Recovering from Tummy Tuck Surgery in Las Vegas
Recovering from Surgery
Dr. Cambeiro is a board-certified plastic surgeon performing tummy tuck surgery in Las Vegas, Nevada. If you live outside of the Las Vegas area, please contact us to learn more about our fly-in program.
- Several sutures may be placed at the navel which will require removal. These sutures will be removed in two to three weeks.
- If surface stitches are required, they will be removed in five to seven days.
- You will receive dressings on your incisions and a binder will be given to you to support your abdomen. The binder provides comfort and decrease swelling during your post-operative period.
- You will have drains that help collect the fluid collection from the operation. You will be asked to keep a log of the drain output. In most cases the drains are removed in one to two weeks.
- You might feel swollen and feel some pain and discomfort from the tummy tuck procedure, this is normal among our Las Vegas abdominoplasty patients.
- You may not be able to stand upright after the operation, but should begin walking as soon as possible.
- You should not drive until you have normal return of daily activity and are off all narcotic medications.
- You should avoid strenuous activities such as bending, lifting, and sports for about three to six weeks. Drinking alcohol can lead to fluid retention and delays recovery.
- During the first 24 hours your assigned caretaker will assist you in getting up to the bathroom, taking medications, and eating and drinking. During the first 12-24 hours you will stay on a liquid diet and advance yourself as tolerated.
- You will probably feel tired and sore for a few days following your abdominoplasty surgery, but you will be up and about in 24-48 hours. Most of your discomfort can be controlled by medication.
- Antibiotics are continued after the tummy tuck procedure to lower the risk of infection.
- You should be up and walking on the morning following your surgery, and a light solid diet begun to the point of tolerance.
- If you have a temperature over 99.5 degrees, chills or sweats, a markedly different degree of swelling between sides, and/or increasing rather than decreasing pain—call the office immediately!
- Dr. Cambeiro will let you know when a good time is to start up your exercises and normal activities.
- You are allowed to bathe 48 to 72 hours after the tummy tuck procedure. Showering is then permitted but the incisions should not be submerged, as in a tub or pool.
Final Result of Tummy Tuck Surgery
- Depending on your occupation you should be able to return back to work within two weeks, however, some patients need three to four weeks to recuperate.
- Exercise such as walking will help you feel better. Exercise will reduce swelling, lower your chance of blood clots, and tone your muscles. Make sure your exercise plan is comforting and not vigorous. No heavy lifting greater than 10 pounds for 4-6 weeks to prevent separation of the muscle tightening sutures.
- Scarring will appear and look worse the first three to six months, but this is normal.
- It will take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten in color.
If you are considering tummy tuck, Las Vegas plastic surgeon Dr. Cambeiro invites you to request a complimentary consultation or give our office a call at (702) 566-8300 for confidential and informative answers to all your questions. If you prefer, you can send us an email using our discreet online form.
