Tummy Tuck: What is the Recovery Time For a Tummy Tuck? By Abigail Aaronson At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

You desperately want to fix that sagging ugly skin that has pooled around your mid-section after losing a lot of weight after pregnancy or bariatric surgery. You've heard about the tummy tuck and you know that it can fix the issues that keep you fully clothed even in the warm summer months.

But, you're worried about the recovery and how long it takes. Of course everyone is different, but here is what you can basically expect after your tummy tuck procedure:

First of all, expect the procedure to take a couple of hours and then you will need to spend at least overnight so they can monitor your initial recovery. Remember, this is major surgery and, even though it is elective, it is treated just as seriously as by-pass surgery.

Plan to be out of work or school for at least two weeks. Depending on your body's healing capabilities, you may need to stay home a little longer. During that first week, there will be some pain and swelling. You surgeon will likely send you home with pain medication to help make you more comfortable.

Be prepared to stay in bed for the first few days and limit your physical activity to moderate walking. This is essential to keep the blood flowing and preventing clots from forming.

You may have a drain placed at the incision site to prevent fluid from building up behind the incision. It will be removed in a couple of days by the surgeon. The stitched should also be ready to come out at the end of that first week of recovery.

Once you're bandages are off and you are able to maneuver more naturally, your surgeon will have you wear an undergarment that is specifically designed to compress the area and reduce the swelling. He may have you wear this for several weeks following the tummy tuck.

Complete recovery may take months for the body to completely heal itself. During this time you may experience some numbness around the incision, some discomfort and fatigue. So, this is not a procedure that will have you ready to bare it all for summer, but you can certainly be ready for next year!

When you are shopping around for a surgeon to perform you tummy tuck, ask around for referrals from friends and family. You might be surprised to find out how many moms have had the procedure done. Also, check out the surgeon's credentials.

He should be board certified in plastic surgery and licensed to operate in your state. His experience with performing a tummy tuck is relevant, but not necessary. A perfectly good surgeon who's done 10 can give you great results whereas someone who's performed 300 can botch it.

So, choose a surgeon who is qualified and that makes you feel comfortable during your consultation. Again, this is major surgery and shouldn't be taken lightly. If you've determined you have the time to dedicate to a proper recovery, take the plunge and say goodbye to that sagging skin. You won't miss it when you're wearing all the cute form-fitting tops and dresses that everyone is wearing.

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