Why should you wear a girdle after a tummy tuck?
If you're considering a tummy tuck, you may have heard that you have to wear a girdle afterwards. And indeed, as soon as you wake up from the anaesthetic, you'll notice that you've got a girdle around your stomach.
After a tummy tuck, you will wear a girdle around the clock for 3 weeks and then during the day for another 3 weeks. The girdle prevents fluid from forming in the surgical area, reduces swelling and allows it to heal faster and better. Tape is applied to the surgical incisions after the stitches are removed and then changed every 7-10 days for several months to ensure optimal healing of the incision. You can start increasing your activity level after 3 weeks, but physical exercise should be avoided for 3 months. Abdominal exercise can only be started 8 weeks after surgery.
A post-operative brace provides some pain relief and allows you to return to full mobility more quickly.
You can find the price of a tummy tuck here.
Think about this after a tummy tuck
After undergoing abdominoplasty surgery, you will need to stay overnight. You will need to be on sick leave for at least a week as it will be difficult to stand up during this time. The recovery time will depend on the type of work you do. In addition, the scar will be red at first, but it will fade during the first year.
After the operation:
- you get blood-thinning injections
- you will wear a girdle after the abdominoplasty, for around six weeks, around the clock for 3 weeks and then during the day for another 3 weeks
- you should think about moving, but without getting sweaty, because lying still is not good
- you can only shower after two days, if you don't have drainage - otherwise you should avoid showering on drainage days
- avoid alcohol for the first week and prevent constipation with prunes or over-the-counter laxatives
- refrain from smoking for the first few weeks, or quit altogether, as smoking makes the healing process more difficult
- be alert to signs of infection such as fever, redness, swelling, increased pain and general malaise. Lower leg pain or swelling, or sudden shortness of breath, may be signs of a blood clot - contact the clinic if suspected.
The result of the tummy tuck is that your abdominal wall becomes firmer, and your stomach stops bulging. Excess fat and skin on your stomach is removed.
ATTENTION! Loss of sensation in the area may occur but is usually temporary and returns within six months.
Are you interested in abdominoplasty? You are welcome to book a consultation with us at The Faculty!