Sleeping on your stomach after an abdominoplasty. Recovery after abdominoplasty. Limitation of physical activity
After removal of excess skin and subcutaneous fat, tension is created, therefore Special attention It is worth paying attention to how to sleep after abdominoplasty. The main part of the load falls on the area of tissue connection in the seam area. To reduce this load and reduce pain, the patient after the operation is placed on a couch with legs bent at the knees. In this position, it is possible to reduce the load on the seam and prevent its divergence.
When can I sleep on my side after tummy tuck?
You can sleep on your side after abdominoplasty after the first day of your stay in the hospital. Provided that it will be worn elastic bandage, creating a certain pressure on the anterior abdominal wall, this position will not lead to complications.
It is allowed to roll over on the stomach after 4 weeks. By this time, the skin adapts, the tension becomes weaker. In addition, the risk of suture divergence is reduced, as the incision area gradually heals.
Of great importance in the process of rehabilitation is the observance of a number of rules in the usual way of life.
- The diet should include foods that are easily digestible. Weight gain is undesirable and reduces the effectiveness of the result.
- Physical activity is excluded for 7 days. After that, it is allowed to do household chores that are not related to lifting weights and overstretching the anterior abdominal wall. Return to sports training allowed after 3 months, the load should be minimal, classes are held in a bandage.
- After abdominoplasty, you can sleep and walk in a half-bent position. Adaptation of the skin and strengthening of the seam occurs within 1-2 weeks.
- Relieve puffiness and lymphatic congestion lymphatic drainage massage and microcurrent therapy.
Regime restrictions are temporary, their observance is rewarded with the acquisition of a slender, toned figure and ensures an effective and long-term result of the operation.
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen in order to tighten it. The procedure, in most cases, is popular with women who, after childbirth or as a result of losing weight, cannot get rid of the stretching of the abdominal muscles. Recovery after abdominoplasty is slow and therefore requires not only constant monitoring medical personnel but also a responsible attitude to the process of the patient himself.
The duration of the rehabilitation period is on average six months. The term is determined by the volume of the operation performed, the speed of suture healing, the absence of complications and the restoration of the functionality of the abdominal muscles.
A person is already able to return to his usual life after two months.
Depending on the indications, the operation is performed under general or local anesthesia. The patient is in the operating room for about 2-3 hours, then he is transferred to the intensive care unit for a day. This step should not scare patients. In the ward intensive care the postoperative patient is under constant medical supervision to exclude unforeseen complications. On the second day, the patient is transferred to a regular ward, where he will stay for a few more days.
Any type of peritoneal surgery requires the placement of drainage tubes. With their help, the accumulation of blood and fluid at the site of the incision is prevented. The tubes are removed after a few days.
Right after surgical intervention the appearance of hematomas and edema is possible not only in the area operating field, but also along the muscles of the abdomen and lower back. To prevent complications, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic therapy is carried out. To normalize bowel function, the doctor may prescribe laxatives. Drink more fluids to avoid dehydration.
Rehabilitation after abdominoplasty in the early postoperative period
The tummy tuck operation is a full-fledged surgical manipulation with a violation of the integrity of the skin and muscles of the abdominal wall. Therefore, the early postoperative period is accompanied by soreness of the entire surface of the abdomen.
Cupping pain syndrome spend the first day with drugs with a gradual transition to non-narcotic drugs. In the first days after the operation, patients often complain of a feeling of tightness, which disappears on its own within two weeks.
With positive dynamics, the patient can be transferred to a day hospital. Stitches are removed 10-12 days after surgery. The scar left after the removal of the suture material is slightly different in color from healthy skin but becomes less noticeable over time.
Recovery at home
The patient, being on day hospital, continues to visit the doctor who performed the operation. After the sutures are removed after abdominoplasty, for successful rehabilitation it is recommended to wear a corset or compression underwear for one and a half to two months. Such a measure is necessary to prevent the development of complications. Take off compression underwear, during the first two weeks is not recommended at all, except for showering. Then it will be possible to shoot only at the time of rest or sleep.
Addition to preventive measures The doctor will recommend limiting physical activity and good nutrition.
Rehabilitation depends on the type of work performed. If the activity is not associated with physical activity, then you can start working two to three weeks after the intervention. For work related to physical labor, the rehabilitation period after abdominoplasty of the abdomen is at least a month.
To speed up the recovery of the body, experts recommend:
- during the first three months, the performance of special gymnastics. From the complex it is necessary to remove power loads, fitness, weight lifting;
- stick to a diet. Food should be taken in small portions, eliminating foods that promote gas formation from the diet;
- avoid taking medications during the recovery period without the recommendation of the attending physician, and if there is a need to take them, be sure to coordinate with the doctor.
What is prohibited
To avoid complications in postoperative period you should follow the instructions of a specialist:
- compliance bed rest in the first days after surgery;
- complete exclusion of physical activity, as well as movements that contribute to the tension of the muscles of the abdominal wall;
- in order to avoid divergence of the seams, it is important not only to eliminate the load on the abdominal muscles, but also to move around, fixing the stomach with a corset;
- during sleep, bend your legs to prevent skin tension.
How to behave
- IN rehabilitation process physical activity should be introduced gradually. Their intensity should be determined by the doctor.
- It is necessary to remove hard-to-digest foods from the diet. Alcohol should be excluded, tk. its use negatively affects the blood and intestinal flora. As a result of disorders caused by alcohol intake, the processes of tissue regeneration slow down.
- It is not recommended to use a bath until the stitches are removed. You can only shower.
- In order for the scar to form correctly within 1.5 months, hot air or steam should not be exposed to the seams. Therefore, for a while, you will have to abandon the sauna and bath.
- Within six months, you will need to refrain from visiting the solarium and sunbathing.
To speed up the healing process, doctors prescribe physiotherapy procedures. Methods used include the use of gels and medicinal ointments. Postoperative scar on the abdomen, usually big sizes. After removal of the sutures, the scar is quite dense and very different from neighboring integuments. Introduction hormonal ointment or gels containing heparin with the help of ultrasound in the tissue accelerates the process of healing and tissue repair. The seam becomes soft and elastic, as well as invisible.
Ointment and gel are prescribed only after the stitches are removed and the scar heals.
Application of silicone applicators with therapeutic substances on a fresh scar gives excellent results:
- as a result of the pressure of the applicator on the scar, the scar is smoothed out and becomes less noticeable;
- drug exposure accelerates tissue healing.
A similar effect can be achieved using another physiotherapeutic method - pressotherapy. As a result of pressure on the abdominal wall, blood and lymph circulation through the vessels improves. Surgeons recommend using this technique not only in the postoperative period, but also before surgery, in order to exclude such a complication as thromboembolism.
To exclude the appearance of edema and hematomas, doctors prescribe magnetotherapy and vacuum massage. And sessions of ozone therapy - to accelerate the regenerative processes.
How long do you need to stay in the clinic
The length of stay in the hospital depends on the anesthesia used, the amount of intervention and the subsequent state of the body. Usually, after the operation, the patient stays in the hospital for two or three days, and then he is discharged. But, until the suture is completely healed and he feels normal, he is under the supervision of the operating surgeon. If mini-plasty was performed, then the patient's stay in the hospital is not required. After surgery, the patient goes home the same day.
When can you resume exercise?
If rehabilitation period proceeds without features, then from the second month after the intervention, you can engage in physical education. Start with light exercises with a gradual increase in load. In case of complications after abdominoplasty, sports are contraindicated. Do not lift heavy objects for three months after the operation.
How the rehabilitation process will proceed after the operation is largely determined by the behavior of the patient. Therefore, before deciding on an abdominoplasty, you should weigh the pros and cons. If the patient is ready for the fact that the recovery after the procedure will be long and will be able to comply with all the prescriptions of the doctors, then the result obtained ( beautiful shape belly, confidence in his attractiveness) will not disappoint him.
Rehabilitation after abdominoplasty - video
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat in order to reduce and tighten the abdomen. Tummy tuck is most popular among women who have recently gone through childbirth, as pregnancy can drastically change appearance abdominal region. Abdominoplasty will tighten the abdominal muscles, which are usually weakened as a result of pregnancy. Both men and women who have recently lost weight resort to the operation.
Preoperative consultations
During preoperative consultations, the patient discusses with the doctor the medications and supplements taken, the medical history. Both of these aspects must be considered in order to assess the risks of potentially dangerous blood clots and excessive bleeding during surgery. Smokers should stop all nicotine intake at least three months prior to surgery and continue to abstain during recovery.
Many patients don't realize that nicotine can seriously impair the body's ability to heal itself.
Smoking interferes with the normal flow of important functions: the ability of cells to divide and grow, and the ability of white blood cells to neutralize bacteria that can lead to infections. Nicotine makes blood vessels narrow, which makes it difficult for red blood cells to deliver oxygen to the skin cells at the incision site. When oxygen delivery is inhibited, it can significantly delay healing. In addition, if white blood cell function is impaired, the patient is much more likely to develop an infection that can lead to serious complications.
In order to minimize the risk of developing blood clots, patients will be asked to stop taking birth control at least two weeks before surgery. You should also stop taking anticoagulants, hormones, or supplements such as fish fat, in order to minimize bleeding during surgery.
Understanding the entire abdominoplasty process from preoperative planning to full recovery can play an important role in the success of the operation.
This knowledge can help patients feel confident in their decision and help achieve the best possible outcomes.
Abdominoplasty procedure: step by step
Tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia. The following is a general overview of how the operation is performed.
1. The patient is given anesthesia.
2. The surgeon makes one incision from the pelvic bone to the pelvic bone. A second incision is made to free the umbilicus from the surrounding tissue.
3. Working through the incision, the surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall and lifts a large skin flap to reveal the vertical abdominal muscles.
4. The surgeon pulls the muscles close together and stitches them together in the new position. This provides strong support for the abdominal wall and narrows the waist.
5. The surgeon spreads the skin over the new base structure and removes excess skin.
6. The surgeon forms a new hole for the navel, the navel is fixed in a new place.
7. Finally, the skin flap is finally stretched into place, drainage tubes are inserted and bandages are applied.
Rehabilitation after abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck almost always involves the removal of excess skin, fat, and other tissue, along with tightening of the underlying abdominal muscles. It requires internal and external healing.
The degree of surgical intervention is a determining factor in determining the rehabilitation time required after the procedure.
There are three main types of abdominoplasty:
- mini,
- standard,
- extended.
The mini tummy tuck focuses on the area below the navel. The operation usually involves an incision located between the pelvic bones, some tightening of the abdominal wall, and removal of excess fat and skin. After surgery, it only takes about a week to avoid physical activity before patients can resume normal activities.
A standard abdominoplasty is similar to a mini tummy tuck, but may involve intervention above the navel. A major abdominoplasty usually involves liposuction and other treatments applied to the area of the fat folds at the waist, the so-called "love handles". Both of these procedures may require weeks of minimal activity after surgery.
Both standard and extended tummy tucks often require the placement of drainage tubes to help prevent blood and fluid from accumulating at the incision site. The tubes are usually removed after a few days.
Rehabilitation after abdominoplasty will take some time and will not always be pleasant.
Abdominoplasty, especially extended, is a serious surgical intervention.
The patient only learns during recovery how often he uses the abdominal muscles every day!
Stitches may be removed 5-10 days after surgery, but may be left on for 2 weeks or more. Some parts of the incision may heal faster than others, so the surgeon may remove some stitches and leave others a little longer.
The skin on the abdomen may lose sensitivity. This is a normal consequence of abdominoplasty. Abdominoplasty involves separating the skin from tissues and redistributing it. This means that some nerves have been cut. The sensations usually return gradually over several months. Sometimes the first sensation in numb areas is itching or tingling. There is a possibility that the sensations in the skin will not fully return.
Bruising and swelling are normal after most surgeries. Gradually swelling and bruising disappear. To reduce swelling, the surgeon may recommend crus massage or physiotherapy. Manual massage is possible 3 weeks after the operation.
When a patient leaves the hospital or surgical center, they should receive a list of postoperative instructions and general recommendations recovery from plastic surgery.
Recovery time after abdominoplasty varies from person to person. The patient may need up to 6 weeks for proper healing if they have had an extended tummy tuck and other surgeries. Another determining factor is the type of activity. If the patient does desk work, he is likely to be able to return to work earlier than the gym teacher or postman.
Medications during rehabilitation
Immediately after the procedure, edema develops in the operated area. The patient may experience throbbing pain. Painkillers will help stop the pain that is preventing healing.
It is important that the bowel remains able to move after an abdominoplasty, so surgeons recommend that patients take laxatives for the first week after surgery. Drink plenty of water and/or fruit juices to stay hydrated, at least 8 glasses a day, or even 16 after liposuction! This is a great help in maintaining regular soft stools.
Antibiotics may be prescribed to further reduce the risk of infection. If you are taking contraceptives, be aware that some antibiotics can interact with them.
Temperature must be measured regularly! Elevated temperature could mean infection.
Limitation of physical activity
Sleep should be in such a way that the head and shoulders are in an elevated position for 7-14 days. Two or three fluffy pillows can be used to support the head. Some pain medications can cause drowsiness. The body will waste energy on recovery, which can also cause drowsiness. Sleep is conducive to healing.
Additional pillows can be placed under the knees. This may help prevent some stretching of the new abdomen.
Depending on the extent of the surgery, minimization of physical activity may be required for 3 days to a week or more.
The patient will be asked to walk a little every day for the first week, increasing the amount of walking in subsequent weeks. Walking helps prevent blood clots and relieves swelling. By performing simple daily tasks, patients can further reduce their risk of developing blood clots. Of course, a patient who had surgery days ago should not lift a heavy bag of groceries, but getting up and going to the kitchen for a glass of water will be useful.
Resuming training is usually allowed by surgeons no earlier than 3 weeks or more after abdominoplasty, depending on the degree of surgery.
Scars after abdominoplasty
During recovery after any degree of abdominoplasty, it is very important to avoid placing any stress on the incisions, which can cause complications such as wound opening and infection.
Scars in the healing process go through a series of changes before they are completely healed, which can take several months. The scars will look ugly for about 3 months after the operation. They tend to be red, thick and raised. If the patient is cold, they turn gray-violet.
The period during which the scars smooth out and disappear can take up to one year.
Most doctors take great care in placing the incisions well below the bikini line so that they remain hidden even on the beach! But it is necessary to protect fresh scars after tummy tuck from exposure to the sun.
Silicone sheets can be used to help prevent keloids from forming. The silicone sheet is used only after the wounds have closed.
Water procedures after surgery
Patients are advised not to take a bath or use hot tub because sitting in stagnant water can cause incisions to become infected. While the incisions are healing, swimming should be avoided. Some surgeons allow patients to shower 2-3 days after surgery. At the same time, it is recommended not to remove compression underwear or take a shower under a light stream of water. Patients may feel dizzy or unsteady in their legs due to medication, so care must be taken when showering. Patients can ask someone to help them or just stay in the bathroom during the procedure.
Improving the shape and size of the breast pleases and gives self-confidence. But in the postoperative period it creates some inconvenience and raises many questions. In particular, women are interested in when it is allowed to sleep on their side after mammoplasty. The answer depends on many nuances.
Read in this article
Reasons why you shouldn't sleep on your side
The side lying position is one of the most natural and comfortable sleeping positions. But not during the rehabilitation period after mammoplasty. There are several reasons preventing her and forcing women to sleep on their backs with a high pillow.
| Reasons why you should sleep on your back for a while after mammoplasty | Rationale |
| Pain | The intervention is accompanied by damage to several layers of living tissues. If the breast is reduced or tightened, some of them are removed. To increase the mammary glands, implants are placed, which in fact are foreign body. All this leads to the need for healing, fusion of injured areas. The process is not complete without pain and discomfort, although, of course, the doctor prescribes medicines for it. But sleeping on your side will do discomfort stronger. After all, it leads to fluctuations in some areas of damaged tissues, increased load on them, squeezing. |
| Edema | Surgical intervention takes place with trauma to the vessels. And this leads to the accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the mammary glands. Edema is normal for several weeks. But it is necessary to strive to side effect gone faster. Rolling over while sleeping does not help. And besides, swelling will increase and pain making the posture uncomfortable. |
| The need for suture healing | Access to breast tissue is through incisions. At the end of the operation, they are sutured, which should not only heal, but also take on the most aesthetic appearance. They are removed only 2 weeks after the intervention. And before that, the edges of the wound can disperse from careless movement, too much load on the seam. Turning over on your side and being in this position just provoke an increase in pressure in the weakest areas of the chest. |
| The risk of disrupting the shape of the mammary glands | As long as a flexible capsule has not formed around the silicone prosthesis, it can easily change correct position. This will lead to breast deformity, asymmetry. If mammoplasty was aimed at reducing and tightening, unhealed tissues can also move. And the same problem will arise. |
| Risk of other complications | For injured breast tissue, anything that can delay healing is undesirable. The result of a slowdown in recovery processes may be seromas or hematomas. One of the reasons for their formation is prolonged edema, which occurs, among other things, due to incorrect body position. |
When you can take your favorite position
The recovery process after mammoplasty in all patients has its own characteristics. They depend on the quality and scale of the operation, the size of the implant, the patient's health status, and age. It is also important how carefully she observes the rules of rehabilitation. And the terms when you can sleep on your side after mammoplasty without the risk of harming yourself are also different:
- With a normal recovery, the sutures are removed after 2 weeks. That is, the skin grows together and is able to perform its own protective function. Edema during this period is also significantly reduced, although some excess fluid in the chest is still present. But by this time, you can try to roll over on your side. After all, the process of regeneration of damaged areas has already led to some of their restoration. Implants "sit" in the mammary glands more firmly, without the risk of shifting. Less worried and pain.
- For some women, recovery is slower. And even after the stitches are removed, the swelling is still significant, causing discomfort, and not just preventing you from seeing the final result of the operation. In this case, it makes sense in more stringent restrictions. That is, you should still sleep on your back, and you can lie on your side only a month after mammoplasty.
To quickly see your own breasts in perfect form, to forget about discomfort will help and 
other obligatory rules of rehabilitation:
- should become a constant companion for 2 months. It will keep the breast from fluctuating, the implant from moving, and relieve the woman from pain. Therefore, such underwear is worn almost continuously, removing only for taking a shower and processing seams.
- Wash with warm water, avoid hot bath, baths. Solarium and beach visits should also be abandoned for 3 months. And later there is no need to substitute stitches ultraviolet radiation. This can make them very noticeable.
- The seams need care. First, it is in antiseptic treatment so that the tissues heal without problems. Then you should use creams that will make the scars formed hardly noticeable.
- The first month and a half is unacceptable exercise stress, bending over, lifting weights, even if it's Small child or a pet. Sports restricted light exercise contributing to rehabilitation. But the doctor must also allow restorative gymnastics.
- The food is wholesome, no frills. We need vitamins, protein, so that the recovery processes go faster. Be sure to drink plenty of water, but you will have to give up alcohol and smoking for now. Alcohol and tobacco interfere with the formation of new cells, that is, they prevent the healing of internal and external sutures.
- It is worth watching your weight, not losing weight and not gaining excess. Both can lead to a change in the breast's own tissues, making the result of the operation not as planned.
