Before swimming after a tummy tuck, you should know that you’ll need to apply sunscreen to the area. It is also important to avoid strenuous activity and vigorous swimming for about a week after surgery. Your cosmetic surgeon will give you more specific instructions on these matters.
Swimming after a tummy tuck
While swimming after a tummy tuck is relatively safe after surgery, it is not advisable for at least two weeks after the procedure. Swimming exposes the new incision site to excessive ultraviolet light and can result in scarring. It is also best to avoid strenuous activity and swimming pools until the incision site has healed completely.
The optimal recovery time depends on the extent of the surgical procedure and the patient’s overall health. In some cases, swimming can negatively affect the results and cause an infection. For this reason, it is essential to wait several weeks after surgery before swimming. It is also best to begin swimming slowly, building up your activity gradually. Regardless of the surgical procedure, it is advisable to consult your surgeon before getting into the water.
Using sunscreen after a tummy tuck
After a tummy tuck, you must protect your new scar from the sun’s UV rays. These rays can affect your fault’s appearance and make it darker than before your surgery. This is why it’s essential to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing in the sun during the first year after surgery.
The next day after your surgery, use sunscreen to protect your new incision and scars from the sun. The sun can penetrate the incision and pop the stitches, so adding another layer of protection is a good idea. Make sure to apply regular sunscreen to your skin, and choose a sunscreen with a high SPF. If you have any questions, contact your doctor for advice.
It is also essential to use a scar cream to reduce the appearance of your incision. BioCorneum is a silicone cream that should be applied twice daily to the scar area. Another effective silicone cream is Kelo-cote. Additionally, your surgeon may recommend tape, or mepitac, to protect the scar. It would help if you also massaged the scar tissue regularly to minimize it.
The scars left behind by a tummy tuck cannot be changed, but they can be minimized. Using sunscreen after a tummy tuck will prevent your spots from becoming a problem.
Avoiding strenuous activity
After undergoing a tummy tuck, it’s important to avoid strenuous activity for at least a few weeks. This is because the abdominal muscles and excess skin may be weaker than before the surgery. While it’s tempting to return to strenuous exercise right after the surgery, you’ll risk bleeding and infection, and you might be unable to coordinate your movements correctly.
Once you’ve healed, you’ll be able to return to light exercise. Walking, swimming, or recumbent cycling are great ways to keep blood flowing. Avoid intense activities like lifting weights, which could strain the surgical area. Ask your surgeon for guidance on what exercises you can safely do after the procedure.
The recovery time from a tummy tuck procedure varies from patient to patient. It can take up to six weeks for a full recovery. Once you’ve healed, it’s safe to begin light and slowly work up to a regular exercise routine. Remember to listen to your body and know when enough is enough.
It’s best to avoid heavy weightlifting for a few days after the surgery. Instead, it would help if you focused on exercises that strengthen your core, such as crunches, sit-ups, and planks. A personal trainer can help you find the appropriate activities.
Keeping incisions clean
After a tummy tuck, you will have a fresh wound that will itch, but it is essential to avoid scratching or rubbing it. You should avoid wearing tight clothes for a few days. Keeping your damage clean will also help prevent infection. You should carefully check the incision daily to ensure it is not bleeding and to keep it dry. You can use a mild cleanser to wash and pat the incision. Your healthcare provider will remove any staples or stitches, but you should still use a clean cloth to clean the wound. You should also avoid wearing tight clothing to minimize the risk of infection.
Depending on the type of surgery, you may be able to shower as early as 24 hours after surgery. After this time, you can replace the gauze over the incision. Do not wash the incisions with hot water, as this could cause infection. If you do have drains, make sure to follow the instructions on how to remove them. You can also use a fragrance-free moisturizer over the incisions after surgery.
Keeping the incisions clean after tummy ties is essential to the procedure’s success. Failure to follow the proper guidelines can cause excessive swelling and infection and may result in lackluster results. The doctor will provide you with clear instructions on how to care for your incisions after surgery.
Avoiding sauna sessions
You should avoid using an infrared sauna several weeks after a tummy tuck. The heat from the sauna will accelerate the healing process and can increase swelling. Infrared saunas are helpful for many surgical wounds, but you should be cautious after the procedure.
It is essential to avoid sauna sessions for six weeks after your surgery. The sauna can dehydrate you and increase the risk of infection. This is why you should talk to your doctor before using a sauna. This way, you can get the best recovery possible. If you experience pain or discomfort, you should avoid using the sauna.
Infrared saunas can affect the chemical composition of artificial implants. They may even cause tissue infection. Additionally, infrared saunas can cause additional damage to the skin and wound. In addition to damaging the artificial implants, they can delay the healing process. Further, the traditional sauna room promotes bacterial growth. Hence, it is crucial to avoid sauna use after a tummy tuck.
Getting back to work after a tummy tuck
After your tummy tuck surgery, you may wonder when you can return to work. While the exact time depends on the type of procedure you had, most patients are out of work for two to six weeks. However, some people may be able to return to work sooner.
It is essential to allow enough time for recovery. Your plastic surgeon may suggest you stay off work for two weeks. However, you may need longer if you undergo a more extensive procedure. In addition, exercise and smoking are off-limits for the first two weeks. It would help if you stuck to a healthy diet to stay within your ideal weight range.
Whether or not you can return to work after your tummy tuck depends on your overall health and your job. You can return to work within 10 to 15 days if you have a desk job. You may need longer if you work a demanding job requiring physical activity. Best practices recommend taking two weeks off from work after your procedure.
Getting help from friends or family will be necessary for mums with young children. The physical demands of caring for a toddler and changing diapers can take a toll. Having extra help helps you recover faster.
