Tummy Tuck: All That You Need To Know

Everything seems to be in order; you’ve got yourself a couple kids, work is steady, and you’ve finally got your weight back to where you were pre-pregnancy. Problem is, no matter what you try, you simply can’t ditch the sagging in your abdominal region. Sound familiar? If so, you may be a perfect candidate for a tummy tuck! In this article, we will run through the procedure and give a general idea of just what to expect.

A tummy tuck (also known as an abdominoplasty) is a cosmetic procedure, which acts to flatten the abdomen through the removal of excess skin and body fat while tightening the muscles in the abdominal wall.

The operation itself typically begins with an incision that stretches across the abdomen, hip to hip. A second incision is then made around the belly button area in order to free it from the abdominal tissues. Skin is then separated from the wall, and up the rib cage which exposes the vertical muscles of the abdomen. In women who have had children, these muscles have typically been stretched through the birthing process. The muscles are then stitched into their new positions, thus reducing the waistline and tightening the muscles. Once the muscles have successfully been tightened and repositioned, the excess skin is stretched and removed. Any remaining skin is draped over the abdomen and sutured into place.

Recovery time for this procedure is generally quite considerable. Most patients require at least one to three weeks before returning to work, with hospital stays contingent on the extent of the procedure itself.

Patients should expect swelling and soreness for the first few days, and prescriptions will generally be provided as needed. Exercise is encouraged, but only after enough time has passed. Specific instructions will be given by the surgeon in regard to physical activities upon completion of the operation. In general, most patients are able to begin light activities after roughly four weeks; full activities in eight.

Scarring generally appears to worsen during the first few months of recovery, and typically takes nine months to flatten and lighten in color. While the scars never completely disappear, they are located in areas, which are easily hidden by clothing. You may even inquire with your surgeon to see if they recommend any specific creams to help aid in the healing process.

It’s important to note that while many patients are able to maintain their result, that the procedure will most likely be compromised if an additional pregnancy occurs. For this reason, it is recommended that patients be through with having children prior to undergoing this extensive operation.