The total recovery of abdominoplasty occurs approximately 60 days after surgery if there are no complications. During this time it is normal to have pain and discomfort, which can be alleviated with the use of analgesics and the modeling strap, as well as being careful with the walking and sleeping posture.
Usually the results are visible immediately after surgery, leaving the belly flat, flat and fat free, although it may remain swollen and bruised for about 3 weeks, especially when liposuction is performed on the abdomen or back, at the same time. time.
Care in the first days
The first 48 hours after the surgery are those that the patient has more pain and therefore should remain in bed, lying on his belly up and the analgesic indicated by the doctor, in addition to never take the strap and make movements with the feet and legs to prevent thrombosis.
Care in the 1st week
During the 8 days following surgery to the abdomen the risk of having complications, such as reopening of the scar or infection of the scar is higher and, therefore, all the doctor's instructions should be followed so that the recovery will go well.
Thus, in the first week, one should:
- Sleeping on the stomach ;
- Do not take off the strap, just to take a shower;
- Just take off your elastic stockings for a shower ;
- Take the medicines indicated by the doctor;
- Move your feet and legs every 2 hours or whenever you remember;
- Walk with the torso leaning slightly forward to avoid reopening of the stitches;
- Perform manual lymphatic drainage on alternate days for at least 20 times;
- Be accompanied by a functional skin physiotherapist to observe complications or need retouching that can improve the final appearance.
Also, do not touch the scar and if the dressing looks dirty you should go back to the clinic to change it.
When to re-direct
The activities of daily life may gradually be resumed, but it should be done gradually, always breathing the limit of pain, being advised to avoid stretching the abdomen too much and not to make efforts. This way you should only drive after 20 days and when you feel safe.
You should avoid long distances and if possible postpone the return to the direction for after 30 days of surgery.
When to go back to work
You can go back to work if you do not have to stand long and do not have to do strenuous exercise in about 10 days to 15 days after surgery.
When to go back to the gym
The return to the practice of physical exercises should happen about 2 months later, with very light exercises and always accompanied by the physical educator. Abdominal exercises should only be performed after 60 days and if they have not had complications such as opening the stitches or infection.
Initially aerobic exercises such as cycling are recommended, for example.
Warning Signs
It is important to see your doctor if you notice:
- Very dirty dressing of blood or other liquids;
- Opening of the scar;
- Fever;
- Place the scar to become very swollen and with liquid;
- Exaggerated pain.
The doctor can observe the points and the results in the postoperative consultations. At times, the body reacts by forming a hardened tissue along the scar and in this case one can do an esthetic treatment indicated by a specialist physiotherapist.
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