Recovery after modified tummy tuck surgery by Dr. Iraniha
Tummy tuck surgery. The modified tummy Tuck procedure typically takes about two and a half hours under anesthesia. After the Tummy Tuck surgery, patients will spend approximately one hour in the recovery room at our Orange County Cosmetic Procedures, before heading home. It is essential to have someone accompany you; if not, nursing agencies are available to assist.
In the first few days post-surgery, significant discomfort due to muscle tightening is common. This can be effectively managed with a combination of narcotic pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs like Motrin or Advil. By day three after the laparoscopy surgery, most patients experience substantial pain relief and can discontinue narcotics.
The cosmetics procedure involves the limited separation of the skin off the abdominal wall muscles to repair the Diastasis recti and tightening the muscle laxity through a bikini line incision with reconstruction of a new belly button and excision of excess skin. The main differences between my modified tummy tuck procedure with a conventional version is less skin separation off the muscle which translates to faster recovery, smaller bikini line incision which never extends beyond the hips and more natural belly button formation without a visible scar around it. A waterproof dressing will be applied, allowing you to shower the day after surgery. Gently wash the area with soap and water and pat it dry over the dressing.
Patients will have their first follow-up appointment one week after surgery in our Orange County Cosmetic Procedure office for clearance to fly home if they are from out of state. Typically, no drain will be used, but if one is placed, it will be removed during the first post-operative visit.
How long it take to heal after the surgery?
Wound healing generally takes about two weeks, while muscle healing and regaining full strength may take up to six weeks. Patients that had a Tummy Tuck Surgery in Orange County can drive safely once they are no longer taking pain medication. Many can return to light duty work after one to two weeks, but heavy physical activities should wait until six weeks post-surgery.
Follow-up appointments will be scheduled at one week, two weeks, six weeks, three months, and six months after the procedure. During the first six weeks, it’s crucial to wear an abdominal binder snugly for support, only removing it when showering. We recommend wearing the binder during the day for an additional six weeks to help reduce swelling. Most patients will notice about 80% of swelling improvement by three months, with complete resolution taking up to six months to reveal the final cosmetic results.
If you have any questions about the tummy tuck recovery process or need additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out! Your health and comfort are our top priorities.
At the Surgical Oasis Institute, Dr. Iraniha and his team have expertise in various surgical cosmetics procedures as well as Tummy Tuck Surgery. A comprehensive examination and surgical consultation will be provided prior to surgery to customize the best option for each patient. Please contact our office at 949-646-8444 for a virtual consultation. Thank you.
