Will I Need In-Home Care After BBL & Tummy Tuck

Question

Would it be good for me to hire in-home care following BBL & Tummy Tuck procedures for the first few days? I live alone, three states away from family and don't plan on sharing my plans.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

I take it that you are unwilling or unable to enlist the aid of another responsible adult relative or close friend during your early post-op period. This is fine, and I understand the dynamics that sometimes make your approach not only preferable, but smart!

	But, you WILL need help, and an absolute minimum is the first 24 hours after surgery when you may still have residual effects of anesthesia, not to mention the narcotic pain medications and the general "sluggishness" of your blood pressure receptors that can cause fainting or a serious fall. You can't drive a car until the third day after anesthesia or narcotic pain pills, so you may need help for that length of time.

	You will have drains, bandages, an elastic binder or compression garment, perhaps a surgical bra or breast bandage, and will need to have someone manage these things early on when you cannot (because of lack of mobility or pain), and teach you how to do so when you can. See the link below, as well as the results and recovery section on my breast augmentation page.

	So yes, get help, even if it is a nurse-for-hire service. Many plastic surgeons (who operate in their own surgical facility) may offer the for-hire services of their nursing staff, which is a great option, if available. Our nursing staff does this, and are not only the most knowledgeable about my recommendations and practices, but also have a "direct-line" to the surgeon--me. They offer excellent assistance and care, sometimes are able to drive you to your first recheck appointment, and know just what to do. Plus, they usually charge substantially less than the "professional" services that include (unnecessary) things like limo transfer (though that too can be arranged for the right price)!

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Help After Tummy Tuck Surgery is variable. For most patients it is only needed for a few days until you are comfortable with getting around, managing your drains and so on. Preparation in advance (food shopping and pre-preparation of meals for example). On the other hand, make arrangements if you feel that longer would be beneficial for you.Here are some general guidelines of what to expect:Within a few hours following surgery, abdominoplasty patients will walk in a slightly bent-over position. Strenuous activity and lifting of more than 10 pounds should be avoided for six weeks after surgery. Most patients are able to return to work and daily activities within two weeks of surgery.It may take several months for a tummy tuck patient’s scars to soften, for sensation to return, and for relaxing of the tight sensation in the abdomen. In the case of extensive surgery, abdominoplasty recovery can be uncomfortable and may take longer.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Yes it would be appropriate to arrange for in-home care following the planned procedures. You may find that recruitment of family and/or friends will also be helpful because you may need assistance for the first one to two weeks after the major surgery you have planned.

	Please be careful that you are not underestimating the extent of the surgery you are about to undergo and that you have planned for enough help and time off.

	It may be helpful to you to speak to other patients who've had similar surgery.

	I hope this helps.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

It is very important not to be alone for at least the first 24 hours and maybe longer. You will need assistance to get to the bathroom, your drains will need to be emptied, help with meals and monitoring your medication schedule would all be helpful to delegate to a caretaker. Being alone can be dangerous as you can be dizzy for awhile from the anesthesia and taking pain medication and it could cause a fall. There is a lot you can do in advance to make it easier for you once your help has left, and that would be to prepare meals and put them in the freezer. Have your clothes handy and be sure to get things easy to put on and take off, ones that open in the front, and shoes or slippers that you can just slip on. You should arrange to have someone stay with you for one or two days and depending on how you feel determine if they should go or stay. Also make arrangements to have someone take you in for your first follow up appointment as you probably won't be driving yet. You should not be driving a car if you are still on pain medication.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

After the surgery you will need help. It is medicaly necessary to have an adult with you for the first 72 hours after general anesthesia.

	Arrange to have some responsible adult with you for about one week, at least.

Will I Need In-Home Care After BBL & Tummy Tuck

Answers (6)

Answer: After care for tummy tuck and breast lift

Answer: After care for tummy tuck and breast lift

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Answer: Tummy tuck

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

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Will I Need In-Home Care After BBL & Tummy Tuck

Answers (6)

Answer: After care for tummy tuck and breast lift

Answer: After care for tummy tuck and breast lift

Answer: Tummy tuck

Answer: Tummy tuck

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.