when fluid collection levels are low enough to be removed.

If you experience shortness of breath, chest pains or an unusual heartbeat, seek medical attention immediately. Should any of these complications occur, you may require hospitalization and additional treatment.

Following your instructions is essential to the success of your surgery.

It's important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion or motion during the time of healing. 

 

The final results of surgery may be initially obscured by swelling and your inability to stand fully upright until internal healing is complete.

Within a week or two, you should be standing tall and confident in your new slimmer profile.

Your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight.

In women who have undergone cesarean section, the existing scars may be incorporated into the new scar.

The scar may take several months to a year to fade as much as it will.

The practice of medicine and surgery is not an exact science. Although good results are expected from your procedure, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.