A tummy tuck can give your abdomen a more toned and slender appearance. It can take up to a year for the scar to disappear as much as possible. During a tummy tuck, excess skin and fat are removed from the abdomen and the contour of the muscles is changed. The skin is then re-covered over the new contours to create a smoother, more toned appearance.
Abdominoplasty is surgery to improve the shape and appearance of the stomach area, also called the abdomen. The medical name for a tummy tuck is tummy tuck. If you had a C-section to give birth, your plastic surgeon may be able to remove the scar from the C-section. The surgeon converts the existing scar into part of the new tummy tuck scar. Abdominoplasty can be performed in conjunction with cosmetic surgeries that reshape other parts of the body.
These are known as body contouring surgeries. They include breast surgery and the removal of excess skin on other parts of the body, such as the arms or thighs. Tell the plastic surgeon if you are allergic to any medications. If the reason you want to have a tummy tuck is related to weight loss, talk to your plastic surgeon about it.
Your surgeon is likely to ask you detailed questions about weight gain and loss. Abdominoplasty is often done in a hospital or surgery center. During a tummy tuck, the surgical team gives you medication to prevent pain. You usually receive medicines called general anesthetics.
These block pain and put you in a sleep-like state.
Plastic surgeons
have several ways to perform a tummy tuck. The method that's right for you depends on your goals and the degree of change you'd like to see. During a typical tummy tuck, a plastic surgeon removes most of the skin and fat between the navel and pubic hair.The connective tissue called fascia that is found over the abdominal muscles is tightened with durable stitches. The amount of excess skin removed and the type of tummy tuck you perform determine the shape and length of the incisions. The incision above the pubic hair is sutured with stitches of suture. It leaves a scar that falls along the natural crease inside the swimsuit line.
After a tummy tuck, the surgical team will likely cover the incisions in the abdomen and navel with a surgical bandage. Small tubes may be placed along the incision site to drain excess blood or fluid. Members of the surgical team help you walk from day one after a tummy tuck. Getting up to move reduces the risk of blood clots.
The surgeon may also prescribe an anticoagulant medication for a short time after the tummy tuck. You can wear a garment called an abdominal bandage for about 6 to 8 weeks after your tummy tuck. This helps prevent fluid buildup and supports your abdomen while you heal. The surgical team will tell you how to care for the scar.
For the first six weeks after a tummy tuck, you may need to be careful when moving. Try not to lift objects, exert yourself, or do other strenuous tasks. Also try not to move in such a way that the incision line contracts, such as quickly bending the waist. Don't play any sport for at least eight weeks after surgery.
Many people who undergo a tummy tuck can return to work in about 2 to 4 weeks. However, the exact timing depends on how physical your job is. The results of a tummy tuck are usually long-lasting if you maintain a stable weight. A tummy tuck causes scarring in the abdomen.
The scar will form at the incision sites. The size of the scar depends on how much extra skin the surgeon removes. A shorter procedure, such as a mini-tummy tuck, usually results in a smaller scar. The surgeon will explain where you may have scars and offer tips for minimizing scarring after the procedure.
During surgery, the plastic surgeon will make incisions in areas of the body that you can easily hide with clothing or in an area where they are less noticeable. The scars will go away over time, but some may become wider. Contact a medical professional if you notice complications or experience severe pain, bleeding, or swelling. The most common complications seen after a tummy tuck are seromas, delayed or poor wound healing, bruising, and postoperative bleeding.
Less commonly, some patients may experience skin or fat necrosis. Even more rarely, some patients may develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a major complication requiring serious medical attention. If the incision area does not heal properly, there is a chance that the scar is of poor quality. This can often be treated with a second operation.
There may be delays in wound healing if you have problems with the blood supply to your skin. This can result in an open wound and a longer healing period. As with any surgery, there is a risk of bleeding, infection, blood clots, or reaction to anesthesia.
Overall, serious complications occurred in four percent of patients who underwent tummy tuck, a rate significantly higher than the 1.4 percent rate after other cosmetic surgery procedures.
The database did not include less serious complications (which can be treated clinically). Hematomas (blood samples) were the most common major complication, followed by infections, blood clots (venous thromboembolism) and lung-related problems.Factors such as skin elasticity, general health and lifestyle play an important role in determining when you might be prepared for this surgery. Because of the effects of anesthesia, you'll need to have someone with you who can drive you home after surgery. While age itself isn't a strict determining factor, there are important life stages and health considerations that influence the best time to undergo a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck can provide long-lasting, life-improving results, but it's important to know the potential long-term side effects.
Numbness around the abdominal area is a common side effect after a tummy tuck and sometimes it can persist for a long time. While a tummy tuck can provide dramatic improvements in the abdominal area, significant weight changes after the procedure can affect long-term results. Pregnancy and significant weight fluctuations can stretch abdominal muscles and skin, which could reverse the effects of surgery. Ultimately, being informed and working with an accredited and experienced surgeon can help ensure a successful outcome that aligns with your aesthetic goals and long-term well-being.
