Here’s what you need to keep in mind when it comes to surgery recovery: It’s not a one-size-fits-all deal.
Your recovery timeline depends on a bunch of stuff, like how old you are, how healthy you are in general, the type of surgery you’re getting, and how well you follow post-surgery care.
The bigger the belly transformation, the longer the recovery tends to be. If you’re going all out with an extended tummy tuck that includes the sides, lower back, and lower chest, you might need more patience.
Here’s what to expect as you heal after your high BMI plastic surgery:
Right After Surgery
After your surgery, your operative site gets dressed up with compression garments. You might also have tiny tubes near your incision to ensure no extra fluid builds up.
Because of your incision site, you need to rest at a bit of an angle for the first few days, and your doctor will remind you to do some gentle walking and moving around to keep blood clots at bay.
At Home
When you’re home, you’ll need a helping hand for the first day or two. Pain meds should be taken as required.
Bending, lifting, and doing chores around the house should be limited during your early recovery days, so it’s best to have someone to help around and lighten the load.
Maintenance
Your surgeon will teach you how to care for your incision and drainage tubes during your recovery journey. You’ll also have a prescription for antibiotics, blood thinners, and topical creams for your incision site.
You still need to maintain your compression garments and other support gears to help alleviate swelling and discomfort. And remember, say no to smoking and alcohol for at least three months after your plus-size plastic surgery.
Getting Back to Normal
Most people take about a month off work, especially if it’s physically demanding. Two weeks post-op, you can resume doing light activities, like cooking and driving.
As you recover, remember to limit lifting, squatting, and working out for around six weeks to avoid putting pressure on your incision sites.
Long-Term Care
You might feel numbness or tugging on your operative site for a few weeks or months, but it’s nothing to worry about.
Swelling and bruising might stick around for up to three months, but they’ll eventually fade in time. Your scar might be visible for some time but will mellow out.
During your recovery, it’s super important to stick to your surgeon’s playbook and ask them if you’ve got questions or worries. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with top-notch training and safety credentials can give you the best advice and support as you bounce back to your fab self.