Essential Items for a Smooth Tummy Tuck Recovery: Your Comprehensive Guide
When opting to have a tummy tuck performed, preparing for every aspect of it is vital in order to have a pleasant and stress-free experience. The journey doesn't end with the procedure – postoperative care is equally essential.
At Real You Plastic Surgery and Wellness in American Fork, Utah, we emphasize the significance of diligent aftercare to ensure a smooth recovery and optimal results. We are dedicated to guiding you through every aspect of the process, from preoperative preparation to comprehensive postoperative guidance, ensuring your comfort, well-being, and the best possible outcome. Your commitment to post-operative care will pave the way for a transformative experience and a confident, revitalized you.
In today’s article, our plastic surgeons and medical staff have compiled a list of essential items that you should consider acquiring before your tummy tuck procedure. Having these on hand will make the recovery process easy and stress-free, allowing you to enjoy your new body in no time at all. Continue reading below to discover our top picks, or contact us with any questions!
RYPS Must-Haves
Compression Garment
Compression Socks
Protein Supplementation
Probiotic
Silicone Scar Gel/Tape
Drain Holder
Wedge Pillow
Gauze
Compression Garment: The Support You Need
A compression garment is your ultimate ally after a tummy tuck procedure. Designed to provide gentle yet effective pressure to the treated area, these garments help minimize swelling, improve blood circulation, and offer support to your healing tissues. The right fit is crucial, as it not only accelerates the recovery process but also contributes to achieving the desired contours. Our office offers a range of carefully selected compression garment options to aid in your recovery journey that we will pick out together at your pre-operative appointment.
Compression Socks: Increase Circulation
Compression socks are a vital addition to your post-surgery recovery toolkit. These specially designed socks apply gentle pressure to your legs, enhancing blood circulation and reducing the risk of blood clots during the healing phase.
RYPS Favorites: Comrad, Bombas
Drain Holder: Manage Fluid Buildup
Drains are placed during your surgery to prevent fluid accumulation at the surgical site. To manage and secure these drains, a drain holder or pouch is extremely helpful. These holders are designed to make your daily routines more manageable and prevent any discomfort or accidental dislodging. By keeping the drains organized and secure, you'll experience less disruption to your recovery process.
RYPS Favorite: Drain Holder
Wedge Pillow: Elevating Comfort
Sleeping in a comfortable position is vital for a smooth recovery. A wedge pillow is an excellent investment, as it allows you to elevate your upper body at an angle that promotes proper circulation and reduces strain on your healing incisions. This not only improves your sleep quality but also aids in reducing swelling and discomfort.
RYPS Favorite: Wedge Pillow
Protein Supplementation: Fueling Your Recovery
Protein is a crucial building block for tissue repair and healing. Incorporating protein supplementation into your post-operative diet can aid in faster recovery and optimal wound healing. Our RYPS favorite for protein supplementation is Skinade MD. Incorporating Skinade MD into the post-surgery regimen can synergistically support the body's natural healing mechanisms, offering optimized recovery, reduced scarring, and an overall improved surgical outcome. By nourishing the skin at its core, Skinade MD plays an integral role in not only enhancing cosmetic results but also in promoting holistic well-being during the recovery phase.
RYPS Favorites: Skinade MD, Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, Bone Broth, Just Ingredients Protein
Probiotic: Supporting Your Gut
During your recovery you will be prescribed an antibiotic for infection prophylaxis. However, we also recommend that you start a probiotic a few months prior to your surgery. Introducing probiotics, or "good" bacteria, through supplementation helps restore the balance of the gut microbiota. This, in turn, supports digestive health, boosts immune responses, and aids in nutrient absorption.
RYPS Favorites: Culturelle, DoTerra PB Assist
Silicone Scar Gel/Tape: Minimizing Scars
Silicone scar gel/tape is an essential postoperative solution for optimizing healing and minimizing scars. This advanced formula is designed to be applied directly to surgical incisions, helping to improve their texture, color, and overall appearance. You can pick yours up at our American Fork plastic surgery clinic during your preoperative appointment.
Gauze: Keeping it Clean
Maintaining proper hygiene around the incision area is essential to prevent infection. Gauze pads are ideal for covering the incisions and providing a comfortable barrier inbetween you and your compression garment for the first week following surgery. Regularly changing the gauze will significantly contribute to a complication-free recovery.
RYPS Favorite: Gauze Pads
