After care
Head Position
- Keep head elevated for first few nights
- Sleep on back with extra pillows
- Avoid sleeping on treated areas
- Gradual return to normal position
Swelling Management
- Swelling peaks at 48-72 hours
- Gradual improvement over 1-3 weeks
- Compression garment critical for reduction
- Ice packs for comfort
- Final shape evident after swelling resolves
Activity Timeline
- Light activity: day 1-2
- Office work: 3-5 days
- Moderate activity: 1-2 weeks
- Strenuous exercise: 3-4 weeks
- Full recovery: 4-6 weeks
ABDOMINAL SURGERY (Tummy Tuck, Liposuction)
Compression and Support
- Wear compression garment continuously for 2-3 weeks
- Continue part-time wear for additional weeks
- Essential for proper healing and contouring
- Provides support and pain relief
- Critical for preventing complications
Positioning and Bending
- Avoid bending at waist for 2 weeks initially
- Keep spine straight when sitting and standing
- Use abdominal binder for support if prescribed
- Sleep on back with pillow under knees
- Gradual return to normal positioning
Activity Restrictions
- Light walking only for first week
- No lifting or straining for 3-4 weeks
- Avoid twisting motions
- No strenuous exercise for 4-6 weeks
- Gradual return to normal activity
Incision Care
- Keep incisions clean and dry
- Showering acceptable if incisions protected
- Bathing: wait until fully healed (2-3 weeks)
- Suture removal typically at 10-14 days
- Sun protection important for scars
Pain and Swelling Management
- Pain peaks first 3-5 days
- Swelling peaks at 48-72 hours
- Ice packs initially, then warm compresses
- Elevation helps reduce swelling
- Compression garment critical
Return to Activities
- Light walking: day 1-2
- Office work: 1-2 weeks
- Driving: 48-72 hours
- Light activity: 2-3 weeks
- Moderate exercise: 3-4 weeks
- Strenuous exercise: 6-8 weeks
- Full recovery: 8-12 weeks