I recently had my second Juvederm treatment in nearly 4 years. It works wonders on my nasolabial folds. I love that the results are immediate and long-lasting. My doctor also injected my "jowls" and they improved immediately, as well. I'm happy that I can periodically have these treatments to help restore a more youthful appearance to my face. It really makes a difference and lifts my spirits, too.
Tummy Tuck, or abdominoplasty, is an operation that involves tightening the loose skin and muscle tissue most often seen after pregnancy or significant weight loss. It is the muscle tightening, or diastasis repair, portion of this surgery that causes pain and prolongs your recovery. If your muscles are only moderately loose then you are likely to recover quickly and be up and driving around 7-10days. Patients with more severe muscle looseness are likely to have more pain and have a prolonged recovery, 10-14 days Certainly pain perception is very personal and varies from patient to patient. What is your pain threshold? You know that better than anyone else. Fortunately, we have learned much about pain over the last few years. If we block or numb the surgical area during surgery, your brain will not be shocked by a sudden wave of pain when you wake up. This is where drugs like Exparel have been very helpful. It numbs the surgical site for a period of 24-72hours. It is not perfect, but patients seem to have an overall more pleasant experience when they are blocked with Exparel. In my practice, most abdominoplasties are done as outpatient procedures. The hospital is an option for patients with a severe diastasis. Patients are seen at 2-3 days, then 7-10days and 14 days post op, and more frequently if necessary. I expect and encourage early ambulation. Initially, you will be most comfortable walking bent at the waist, but by 7-10days I would expect you to walk straight. Time out of work can vary between 2-3 weeks for most patients. We encourage you to walk as tolerated from the beginning. Aerobic exercises can start at 4-6 weeks. Abdominal exercises and heavy lifting is limited for 3-6 months, depending on the nature of your muscle repair.
