At this critical juncture, it’s vital that you follow the advice of your surgeon in order to minimize discomfort and speed recovery. Anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin should also be avoided as these increase bleeding.
Discomfort following a tummy tuck is to be expected, but if it continues after several weeks it could indicate nerve damage and lead to complications down the line.
Warning Signs After Tummy Tuck Surgery
Numbness or tingling in the area
A tummy tuck involves the removal of excess skin from the abdomen and tightening of abdominal wall muscles to tighten them further. Although this procedure can be extremely beneficial, there may be certain risks.
Blood clots are a serious but rare risk with any surgery, but walking soon after your procedure and taking painkillers as directed can lower your risk for blood clots. To reduce risk for these dangerous events, be sure to walk early post-surgery and take your painkillers as directed.
Changes in sensation are completely normal following a tummy tuck and will resolve as the body heals, but if any continue or become severe it’s important to inform your surgeon immediately.
Incorrect positioning of the belly button
The belly button, commonly referred to as the navel, is made up of scar tissue left from where your umbilical cord connected with your mother’s placenta in utero and provided nourishment and wastes from her to you before birth. After birth, its stump withered away and fell off, leaving behind scar tissue we now call “belly button.”
Belly buttons may vary greatly in appearance, depending on how the skin healed after the umbilical cord fell off; unfortunately, you cannot change this aspect of its development.
Your belly button is home to numerous bacteria. Sometimes these microorganisms cause an umbilical granuloma (red, pink or discoloured lump) to appear; although uncomfortable it should remain harmless.
Numbness or tingling in the legs
After having a tummy tuck, pain may be expected; however, persistent discomfort that doesn’t improve with prescribed pain medication could indicate something more serious like infection, nerve damage or other complications.
After having a tummy tuck procedure performed, gas bloat can occur as a result of the removal of excess skin and fat, often visible due to greater visibility. If this happens to you, take note that symptoms will subside shortly afterwards.
Tissue necrosis, a rare yet serious complication of healing tissues not receiving sufficient blood flow, may become fatal if left unchecked.
Swelling or bruising in the area
Undergoing a tummy tuck involves having excess fat and skin removed from the abdomen, with tightening of connective tissue in the bellybutton area and drains being installed to avoid accumulation at the surgical site.
Pain associated with tummy tuck surgery is common, however if the discomfort continues or worsens it could indicate complications or require medical intervention.
Swelling after a tummy tuck surgery is typically caused by blood vessels being cut or altered and an altered lymphatic system in the abdominal region. You can reduce swelling by wearing a compression garment as directed and taking medication to manage pain management.
Loss of sensation in the area
Tummy tuck surgery is an effective solution to create a flatter, toned abdomen; however, like any surgical procedure it may involve risks and complications; knowing the warning signs or potential complication is crucial to ensure an easy recovery process.
Swelling and bruising following a tummy tuck are common, caused by excess blood or fluid build-up in the abdominal region. If this becomes excessive or causes pain, it could indicate the presence of a hematoma or another serious condition that requires medical intervention.
Wound dehiscence is a potentially life-threatening complication that arises when the edges of an incision separate before healing has completed, leading to bleeding, open wounds, and increasing risks of infection.
Infection
Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure to eliminate excess skin and fat that cannot be addressed through diet or exercise, tighten abdominal muscles, and create a slimmer waistline.
After having undergone a tummy tuck surgery, it’s crucial that you follow the surgeon’s instructions in order to reduce risk of infection and complications. This includes taking all prescribed medication as directed and refraining from activities which would put pressure on the incision site.
Infection is one of the main risks following tummy tuck surgery, usually as a result of improper wound healing or bacterial contamination.
Tissue necrosis
An unexpected risk during tummy tuck surgery is that some tissue deep within your abdominal skin could die due to lack of blood supply and necrosis, increasing your risk for pulmonary embolism. While it is unlikely, necrosis does happen and necrosis should be managed immediately following any procedure to ensure optimal healing results.
After surgery, some degree of fatigue and grogginess should be expected; if these feelings continue or you experience unusually intense pain, notify your surgeon. Any sign of foul odor or discharge indicates an infection which must be addressed promptly.
How Long After Tummy Tuck Surgery Should You Expect to Experience Pain and Swelling
After undergoing a tummy tuck surgery, pain and swelling are to be expected. The intense pain typically peaks in the initial days following the surgery. To manage the discomfort, pain medication can be taken. Swelling, a common aftermath of a tummy tuck, is typically temporary and tends to fade away within a few weeks.
However, some mild swelling may persist in the region for approximately two months. The duration and intensity of this swelling depend on the patient’s post-operative care and daily activities. Around three weeks after the surgery, most patients tend to feel significantly swollen, with the presence of firmness around the belly button.
It is crucial to avoid engaging in activities that strain the abdominal muscles, especially when these muscles are still recovering from the procedure. Allowing ample time for the muscles to heal before exerting them is essential. Patience and giving the body the necessary healing period are key to resolving swelling. Hurrying the healing process or pushing oneself too hard can result in persistent swelling.
How Can You Prevent Infection After Tummy Tuck Surgery
After undergoing tummy tuck surgery, there are effective ways to handle the pain:
- Take pain medication: Follow your surgeon’s advice on using over-the-counter meds. They may prescribe stronger options if needed.
- Apply ice packs: Use cold compresses or ice packs on the surgical site within the first 48 hours to lessen swelling and temporarily numb the pain.
- Consider muscle relaxants: Soma or Flexeril, muscle relaxants prescribed by your surgeon, can ease muscle discomfort and reduce reliance on strong painkillers.
- Explore Gabapentin: This medication, also called Neurontin, helps manage nerve-related pain after surgery.
- Try Celebrex: This anti-inflammatory medicine alleviates pain and inflammation post-tummy tuck.
- Opt for Exparel: During surgery, Exparel, a long-lasting painkiller, can be injected into the muscle layer. It offers prolonged relief, particularly beneficial for tummy tucks.
- Prioritize rest and relaxation: Create a comfortable space for recovery. Allow yourself ample rest for at least two weeks and avoid strenuous activities until you’re fully ready.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Consume fiber-rich foods, fresh fruits, and vegetables to prevent constipation, which pain meds can cause.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water flushes toxins from your body and reduces swelling.
- Incorporate light movement: Engage in gentle walks and stress-free stretches to improve blood circulation and decrease inflammation.
Remember to heed your surgeon’s guidance and discuss pain management specific to your needs and medical history.
