Healthy Recovery After Abdominoplasty
Why Does A Scar Form?
A scar is the natural result of trauma or injury to the skin and it is your body’s way of repairing and protecting a wound. The first step to healing is the production of collagen fibres that knit together to close the opening. This can take three to four weeks. For the next three to six months, your body will increase blood supply to the injury site to support the continued formation of collagen. This will result in a more prominent looking scar that is darker and thicker than the surrounding tissues. Once your body has produced enough collagen fibres to support the healing process, blood supply will decrease and the scar will become lighter, finer, and flatter over time. This stage of healing can take one to two years.
What You Can Do To Minimize Scarring
1. Follow Your Plastic Surgeon’s Recommendations: After your surgery you will be given specific and personalized aftercare instructions to follow as you recover. Ensure you follow your doctor’s orders for wound care and cleaning, recommendations on movement and exercise, diet and nutrition, rest, and make sure you keep all follow up appointments. These initial steps after abdominoplasty will ensure you have the strongest foundation for healing and minimizing scarring.
2. Watch For Infection: Infections can lengthen your recovery period and lead to more severe scarring. Monitor for signs of infection such as abnormal swelling and pain at the surgery site, redness, discharge from the incision, fever, chills, and nausea or vomiting. If you are experiencing any signs of infection, contact your plastic surgeon right away.
3. Keep Your Skin Moisturized: After your incisions have closed and when your surgeon clears you, begin a regular routine of moisturizing your skin. This will work to keep your skin supple and restore elasticity. The act of massaging moisturizers into the scarred areas also has benefits. It can increase circulation and promote collagen production, decrease itchiness, and encourage flexibility of the scarred tissue. The most ideal topical products may contain silicone, vitamin E, and cocoa butter. Ask your surgeon for their recommendation.
4. Use Sun Protection: This is great advice for every inch of your body, but sun protection for scarred areas is crucial. UV exposure can make scars darker, thicker, and more prominent. Protect your scarred areas with clothing until they are fully healed, and once cleared by your plastic surgeon, make sure to use sunscreen whenever you are outside.
5. Protect Your Scar: This is especially important while your injured tissues are still healing. Avoid restrictive clothing, accessories like belts, and any products that can irritate your skin. After surgery choose loose, soft clothing and skin care products that are gentle.
Transformative Tummy Tucks At Alberta Plastic Surgery
The most important thing you can do to ensure a healthy recovery and minimal scarring is to choose a plastic surgeon with extensive experience performing tummy tuck surgeries and delivering excellent results. The best surgeons will take care to ensure your incisions are minimal and placed as discreetly as possible. They will provide you with detailed recovery instructions and provide an elevated level of surgical aftercare.
If you are considering abdominoplasty, a mommy makeover, or any other body contouring procedures to help you look and feel your best, the team at Alberta Plastic Surgery can guide you in exploring your options and help you prepare for recovery after plastic surgery. Book your complimentary consultation today.
Dr. Adil Ladak is a board-certified and top surgeon in Edmonton, Alberta, and is highly skilled in cosmetic plastic surgery and other non-surgical rejuvenating cosmetic procedures. Dr. Ladak is a fully qualified Fellow of the Royal Canadian College of Physicians and Surgeons and his team is committed to providing patients with the facts and education to make the most informed decisions about their appearance and health. To explore all of your options to help you feel and look your best, visit Alberta Plastic Surgery in Edmonton by booking your complimentary consultation. Call us at 1-780-407-6691 or fill out the form below.
FAQ
Q: What is abdominoplasty?
A: Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, is a cosmetic surgical procedure that targets excess skin and fat in the abdominal region and tightens stretched out or weakened abdominal muscles to restore a firm, naturally contoured belly. If you are considering abdominoplasty or any other body contouring procedure, book a complimentary consultation with Dr. Ladak to discuss your options and the outcomes you hope to achieve from surgery.
Q: How much weight should I lose before having a tummy tuck?
A: It is ideal to be within 10 pounds of your desired goal weight and to maintain a stable weight for at least 6 months to achieve optimal results from a tummy tuck procedure.
Q: Does a tummy tuck require anaesthetic?
A: Yes. Abdominoplasty is performed as a day surgery under general anaesthetic. You will need to be driven home after your procedure and will require assistance and care for your first week or so post-surgery.
