Tummy Tuck Procedure and Recovery Period

This article offers an overview of the tummy tuck. It also includes insight on the recovery period.

A tummy tuck is a plastic surgery procedure that is focused mainly on the abdominal area of the patient. The aim of this procedure is to tighten and improve the appearance of the person's abdomen after he or she has lost some weight. The operation should not be confused as something that is aimed at losing weight because the basic premise of it is to trim off the excess skin and tissue which are the results of weight loss. Ideal candidates for the tummy tuck are individuals who have just lost a lot of weight and are sporting some loose skin in the abdominal area. 

The Procedure

Incisions are made in designated areas depending on the type of abdominoplasty to be done. There are full and half operations which can improve the appearance of the stomach. Full procedures usually include the areas of the hips nearest to the abdomen, above the abdomen (nearest to the chest) and the abdomen itself. Half abdominoplasties are focused on the abdomen itself and do not include the hips and other nearby areas. In some cases, the entire skin of the stomach is opened and the necessary alterations are made under it. Excess skin is trimmed off and then repositioned. The belly button might be repositioned to accommodate the changes made in the area. 

Recovery

Recovery for the tummy tuck can be a bit slow and painstaking, especially for the full abdominoplasty. Movement is encouraged to promote faster healing but this has to be accompanied by medication that should ease pain and discomfort. Antibiotics should be taken to prevent the development of an infection. This is important because some of the incisions can be wide and deep. Maintenance of the wounds should be religiously followed as well as the changing of the dressings used to cover them up, if there are any.


In all, the tummy tuck is a common procedure that many men and women undergo every year. Doctors recommend a diet and lifestyle to accompany the procedure. These recommendations are to ensure that the patient will be able to maintain the new figure given to him or her for some time. Due to the almost instantaneous change, the patient should be careful with gaining weight because the wounds inside and outside the body may appear healed but they may still be affected by rapid weight gain. The recommended diet, lifestyle and exercises should be considered and followed in order to stay healthy and keep the desired results of the abdominoplasty for some time. 

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