Abdominoplasty - After your surgery
For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you are likely to feel some discomfort which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be released within a few hours or remain in the hospital for several days. Our hospital features an ambulatory package included in their facility fee. Some of our patients elect to stay in the hospital for this 23 hours (or less) stay to see if they are comfortable on oral medications or want something stronger. Do not rush, let the nurses help you get ready for home care. Depending on the extent of the Tumescent Tummy Tuck with the added comfort this technique provides, some patients have their surgery in our office surgery center.

Our local patients usually recover at home. We see patients from around the world for our plastic surgery sculpture and they start their recovery here in Richmond. Some choose to bring a family member or friend. Others prefer staying in our hospital ambulatory center, while others hire a nurse or caretaker until they are comfortable on their own.

Read our patient's experiences about the ease of recovery with our tumescent tummy tuck abdominoplasty.

Comfort After Tumescent Tummy Tuck Dr. Bermant has been excited about the comfort level of his patients after abdominal sculpture surgery. Check out the many examples of the minimal bruising and swelling with very early pictures after surgery.

Left Picture: 7 Days After Tummy Tuck Right Picture: 9 Weeks After Tummy Tuck Learn more what Dr. Bermant's patients say about pain / discomfort after tumescent tummy tuck.

Photo:1 Week After Tumescent Tummy Tuck	Photo: 3 Weeks After Tumescent Tummy Tuck	Photo: 11 Weeks After Tumescent Tummy Tuck

Recovery and return to activities can be easier with Tumescent Tummy Tuck techniques that minimize swelling, bruising, and discomfort after surgery.

Left Image: 4 Days After Tumescent Tummy Tuck Right Image: 18 Days After Tumescent Tummy Tuck

Each patient's operation has a special set of after surgery care designed by us to help speed your recovery. Dr. Bermant will give you specific instructions for showering / bathing and possibly changing your dressings. Although you may not be able to stand straight at first, you should start walking as soon as possible. Remember if in bed to frequently move your legs. A gentle pumping action lessens the chance for blood clots forming. You may need a support garment after surgery.

Surface sutures are now often dissolvable. However, sometimes Dr. Bermant needs to remove non-dissolvable sutures about 7 to 10 days after surgery. The drains will be removed by Dr. Bermant when the output becomes small enough (usually within several days). Steristrips are pieces of special surgical paper tape that helps hold the wound. These may be left in place longer.

Photograph Before Surgery (more about this patient )	Photograph 4 Weeks After Surgery	Photograph 11 Months After Surgery

Getting back to normal Recovery to feeling like your normal self varies from patient to patient. If you start out in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from abdominoplasty will be much faster. Some people return to work after one to two weeks. Others take three to four weeks to rest and recuperate. Exercise will help you heal better. Even people who have never exercised before should begin an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.

Your scars will evolve over the next six months to more than a year. Most of the changes will happen during the first few months. Tissue folds will tend to flatten. The scars will start out reddish in color and lighten over time. You will be given long term after Tummy Tuck scar care instructions in our office to optimize their softening and improvement. Your active participation in this scar care will improve your chances to minimize these scars.

Left Photograph: Before Tummy Tuck Right Photograph: 5 Months After Tummy Tuck More

Your new look Abdominoplasty, whether partial (mini tummy tuck) or complete, produces excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. In most cases, the results are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly. If you are realistic in your expectations and prepared for the consequences of a permanent scar and a lengthy recovery period, abdominoplasty may be just the answer for you.

If you would like to learn what this type of surgery has to offer you, call our office to schedule a consultation or a preliminary remote discussion. During the in office examination and evaluation, Dr. Bermant can continue your education process.

Tummy Tuck Abdominoplasty Tumescent Tummy Tuck Belly Button Umbilicoplasty

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