How To Flatten Stomach After Tummy Tuck?

How To Flatten Stomach After Tummy Tuck?

Immediately after a tummy tuck, patients will often note that their stomach looks flatter. Throughout the recovery process though, the stomach may not look completely flat and understandably patients can become anxious about the final outcome of their tummy tuck surgery. Thankfully, this is part of the normal healing process. However, there are a few things patients can do to help flatten their stomach after a tummy tuck. 

1: Undergo Massages

 As part of the post-operative recovery plan, Dr. Sessa may recommend specialized lymphatic massages. These massages help reduce swelling and ease discomfort. Sometimes, the lymphatic massages are aided with ultrasound which can further help promote less inflammation. Because the massages help address swelling, this will help patients see their flatter stomach sooner. 

2: Minimize Stress On Incisions

 Following a tummy tuck in Sarasota, Dr. Sessa will provide instructions on how to reduce and minimize stress on the incision. Often, this involves staying bent at around 90 degrees for one to two weeks, not raising your arms, sleeping partially upright, and potentially using a walker. If the incision rips open, this can not only affect the future scarring but can also lead to the stomach looking less flat. While patients will need the stitches repaired, occasionally they may need further revision to improve results due to splitting open the incision. 

3: Wear Compression Garments

 The compression garments tummy tuck Sarasota patients wear after surgery serve a few different purposes. Firstly, they help the skin contract after liposuction. Next, the compression garments improve patient comfort during recovery. Compression garments help control and minimize swelling. And, finally, compression garments help the stomach adequately flatten and retract for the best possible results. 

4: Give It Time

 While this may be the most difficult piece of advice to follow, waiting it out will often resolve any problems surrounding the stomach not being flat. Swelling is usually the main culprit for causing this appearance. The initial swelling should go down within three to four weeks. However, residual swelling can last for several months. Wait at least a year before judging the final results of your tummy tuck Sarasota surgery. Most cosmetic surgery results take at least nine to twelve months to be considered a final result. 

5: Attend Post-Op Appointments

 To understand the healing process and gain reassurance that you are healing well, attend your post-operative appointments. Dr. Sessa can help patients understand what their results should look like at any given stage of recovery and understand their current results. 

Conclusion

 A tummy tuck in Sarasota, FL can be a life-changing surgery that gives patients the body they deserve back. It can help reverse the damage of pregnancy and childbirth and return a more youthful appearance to the body. To achieve this though, patients must wait and give their bodies the time and grace to recover properly. To learn more and schedule a consultation with Dr. Alberico Sessa at Sarasota Surgical Arts, call us at 941-923-1736. Patients can also reach out online via chat, contact form, or Price Simulator.