AFTER THE PROCEDURE

After a tummy tuck, your abdominal incision and bellybutton will likely be covered with surgical dressing. Small tubes might be placed along the incision site to drain any excess blood or fluid. Members of your health care team will help you walk as early as the first day after a tummy tuck to help prevent the formation of blood clots You will likely feel moderate pain, which will be controlled by pain medication. It is normal to have swelling in the surgical area. Drains might be left in place for several days after surgery. Your surgeon or another member of your health care team will show you how to empty and care for your drains. You might need to continue taking an antibiotic as long as the drains are in place. Your surgeon might also prescribe a blood-thinning medication for a short time after your tummy tuck. You will wear a supportive abdominal garment (abdominal binder) for about six weeks after your tummy tuck. This helps prevent fluid build-up and provides abdominal support while you heal. Your doctor will explain how to care for your scar. For the first six weeks after a tummy tuck, you will need to be careful when moving around. You will also need to avoid positions that strain your incision line such as quickly bending at the waist to prevent the reopening of the wound. You will need to schedule regular follow