When it comes to getting the body we want, most people’s main trouble is with the tummy. Life changes, like pregnancy and weight gain, along with aging, can cause excess skin and fat to accumulate around the mid-section. Unfortunately, exercise and diet can prove unsuccessful at recovering our youth’s curvaceous midsection. The tummy tuck, additionally known as an abdominoplasty, is very effective in repairing the underlying stomach muscles and removing excess fat and skin. Patients gain a firm, tight stomach and a more sculpted waist.
As with any surgery, potential patients must do their homework to understand both the procedure’s positives and risks. Even though a tummy tuck can prove valuable for many men and women, there are stringent recovery requirements and prospective complications that should be considered. Before going under the knife for an abdominoplasty, take into consideration these five tummy tuck truths:
A tummy tuck needs substantial downtime.
A tummy tuck is a major surgery, and it requires a significant recovery period. Patients should anticipate taking two weeks off of work. At the start, you will be tired, swollen, and sore. It is normal to have moderate discomfort during these first several days, although this will gradually diminish. It is crucial to give yourself time to focus on rest and healing. In addition to taking some time off work, tummy tuck patients will need help with household chores and caring for young children. Strenuous exercise is a no-no for at least six weeks after surgery.
Be at a stable weight before your tummy tuck.
An abdominoplasty is a wonderful means to re-shape and transform the body. However, the operation is not a substitute for fat burning. Most surgeons advise patients to be within 10-15 pounds of their ideal weight and to have maintained that weight for at least 6 to 12 months before surgery. Dramatic weight gains can undermine the long-term results of your surgery.
A tummy tuck will leave a permanent scar.
Although most patients rate their tummy tuck as life-changing, there is no way to avoid the scar. A skilled plastic surgeon will carefully place the incision so that most bikini bottoms and underwear will conceal the resulting scar.
You will have one or two surgical drains in the initial week or two.
After your tummy tuck, you will go home with one or two surgical drains. These drains prevent a build-up of blood and fluid in the abdomen and help ensure proper healing. Your surgeon will thoroughly explain the need for drains and how to care for them at your pre-op appointment. In most cases, the drains are painlessly removed seven to ten days after surgery. However, they may need to remain in place for two weeks or longer.
Complete healing takes a while.
Your stomach will be noticeably flat immediately after surgery. However, you will also be swollen and bruised for several weeks. The swelling and bruising will resolve over the next four to six weeks, and your results will become more evident. Residual swelling can linger for six months or longer. A short-term numbness or a loss of sensitivity along the incision line can happen but usually only lasts a short time.
If you think you want to learn more about getting a tummy tuck, schedule a personal consultation with one of our award-winning, board-certified plastic surgeons at Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery, Drs. Jocelyn Leveque, Peter Butler, or Nathan Patterson.
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