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Tummy Tuck Patient Information - Activity RestrictionsACTIVITY RESTRICTIONS: Most abdominoplasty patients return to normal activities and to work 10 to 14 days after tummy tuck surgery. Strenuous physical activities are prohibited for 6 weeks. You may sleep on your back or on your side, but don't sleep on your stomach for 4 weeks. Don't sit in the sun for heat for 4 weeks. DRIVING: For planning purposes, you can anticipate that you will not be able to drive for a week or so. You may find that you are ready to drive in less than a week, or that you are not ready at the end of the first week. Dr. Zevon usually tells abdominoplasty patients not to drive until they are recovered sufficiently that if they were driving and had a car accident they could truthfully state that the recent surgery had no impact on their ability to react in the emergency. SCARS: Your scars will be firm and pink for at least six weeks. Then they may remain the same size for several months, or even appear to widen. After several months, your scars will begin to fade, although they will never disappear completely. You should use sunscreen if you are in the sun in a bathing suit during the first year after your tummy tuck surgery. HERBAL REMEDIES: Some patients report that arnica contributes to a reduction in bruising or swelling, resulting in reduced discomfort and edema, and improved healing. Ask us if you wish assistance in locating a source of arnica. Take arnica orally according to manufacturer's instructions on the packaging. POST-OPERATIVE APPOINTMENTS: At each post-operative appointment, Dr. Zevon will advise you how soon the next one should be scheduled. A typical schedule is first visit in 5-7 days, second visit in 7-10 days, third visit in 12-14 days, and fourth visit in one month. Check your post-operative instructions for your first appointment. If you don't have an appointment, call (212) 496-6600, tell the receptionist the date you had tummy tuck surgery and she will schedule your post-operative appointment. The purpose of the appointments is for Dr. Zevon to treat you as necessary, to make sure that you are healing properly and to allow you to return to normal activities consistent with your personal healing schedule. These appointments are the time to ask him about any questions or concerns you have about your recovery. Some patients find it helps to keep a list of questions to ask during each appointment. Continue reading abdominoplasty patient information
Pre-operative Instructions | 
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