Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Plastic Surgery Recovery Time | Northern Virginia
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Posted on October 18, 2018 under Tummy Tuck
A major cosmetic surgery procedure such as a tummy tuck involves a significant recovery process and downtime. The extent of surgery performed is the key determining factor in the total amount of downtime needed. Abdominoplasty may be performed as a partial, standard, or extended procedure, and the recovery period will differ in each case.
Patients who diligently follow the instructions of the plastic surgeon during the recovery period improve their chances of faster and safer recovery. Dr. Dean Jabs and Dr. Franklin Richards, operating from offices in McLean VA, and Bethesda MD, provide tummy tuck and other procedures to patients in Northern Virginia, Fairfax, Alexandria, VA, Chevy Chase, Rockville, MD, and surrounding communities.
Estimated Recovery Period
In the case of a partial or mini tummy tuck cosmetic surgery procedure, only the area below the navel will be treated for the removal of excess fat and skin. In this procedure, the patient is likely to go through five to seven days of reduced physical activity before they can resume a more vigorous routine. In the case of a standard tummy tuck surgery, the treatment will include the area above the navel.
Similarly, an extended tummy tuck will additionally include liposuction and treatment of the flanks. Both these traditional and extended tummy tuck procedures may involve a period of about two weeks of minimized activity. Drainage tubes will usually be placed in these techniques to prevent fluid build-up at the incision site. These tubes may be removed around the end of the first week. The patient will also be required to wear a special support garment in the first few weeks to expedite healing.
Leading plastic surgeons, Dr. Richards and Dr. Jabs receive patients from Northern Virginia, Fairfax, Alexandria, VA, Chevy Chase, Rockville, MD, and nearby areas for tummy tuck surgery.
Performing Mild Activities
It is important for a patient to know that they are not expected to remain immobilized during the recovery period. In fact, the surgeon will encourage them to get and walk around the home and perform basic day-to-day tasks during the first week. Maintaining a basic activity level will help reduce the risk of blood clot formation.
However, the patient must not lift heavy weights or perform activities that involve too much bending. They must refrain from doing any activities that could put a strain on the incision site. Strenuous exercises should be avoided for at least four weeks to give sufficient time for the healing of incisions. Patients with sedentary jobs may go back to work after a week, while others with physically straining jobs may require at least two weeks before returning to work.
Follow-up Visits
The patient may be required to visit the surgeon’s office a day after the tummy tuck procedure for a detailed assessment of the condition. During this visit, the surgeon may fit the patient with a support garment to help prevent clotting. Weekly follow-up visits may be scheduled after this to monitor the healing progress. During the entire recovery period, the patient would be required to refrain from smoking.
If you would like to learn more about plastic surgery procedures performed by Plastic Surgeons Franklin D. Richards, M.D. and A. Dean Jabs, M.D. please visit https://cosmeticplastics.com/ or http://breastaugmentationmd.com/ Serving patients in and around Northern Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, McLean, Bethesda, Fairfax County, Rockville, Alexandria, Chevy Chase and Potomac.
Our Plastic Surgery Associates team includes Dr. Franklin Richards, Dr. A. Dean Jabs, and Dr. Keshav Magge. Each of our plastic surgeons is board-certified, and together they have over 60 years of combined experience. Drs. Richards, Jabs, and Magge are all highly qualified in procedures for the face, breast, and body, and pride themselves in providing excellent results through our state-of-the-art, Quad A certified operating centers
