A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a cosmetic procedure performed by a plastic surgeon. The surgeon makes a cut across the lower abdomen to remove excess fat, tighten separated muscles, and trim the excess skin to improve the abdomen’s shape and appearance.
My guess is you would love a flat and well-toned abdomen. Then read this article and learn all the requirements for the procedure and how it’s done.
Benefits After Tummy Tuck Healing
Tummy tuck helps you to get rid of the excess fat around the abdomen. Also, the plastic surgeon trims the excess skin and restores the separated abdominal muscles. After the recovery, you will have a firmer and smoother abdominal profile.
Additionally, the tummy tuck procedure will remove the stretch marks around the belly. You will also improve bladder function after eliminating excess fat around the lower abdomen.
In general, you’ll have a healthy body and improved self-confidence.
Are You a Good Candidate for Tummy Tuck?
The tummy tuck procedure will not be a quick fix for you to lose weight. It’s only recommended for people with a healthy body mass index (BMI). That said, you will have to lose weight first and go for the tummy tuck if the excess skin sags around your belly.
Saggy skin around the belly can also result from stretches to accommodate the fetus during pregnancy. Normally, the skin may not reduce after delivery. Also, if you underwent a C-section, the muscles over the scar may not move around easily, causing a layer of fat to accumulate beneath the skin.
In another case, when you age, collagen and elastin production slow. As a result, the skin loses elasticity, thus sagging around the belly. Finally, genetics can give you natural saggy skin and fat around the stomach.
So, if you are in the above situations, you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck. However, you must have healed from baby delivery wounds and have a healthy body to undergo a tummy tuck procedure.
Choosing a Plastic Surgeon for Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure. As such, you would only get it in private health facilities. What do you do to ensure you find a qualified plastic surgeon?
Ideally, research the best private clinics and visit to see their registration certificate. Secondly, ask the surgeon about their training and experience. You can request to see evidence of their past successful abdominoplasty procedures.
Finally, let the surgeon examine you and confirm you meet all the requirements for the tummy tuck procedure.
The Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Procedure
Depending on the amount of fat and the skin you need to be trimmed, you may choose a full or partial tummy tuck.
Read the processes below:
Partial Tummy Tuck Procedure
General anesthesia or other pain-relieving methods will be used to relieve pain. The surgeon will make a horizontal or curved incision on your lower abdomen. After the cut, the surgeon will separate the below-belly-button skin from the abdominal wall.
Finally, the surgeon will remove excess fat, restore the separated abdominal muscles, and trim excess skin. Then, the remaining skin will be pulled back and stitched in place.
Full Tummy Tuck Procedure
The surgeon will make a large incision on the lower abdomen from hip to hip. Then, the surgeon will make the second incision to free the belly button from the surrounding tissues. Also, the incision may be extended to the lower back if you want to eliminate the excess fat in the area.
Afterward, the surgeon will separate the skin from the abdominal wall, remove excess fat, and realign the separated muscles. Returning the skin is different in a full tummy tuck procedure. The surgeon makes a new belly button hole since the skin has been trimmed and pulled. Then, the remaining skin is stitched into place.
Expectations and Tips for Tummy Tuck Recovery
You may experience discomfort during surgery and a few weeks afterward. Immediately after the tummy tuck surgery, you will experience bruising, swelling, and redness around the abdomen.
Wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and quicken the healing. Additionally, have plenty of rest and avoid strenuous exercises. Lastly, Follow all the plastic surgeon’s instructions and go for regular checkups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the downside of a tummy tuck?
The downside of a tummy tuck is that you will have a scar around the lower abdomen and the belly button. But you can cover the scars with clothing.
Is tummy tuck recovery like the C-section?
Tummy tuck and C-Section are comparable in rehabilitation and mobility. However, tummy tuck recovery is considered easy and quick because there are no deep cuts like in C-sections.
How painful is a tummy tuck recovery?
The tummy tuck recovery pain is considered moderate if you follow all the necessary instructions.
What is the average age for a tummy tuck?
You can go for a tummy tuck at any age, provided you meet the health requirements. But for age-related reasons, it’s mostly done to people around 42 years, when the aging signs start to show up.
How do you poop after a tummy tuck?
It’s advisable to take a high-fiber diet for easy bowel movement. Also, opt for toilet seats to avoid straining the wounds.