Publicado por Dr. Miguel Fernández Calderón: 27/12/2022
Abdominoplasty is a body contouring procedure performed to improve the appearance of the abdomen. During it, excess skin and fat are removed and the abdominal muscles are tightened to achieve a flatter, more toned abdomen. After surgery, it is important to look after your skin after an abdominoplasty to make sure it heals properly and to maintain the results in the long term.
Immediate care after surgery
The long-term results of the surgery depend largely on the initial care. Hence the importance of following the surgeon’s instructions.
This care must begin immediately and is aimed at relieving discomfort and optimising the results.
Managing pain and swelling
Pain and swelling are common effects of an abdominoplasty. To control them, the doctor will prescribe painkillers; it is important not to self-medicate. In addition, applying cold compresses to the abdominal area helps reduce swelling.
Consider having a few lymphatic drainage sessions to remove excess fluid.
Hygiene and care of the surgical wound
Look after the wound to promote optimal healing and avoid infection. The surgeon will tell you how to treat it. It should be washed with water and a neutral soap, without rubbing. And when drying it, do so with gentle dabs and a clean towel.
After washing, apply the healing cream your surgeon has recommended. Then protect the wound with sterile bandages or dressings.
Redness, swelling, heat, pain, pus or fever may be a sign of infection. If these signs appear, contact your doctor.
Wearing compression garments: benefits and recommendations
Wear the compression garments for as long as the surgeon indicates. They will help the skin stay in its new position and, in general, help the recovery process.
Compression garments support the tissues, reduce swelling and help improve body contour. They also promote blood circulation and reduce the risk of haematomas and seromas.
Generally, you should wear the garment 24 hours a day for the first four weeks. Make sure it is snug and not tight, since it could restrict circulation.
Tips for looking after your skin after an abdominoplasty and maintaining the results in the long term
If you have recently had an abdominoplasty in Madrid, or even if you are only just considering this procedure, we know your goal is to have a flat abdomen and a firm midsection, and that in the future you want to avoid at all costs putting at risk what you achieved with this surgery.
So here are some tips for looking after your skin after an abdominoplasty and maintaining the results in the long term:
Follow your surgeon’s instructions:
It is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions to make sure your skin is healing properly. This may include things like using cold compresses or taking medication to control pain and swelling.
Abdominoplasty recovery is key to securing long-term results.
Avoid the sun:
It is crucial to avoid prolonged sun exposure after an abdominoplasty to avoid damaging the skin, especially the scar area.
Always use sun cream with a high protection factor and avoid being in the sun for long periods.
Stay hydrated:
Drink enough water to stay hydrated and help your skin recover. Drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day is key during recovery.
Do not smoke:
Smoking can affect scarring and the healing process of the skin after an abdominoplasty or other surgery such as a breast lift in Madrid. It is important to stop smoking before surgery and to avoid tobacco smoke afterwards.
Smoking restricts blood circulation, limiting the ability to heal and to keep your skin and organs healthy.
Avoid lifting heavy objects:
Try not to lift heavy objects for a while after an abdominoplasty to avoid stress on the skin and the abdominal muscles.
Your doctor will tell you exactly when you can do each activity, since it varies according to the extent of the procedure.
Use gentle skincare products:
Use gentle, fragrance-free skincare products during the healing process to avoid irritating the skin.
Remember that with an abdominoplasty you may feel discomfort and recovery takes some time. Scars can stay red, become thicker or wider, and it is within a year or a little more that they will finish healing.
You will be able to use creams to reduce the scarring on the abdominoplasty incision as soon as it has healed and there are no scabs. Cream should never be applied to an open wound or to skin with scabs.
Exercise appropriately:
Exercise can help improve the appearance of your abdomen, but it is important to wait until your body has healed completely before starting to exercise again. Consult your surgeon before beginning any exercise routine.
An abdominoplasty involves a significant change in the structure of the abdominal area. So the body needs between 6 and 8 weeks to adapt, heal and for the changes to settle permanently.
Regular exercise contributes to your health and to improving your lifestyle. But starting to exercise too soon after an abdominoplasty can do more harm than good. It is normal to want to feel better and work on your body after surgery, but if you get ahead of yourself it can make recovery harder.
Follow a healthy diet:
A healthy, balanced diet can help maintain long-term results after an abdominoplasty. Avoid excess weight and follow a diet low in fat and high in fruit, vegetables and protein.
If you need help improving your diet, look for a nutrition specialist to guide you towards a healthy lifestyle.
At Sculpture Clinic we specialise in body and facial surgery, such as bichectomy in Madrid.
Preventing post-operative complications
If you follow the surgeon’s recommendations to the letter, the risks of complications will be reduced. It is also important to watch for any sign of infection.
Warning signs of infection and what to do
As with any other surgery, there are risks of infection. Some symptoms to watch out for are excessive redness of the wound, persistent swelling, intense pain, fever, the presence of pus and heat at the incision.
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your surgeon immediately. After assessing you, they will diagnose the cause and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Avoiding hypertrophic scars and keloids
It is possible to minimise the appearance of scars and prevent hypertrophic scars and keloids from forming. Using silicone patches has been shown to be effective in dealing with this. You should also avoid activities that could put tension on the incision.
If you develop a hypertrophic scar or keloid, the surgeon may recommend corticosteroid injections.
Tips for maintaining the long-term results of an abdominoplasty
Although abdominoplasty surgery can help you achieve the body and the tone you want, it is important to work afterwards at maintaining your figure.
Bear in mind that an abdominoplasty does not mean you will always be in the shape that was achieved; you have to follow the surgeon’s instructions on diet and exercise to maintain your new figure.
Some ways to maintain your figure after an abdominoplasty are:
- As we said earlier, the surgeon will tell you when it is time to start exercising. Take their word for it and start exercising, not only for your body but for your health. Doing cardio, such as jogging or swimming, will be a great help in keeping well. It also helps heal the abdominal muscles.
- A healthy diet can make a big difference to maintaining the results of an abdominoplasty. Increase your intake of fruit and vegetables, and avoid processed food. Also, control your portions; that way you will avoid gaining weight. Eat lean protein.
- Following your surgeon’s instructions will be key to maintaining the results of the abdominoplasty. In some cases they might recommend lymphatic drainage massage, in others not.
- Do not become pregnant: it is best to avoid having an abdominoplasty until you are sure you do not want more children. The reason is simple: if you become pregnant after an abdominoplasty you are very likely to lose the results of the surgery.
- Always go to a certified surgeon: a good surgeon guarantees you a well-performed procedure, with the best possible result. And from there, maintenance is in your hands.
In general, talk to your surgeon about your goals and they will give you advice on exercise and diet.
With these tips for looking after your skin after an abdominoplasty and maintaining the results in the long term, you can make sure this procedure lets you look good for many years. Contact us for an assessment
