Tummy tuck -abdominoplasty surgery is good option to transform your mid-section and feel more confident after weight loss or pregnancy. But like all other surgical interventions, an abdominoplasty entails a recovery period that could be shorter or longer depending on the complexity of each case. The most common side effects that you can experience during recovery are swelling and bruising. Let’s find out how you can reduce the swelling and bruising after tummy tuck – abdominoplasty to have a better recovery.
The Australian Government has a NEW Medicare Item Number for Tummy Tuck – abdominoplasty for some eligible post-pregnancy patients with 3cm+ Diastasis Recti (Split Tummy Muscles) if you are eligible and meet the new medical criteria. This new 30175 Medicare Item Number – is effective from 1st July 2022. Read the 30175 Medicare Item Number factsheet.
If you qualify for the 30175 Medicare item number you may also get a subsidy from your Health Fund. There will still be a significant out-of-pocket GAP as Private Tummy tuck – abdominoplasty surgery is NOT FREE.
Dr Jeremy Hunt is Specialist Plastic Surgeon with cosmetic clinics in Sydney and Wollongong NSW. He has performed hundreds of abdominoplasty procedures in over 20 years of practice. Dr Maryam Seyedabadi has recently joined the practice of Dr Jeremy Hunt in Edgecliff and is available now for consultations on a range of plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery for women by women.
A Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgery procedure that can help give you a flatter and toned abdomen. The procedure removes excess skin and fat while tightening weak or split abdominal muscles. It is the right procedure for those who have recently lost a substantial amount of weight or women who had one or multiple pregnancies.
After an abdominoplasty, your body’s healing response will kick in. As a part of the process, your body will send an influx of fluid and white blood cells to the injury site which usually leads to swelling and bruising. Don’t worry as it is a natural part of the healing process but it may prevent you from showing off your new and improved silhouette. With the right steps, you can minimise these effects to see the final results of your procedure sooner.
Swelling and bruising are inevitable parts of the healing process. Follow these steps to help your body heal quickly and effectively, and avoid any adverse side effects or complications.
Post tummy tuck – abdominoplasty surgery, you need time to heal and recover. Stay clear of strenuous activities including cardiovascular exercise, weight training, or lifting anything heavy around the house. It is important to make it a priority to get enough sleep every night and take naps throughout the day. Allow your body to rest as it will help the healing process.
A healthy diet plays a very important role in maintaining your immunity. It is very important to fuel your body with nourishing foods. Choose foods that are rich in protein as it helps with the tissue repairing process post-surgery. Eat foods that are high in Vitamin C and A. Include plenty of lean proteins, whole grains, vegetables, and limit your intake of processed foods. Make sure your fibre intake is optimal to maintain digestion and avoid constipation. Stay clear of foods that cause gastrointestinal distress or discomfort. Limit foods that are high in fat, sugar, and dairy products as they can cause more swelling and inflammation.
Excessive salt can lead to swelling and bloating. It might lead to increased discomfort. The recommendation is to choose foods that are low in sodium and adjust the amount of salt in your meals. Consume plenty of fruit and vegetables as they will balance out the salt in your body.
Keeping your body well-hydrated encourages healing. Drink enough water to heal throughout the day. Stay clear of alcohol and caffeinated beverages as they can dehydrate your body. Keep a water bottle near your bedside and drink tiny sips throughout the day. You can add lemon wedges and strawberries to your water as it can make the water taste better.
Strenuous activities interfere with the natural healing response of the body. However, it is important to move lightly around the house. A bit of gentle exercise will stimulate blood flow and improve circulation throughout the body. Try walking for a few minutes around your house. Avoid anything that can put a strain on your incisions.
A compression garment will help minimise the swelling around the midsection. It will help limit the amount of fluid that accumulates in the body. Your surgeon will decide on the timeline. Initially, you will have to wear it 24/7 for a few weeks. After some time, you can take it off while sleeping. This one step alone is crucial in helping your recovery journey and getting better results. Check out the Best Compression Garment after Tummy Tuck – Abdominoplasty.
After your tummy tuck – abdominoplasty surgery, your surgeon will recommend or prescribe the medication to help reduce swelling and discomfort. Do miss your scheduled medications if you want a comfortable recovery. Stay clear of any blood-thinning medications, herbal supplements, and any medication that your surgeon hasn’t prescribed as it increases the risk of bruising. Follow your surgeon’s instructions or get in touch with the clinic if you have any concerns regarding the meds.
Drainage tubes are medical devices that prevent your body from accumulating fluids. Your surgeon may recommend you keep these tubes for at least a couple of days post-surgery. Make sure to empty out the drainage tubes as per the instructions given to you.
Smoking and drinking alcohol are to be avoided after undergoing plastic surgery. They not only hinder the healing process but can lead to severe complications. Make sure to avoid smoking for at least 6 to 8 weeks or as per your surgeon’s recommendations.
After the tummy tuck – abdominoplasty, you will have a schedule of follow-up appointments. It ensures that your body is healing at the right pace and you are not dealing with any adverse side effects. Make sure to attend the follow-up consultations as this enables your surgeon to detect any problems and take necessary steps to avoid complications.
Make sure to apply a wrapped ice pack to the bruises. The ice will contract the blood vessels which can help stop internal bleeding and minimise the look and size of bruising. You can continue to use a cold compress for the first two to three days post-surgery. Be careful to avoid an ice burn.
Incorporate foods that contain high volumes of vitamin K. Vitamin K makes your blood slightly thicker which can help to minimise bruising. Nearly all leafy greens are rich in vitamin K; especially kale and spinach.
Here is a list of frequently asked questions we get regarding abdominoplasty:
Dr Jeremy Hunt is specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing plastic surgery in Sydney.
Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is optimal for your body and your lifestyle. Every patient is unique and, through his guidance, can achieve good results.
Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has given thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia the aesthetic results they desire.
Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of ASPS – the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.
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