A tummy tuck, also called an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that enhances the shape and appearance of your stomach.
Tummy tuck surgery involves the removal of extra skin and fat from the abdominal region. Fascia, a connective tissue in the abdomen, is also usually strengthened with sutures. The rest of the skin is moved to make the tummy look more toned.
Read on to learn more about tummy tuck recovery time in Dallas, TX, and the tummy tuck procedure.
Preparations for a Tummy Tuck
Your surgeon may ask you to do the following tummy tuck preparations:
- Stop smoking
- Get lab tests or a checkup from a doctor
- Take certain medicines or change the ones you’re already taking
- You may avoid aspirin, inflammatory medications, and herbal supplements as they can cause more bleeding
A tummy tuck can be carried out in a hospital, a certified ambulatory surgery center, or an authorized office-based surgical facility. In addition, if you’re a tummy tuck outpatient, ensure you have transportation to and from the procedure and someone to be with you at least the first night after the process.
Tummy Tuck Procedure
The following steps are part of a tummy tuck.
1. Anesthesia
Both general anesthesia and intravenous sedation are available to choose from. The option that is ideal for you will be suggested by your physician. The doctor will ensure your comfort during the operation by giving you several medications. Most patients require general anesthesia.
2. The Incision
The horizontal incision for a full tummy tuck is made just above the pubic hairline. The resulting scar can most often be covered with underwear or bikinis.
The amount of extra skin will dictate the incision’s design and length. Damaged abdominal muscles are repaired once the skin is lifted.
A second incision may be required around the navel to remove upper abdominal skin.
The skin of the upper abdomen is drawn down like a window shade. Sutures are used to join the remaining skin after the excess has been removed. The belly button may be moved to a new location, and a new opening is made.
3. Closing the Incisions
Closing the incisions is one of the final steps in your procedure. Your doctor may use sutures, skin adhesives, tapes, or clips to close your incisions. The choice of these devices depends on the size and location of your incisions.
4. See the Results!
After a tummy tuck, you may not be able to see the full effects for a while because of swelling. In addition, quick results may be hindered by difficulty standing up straight until the internal recovery is complete.
After a total recovery, the results of your tummy tuck will give you a flatter, firmer abdomen contour that falls more in line with your body shape and weight.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
After a tummy tuck, you might have your incisions bandaged or covered in an elastic bandage or a compressive garment to help reduce swelling. This provides your abdominal area with the much-needed support while it heals.
It’s possible to temporarily put small, thin tubes under the skin to drain any accumulated blood or fluid. However, the surgical site, drains, medications, and follow-up appointments require careful attention per your doctor’s instructions.
The timing for tummy tuck healing depends on the patient’s age, health, tummy tuck type (extended or small), and post-surgery treatment. Your surgeon will explain your healing path after the treatment, although patients usually feel healed eight weeks later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I combine tummy tuck surgery with breast surgery?
Tummy tuck operation can be coupled with breast surgeries such as augmentation, lift surgery, reduction, liposuction body shaping, and other body reshaping treatments to enhance your appearance. It is typically done as part of the Mommy Makeover to address body shape issues that are common in pregnant women.
How can a tummy tuck help abdominal tone?
A tummy tuck will result in a new, flat abdomen by removing excess fat. This process could be a fantastic, life-changing operation if you have been carrying extra fat around your belly and cannot get rid of it. However, it can only do so much in providing you with a toned, shaped abdomen.
Does a tummy tuck leave scars?
Scars are more prone to occur where incisions are made. Individuals who get a tiny tummy tuck are more likely to have less scarring than those who undergo other tummy tuck methods.
However, because scars are anticipated with all treatments, patients should take special care to select the approach that will provide them with the most significant overall outcomes for their body contouring.
Your capability to heal has an impact on scarring as well. Scars are set as discreetly as possible to be disguised by clothing. Follow the post-surgical instructions carefully to reduce scarring from your incision. All wounds will likely vanish with time.
Will a tummy tuck make me lose weight?
Abdominoplasty isn’t a weight-loss method like the lap band or weight-loss surgery. Tummy tucks flatten and firm the stomach. Extra skin and abdominal fat reduction won’t cause significant weight loss. However, refining and rejuvenating your waist contour may make you look thinner.
