What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is a surgical operation used to tighten the muscles and remove extra skin and fat from the abdominal area. There are three types of stomach tucks available: small, full, and extended. Your needs and desired aesthetic outcome will determine which surgery is best for you.
How does a tummy tuck work?
A tummy tuck is performed under general anaesthesia and typically takes two to four hours, depending on the extent of the procedure. The surgeon makes an incision that enables the removal of excess skin and fat while tightening the abdominal muscles. The skin around the belly button will also be reshaped during a full tummy tuck.
How can you prepare for a tummy tuck?
A healthy, balanced diet, avoidance of certain drugs, and stopping smoking several weeks before the procedure can all help prepare the body for a stomach tuck. You’ll receive special instructions from your plastic surgeon. After the procedure, you’ll need to make plans for someone to drive you home and stay with you to help you heal during the first few days.
How painful is tummy tuck surgery?
It would be incorrect to say that this procedure is as simple as walking through a park, as the patient’s complexity will determine the level of discomfort and recovery. Following a conventional abdominoplasty, you may have some swelling and bruises at first. After the procedure, you can experience mild pain and fatigue for a few days to a week. This will get better over time. To control your pain, you may have a pain injection or be prescribed medication. You and your surgeon will talk about your pain management choices.
Abdominal pain may arise with routine tasks such as getting up from your seat, standing for extended periods, or walking upstairs. It takes time for your body to become used to having a reduced midsection. Some patients feel shooting pains in their abdomen when they go back to more rigorous physical activity after six to eight weeks. This is because their body is adapting to its new shape whilst using their abdominal muscles. It’s advisable to slowly build up to your workout instead of jumping straight back in.
You ought to expect far less pain and a quicker recovery period if you choose to have a small stomach tuck. Within a week or so, many patients return to their regular activities with minimal pain.
How much time does full recovery take?
A personalised tummy tuck may have life-altering effects. You won’t have to worry about covering up a stomach bulge when wearing tight apparel. It will take three to six months for a full recovery, so you will need to be patient. The scars from your stomach tuck will begin to diminish after approximately six months, but it will take about a year for them to become less noticeable. They are positioned such that they are invisible, even in a bikini top, and eventually they will just seem to be a thin, scarcely perceptible white line.
Who is the perfect candidate for the tummy tuck?
Not everyone is a good candidate for a tummy tuck, even though for many people the treatment can improve their life. Extra skin, torn or stretched muscles, and stubborn abdominal fat that resist diet and exercise are common characteristics of ideal candidates. They can also have recently become pregnant or drastically reduced their weight. You should be at or near your goal weight before surgery for the best possible outcome.Â
How can I select the best surgeon for my abdominoplasty
It’s crucial to conduct research before selecting a surgeon. Seek out a plastic surgeon who is board-certified and has performed several stomach tuck procedures. Examine their credentials, get recommendations, read patient testimonials, and look at before and after pictures of their work.
After reducing your options, make an appointment to talk over your concerns and goals with the surgeon of your choice. Having effective communication between the surgeon and the patient is essential to achieving your goals.
