Abdominal fat is a problem for millions of people. For years, we have been told that we need to minimize the fatty deposits around the midsection with diet and exercise. Try as we might, though, many of us struggle to get the midsection as toned as we’d like. There’s a reason why the stomach can be so tricky. When we only observe fat as an enemy, we overlook the fact that abdominal tightness also has to do with muscle structure.
Abdominoplasty is a frequently performed cosmetic procedure that eliminates the appearance of excess abdominal fat and laxity by repositioning the musculature that has loosened over time and through physical changes such as pregnancy or weight gain. While more than 125,000 men and women elect to undergo abdominoplasty each year, there are still questions that keep others from leaping. One of the most common questions is what recovery from abdominoplasty will be like. We believe that knowledge breeds confidence in our patients, so offer a few insights into what you can expect after abdominoplasty.
Physical Details
There are a few details about abdominoplasty recovery that may come as a surprise if you’re not prepared. One is that standing upright will not be possible for a few days. The muscles that are repositioned may be somewhat rigid immediately after being tightened. As your body heals, flexibility will be restored to modified abdominal muscles. The second physical detail that you should expect, but may not experience, is constipation. Constipation can be a common side effect of pain medication. Because you will need to rely on your prescription medication for several days, it is advantageous to also be ready to manage side effects. An over-the-counter laxative or stool softener is usually sufficient and can be taken right away after surgery.
Emotional Details
It is the emotional details that tend to catch patients off-guard the most. Cosmetic surgery is an exciting event that gives you something to look forward to. Therefore, feeling somewhat deflated, frustrated, and depressed after surgery seems out of line. It’s not. A temporary emotional decline is a byproduct of the physical stress of surgery. Limited mobility and the substantial need for in-home care after abdominoplasty may also play into slight emotional turmoil. You can offset naturally “down” feelings by surrounding yourself with a strong support team and things that bring you joy.
We realize that you may have many questions about the procedure that interests you. We’re happy to provide comprehensive details during your personal consultation. Call our Chicago office at (312) 266-6240.