The Ins and Outs of Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is often a surgical procedure that is done in conjunction with liposuction, often after a major weight loss or after childbirth to help remove excessive skin that simply does not have enough stretch left to simple snap back into place. Please read on to learn more.

A tummy tuck is often a surgical procedure that is done in conjunction with liposuction, often after a major weight loss or after childbirth to help remove excessive skin that simply doesn’t have enough stretch left to simple snap back into place. It also removes the extra fatty cell deposits, and tightens the abdominal muscles to help patients get back the six pack look in your abdominal area lost under the flab.

Tummy tucks are usually done on an outpatient basis either in a hospital setting or more likely a surgi-center that is part of your cosmetic surgeon’s practice.

As with any surgical procedure, a tummy tuck does carry some possible complications such as unfavorable scarring, reaction to the anesthesia, infection and bleeding. For women who have had a c section the tummy tuck scar can be incorporated with your c section scar to minimize the amount of scarring. Your doctor will discuss any possible complications with you during your initial consultation and address any concerns you may have.

Your initial consultation will generally include your medical history, what medications you are currently on, how much you drink or smoke and your expectations about a tummy tuck. Patients who go into cosmetic surgery with realistic expectations are generally happier with their results than patients who have inflated ideas about what a cosmetic procedure will look like or how it will alter their lives.

After your surgery you should expect some swelling and you will probably have a drainage tube temporarily to ensure excessive fluids and blood drains out. If you have your outpatient surgery done at a surgery center you will probably be discharged to go home after the effects of the anesthesia wear off but you will need to have someone with you those first 24 hours to provide care.

Your drainage tube will come out within a day or two depending on your healing rate and your bandages will be changed as well as your incision checked by your doctor at that time.

Your recovery time will vary but as a general rule you should expect to be on pain medication for the first week or two as you experience mild to moderate discomfort or pain. You should expect the swelling in your abdominal area to last between two and six weeks but you shouldn’t have any bruising from your surgery.

You should be able to return to work within a week if it’s a desk job otherwise you should plan on at least two weeks of down time.

Your bandages should be able to come off in two weeks but it will probably be at least six months to a year before you can fully appreciate and see the results of your tummy tuck.

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