What to Expect After Tummy Tuck

    SCOTTSDALE, AZ, October 02, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Having a cosmetic surgery is a big decision for anyone to make, and the recovery process is a large contributor to that decision. If you're considering having a tummy tuck procedure, but are concerned about the recovery process, there are some things you should take into account:

Rest After the Procedure
Before you have your tummy tuck, you want to make sure that you've taken care of everything for the first few days following the procedure. Once the procedure is complete, you want to be able to lie down and rest at home or in bed without worrying about other responsibilities or obligations.

Have Someone to Help You
Whether it's a spouse, loved one, or friend, you should have someone help you around the house for a couple days after your tummy tuck. Not only should you have someone around to drive you home after the tummy tuck, they should be there to help you prepare food, assist in getting dressed, and doing other light activities around the house.

Swelling is Normal
Swelling, redness, and some discomfort are all part of the recovery process and there is practically no way to get around any of them. For some patients in excellent physical health, swelling may be limited, but it will still be there. To help you recover as quickly as possible, your cosmetic surgeon will provide you with pain medication and a list of light exercises so that you can make the swelling go away as soon as possible.

Schedule Follow-up Appointments
One of the best things about choosing an experienced plastic surgeon near you is that you can take full advantage of their proximity. You should schedule a few follow-up appointments after you tummy tuck so that your plastic surgeon can make sure you are healing as well as possible.

There Will be a Scar
For most patients, a tummy tuck involves making an incision along the waistline so that excess skin and fat from around the abdomen can be removed. Once the excess skin and fat has been removed, the incision is closed with sutures. During the healing process, a scar will form where the incision was made. Over time, the scar should flatten and lighten in color. Your cosmetic surgeon will make sure the incision is placed in the waistline so that even bikini bottoms can cover any resulting scars.

A tummy tuck may be the solution for you if you have excess skin and fat on the stomach, please visit the website of Bryan W. Gawley, M.D. Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery (www.gawleyplasticsurgery.com), serving the Phoenix and Scottsdale areas of Arizona.

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