What is the proper aftercare for an abdominoplasty?

[@BRBoen]

I followed your advice and five months out, the scar is nearly invisible. I highly recommend the silicone scar strips!

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

I am glad that you have found this helpful, the silicone strips do a wonderful job!

[@gimmeasalad]

How long do you keep bandages on? Also, when do you recommend showering for the first time?

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

We use Pico dressings which are kept on for 7-10 days post surgery. We will also issue our patients with a compression garment that will be worn for 4 weeks full time, then a further 2 weeks part time. Showering can be done 24-48 hours post surgery, being careful not to get the pico pump in direct jet of water, it is splash proof.

[@tracihillman7752]

How about massages? It's seems like a gimmick

[@simplymarilyn5295]

Thank-you doctor you answered many of my questions! My main concern was about the scar and when and how long to use the silicone strips on my scars. Is silicone gel also as effective as the strips? My T.T. and bbl surgery is scheduled for tomorrow.

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

Thank you for your question. I believe that silicone strips are your best option.

[@simplymarilyn5295]

@@DrBernardBeldholm Thank-you Dr. Beldholm....so kind of you to respond so quickly and be available to others as myself. God bless you and the work you do!

[@PatriciaEarl-qv9hv]

​@@simplymarilyn5295i

[@sweetsauce411]

I wish you would post links to be able purchase recommend products you mention

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

We do sell silicone strips in our consultation rooms as we find these to be very effective.

[@MR-ub3uk]

Do you recommend Lymphatic drainage massage?

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

We recommend lymphatic draining massage after tummy tuck with liposuction from 1 week post-operative - this can be done from a professional once every 2 days. We would also recommend at home lymphatic massage 3 times per day - however patients need to be shown the proper way to do this before commencing.

[@lorenamungia1103]

How soon can I try to stand straight? I will need to return back to work a week after my surgery and I’m nervous about walking hunched over

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

Hi Lorena, using my technique I have found that most patients are able to stand straight around the 10 day mark, one week tends to be a little too soon. Always check with your surgeon at each post operative appointment.

[@tamikiajones5876]

Thank you

[@memyselfndi8438]

Thank you so much Dr. I really needed it. My surgery is in 2 weeks And I'm worry about not able to shower I after the surgery.

[@jennygangspeaks]

I get mine on Feb 1st Good luck ❤️

[@memyselfndi8438]

@@jennygangspeaks Hello dear how are you doing? How was your surgery?❤

[@jennygangspeaks]

@@memyselfndi8438 hi it’s going ok. Just trying to stay resting ❤️

[@memyselfndi8438]

@@jennygangspeaks That's awesome I'm so happy for you God bless.

[@1shaymocha]

You will be in so much pain... you won't worry about it.

[@sonyaburns7390]

I had my tummy tuck 16 uears ago. I always felt it was a wire inside my belly button. I just discovered inside it is very dirty and it smells. What is the proper care for my belly button???

[@sweetsauce411]

There are so many different products on the market for Vitamin E and Silicone Scar strips it’s hard to know which to buy that are good vs fake

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

The effectiveness of silicone scar strips have been proven through research. I would advise to avoid Bio Oil as it can irritate the area. Vitamin E is good for moisture as the skin can become very dry and scaly post surgery. I would also recommend laser genesis post surgery to improve scars.

[@ninetta_k]

Saw ur post says 2 yes ago. If u do have scars still im.seeing alot of women getting tattoos in their skin tone so they blend it in .. im just 2 weeks post op so I got a long way to go.. lol

[@nadamohammed6377]

Thanks for all good information, 👍🙏😊❤️

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

Our pleasure!

[@marlenemarlene993]

How WIDE is the tummy tuck surgery incision? Does the incision depend on how much needs t b removed from rhe belly? i m thinking in getting a tummy tuck and shopping for options will b helpful

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

Hi Marlene, this does depend on how much is removed. For example, a mini tummy tuck incision is a little bigger than a c-section incision while an extended tummy tuck would extend towards the sides.

[@laraaziz3578]

How to sit in a plane with liposuction and tummy tuck surgery thanks

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

We would suggest waiting at least 4 weeks before doing this as there is the risk of DVT as well as discomfort especially from the belt sitting on the tummy area. You would need to speak to your surgeon so that they can suggest the most suitable plan for you.

[@beatricefrask5230]

Merci Doctor!

[@nakeahodge5151]

Very informative I’m four weeks out now since mines

[@memyselfndi8438]

Awesome! Mine is in 2weeks😃

[@nakeahodge5151]

@@memyselfndi8438 I'm excited for u lmk how it goes on my page

[@memyselfndi8438]

@@nakeahodge5151 Yeah!!! Me too my dear thanks. Definitely hon I will.

[@Ibezdatfoxn3d]

Thank you

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

Glad to be helpful!

[@erinm7152]

At what point do you suggest you start the Laser Genesis laser treatments?

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

I would usually start from 1 months. monthly treatments for 6 sessions. Dr Bernard

[@destinigriffin8110]

When do u take off the tape?

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

In our clinic, dressing are taken off by our Nurse. Our Pico dressings are removed after 7-10 days, a dressing called hyperfix is then placed which will stay on for a further 2 weeks.

[@blughlady8170]

What about after the drains are removed how to do take care of that can I use silicone scar strips

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

Once the drains are removed there will be dressings placed. Silicone scar strips are great to use but only when the wound has completely healed which can be around 4-6 weeks.

[@rajeevsabharwal32]

I am having very uneasy , and having major constipation after surgery its been 8weeks now

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

Hi Rajeev, this is unfortunate to hear. I would advise seeing your surgeon to let them know of this and getting them to check on you. They are the best person to see as they know exactly what has been done, which surgical techniques used and which pain medication they have provided as this can cause some constipation. I wish you a speedy recovery!

[@debrabryant4353]

I'm 5 weeks post op. My BM just became regular again 2 weeks ago but i used Miralax for my cobstipation. The meds from surgery had me backed up

[@amakofi3538]

Thanks 🙏

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

You’re welcome 😊

[@shimeicareaves]

9 days 4/13/22 This been rough for me

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

Everyone has a different recovery period. If you have any concerns it is best to see your surgeon for a check up.

[@ninetta_k]

I'm 2 weeks post op. Tummy tuck muscle repair, breast lift/Augmentation so I went all in.. never felt pain in my life like this before with the muscle repair so ur not alone lol

[@IndianBeauty02]

My Dr did not cover my wound

[@moniquearellano4702]

My Dr covered it the 1st week but then I was on my own. I didn’t know I should have some kind of clothing protecting the scar from the compression garment in order to avoid irritation.. so my incision is taking longer to heal. 5th week post op from TT and I still have scabbed areas.

[@ninetta_k]

I have steri strips gauzes drains gauzes and binder , been 2.5 po

[@lorenaortiz6829]

Thank you 😊

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

Hi Lorena, not a problem - I am glad to be helpful!

[@maranera]

Can I use the strips on a scar that’s still has a few stitches?

[@DrBernardBeldholm]

Hi Tamara, no the strips can not be used when stitches are still present. The strips are to be used only when the wound has healed. If there is any confusion it is always best to contact your surgeon and ask for their advise.