A tummy tuck is a common cosmetic procedure that removes excess skin and fat around the abdomen area. It repairs the muscles (known as a six-pack) that may have separated because of weight gain, childbirth, or the natural process of aging.
After a tummy tuck, you will get to enjoy a flatter stomach that is more contoured and stronger. If you are contemplating this surgery, consider the six frequently asked questions patients usually go over before they undergo the procedure.
What To Expect During Your Consultation
Tummy Tuck Doctors are board-certified and will provide you with a comprehensive and personalized consultation which will include your patient history, a physical exam, treatment options, and before and after photos of patients who have had the surgery before. Your plastic surgeon will work with you to determine the best course for the procedure so that your desires and goals are met.
What Happens During the Surgery
A tummy tuck is an invasive surgery that can take anywhere from one to five hours. The patient is given general anesthesia during the operation. At this time, the plastic surgeon is working to remove the extra skin and fat around the abdomen area, as well as repairing the muscles that have separated. Liposuction may be added to give the abdomen a more contoured shape.
What to Expect After Surgery
Considering the surgery goes well and there are no complications, you will be instructed to wear a compression garment for a minimum of four to six weeks. This will help to reduce the swelling, pain, and discomfort associated with the surgery. The majority of patients will only need to be on prescription medication for a few days after the surgery was performed. When standing or lying down, you should bend at your waist to protect the incision and to let your skin adapt. This should be done for seven to ten days after you have had the surgery done.
What is the Recovery Time
Plastic Surgeons will encourage you to walk right after you wake up from the surgery. Most doctors want the patient walking three times that day so that blood circulation continues, keeping the risk of blood clots in the legs to a minimum. Running or lifting heavy objects should be avoided for six weeks. If you work outside the home, then you will be able to return in about two weeks.
Risks Associated With Surgery
As with any surgery, there is always a risk of bleeding and getting an infection. Much care is taken to ensure the risks are kept to a minimum. Compression boots are placed on your calves during the procedure to promote proper blood circulation, so that blood clots do not occur.
What Are The Long-term Results
If the patient maintains a healthy weight, tummy tucks should be stable over time. If you gain weight along the way or get pregnant, then the changes will impact the results of your tummy tuck. It is best to consider this type of surgery after you are done having children (or if you have decided that you do not want to have any).
If you think a tummy tuck is something you would like to have done, contact a board-certified plastic surgeon to get the process going. Make sure you have a list of questions or concerns to discuss during your initial consultation.
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