COSMETIC TOWN JOURNAL



Tummy Tuck – How is it Performed?

Posted November 24, 2023
Explanation of tummy tuck procedures

If you have a stomach that is not as tight as you would like and you want to remove some of the extra skin and fat in the area, abdominoplasty AKA a tummy tuck might be the answer for you. The procedure flattens the abdomen through the removal of excess fat and skin, and it also tightens the muscles in the wall of the abdomen. Keep reading to learn how it is performed and if you are an ideal candidate for the treatment.

Our examination of this procedures begins with a look at the surgery from Cosmetic Town News:

Tummy Tuck – Ideal Candidates Revealed

An ideal candidate for a tummy tuck is a person who is in good overall health but does have an amount of excess skin in the abdominal area that is no longer elastic. The ideal candidate can also have stubborn fat in the treated area, stomach muscles that are separated or severely weakened, women who are done having children, or a person who can maintain a stable weight before the surgery.

Tummy Tuck – Details on How it is Performed

How Tummy Tucks are PerformedThe amount of time it takes to perform the procedure depends on the type of tummy tuck and the amount of work that needs to be performed by the surgeon. In general, the surgery can take anywhere from one hour to five hours to complete. While the following types of tummy tuck procedures are not the only available abdominoplasty techniques, they are among the most popular choices.

During a traditional abdominoplasty, the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen that runs from one side of the hip to the other side of the hip. Then, the surgeon removes excess fat and skin that has been stretched as well as making sure loose muscles are sewn together. Another incision is often made around the belly button. The upper skin that is remaining is lifted up and then pulled downward to the lower skin that is located near the pubic bone. Once these steps are finished, the skin will be stretched tight, and the doctor can decide the ideal position in the treated area to make a new opening for the belly button.

During a mini tummy tuck or a partial abdominoplasty, the targeted deposits of fat are usually located in the area under the navel. The surgeon will likely not have to move the belly button while making the intended changes. This technique is less invasive than a full tummy tuck and it is ideal for eliminating extra fat or skin that is referred to as a “pooch.”  The surgery begins with the creation of an incision in the lower abdomen that is anywhere from four to eight inches in length. The surgeon will remove any excess skin and tighten loose muscles, so the lower stomach gains a flatter appearance.

Once the surgery has been performed, you will need someone to drive you home. It is also a good idea for a friend or family member to stay with you for a day or two to help out at your home.

Tummy Tuck – Risks and Complications

There will likely be some swelling and pain the first few days following the procedure. The pain can likely be handled by pain medication that the doctor will prescribe. The swelling can last for up to six months and the area will be sore for several weeks or several months. There might also be some bruising and numbness during the recovery period.

Some of the common risks of a tummy tuck include an infection, bleeding, a recurrence of loose skin, fluid accumulation, blood clots, and an asymmetrical look to the results.

There will be some scars, but they will start to fade over the course of the next year.

Tummy Tuck – Recovery Information

No matter the type of tummy tuck that is performed, the area of the body treated by the surgeon will need to be cared for according to the post-op instructions provided by the surgeon.

Stitches are used to close the incision and the doctor might need to place tubes in the treated area in order to drain excess fluid. The drains are usually attached for a few days to several weeks.

The surgeon will place an elastic support on the midsection of the body to aid in managing the amount of swelling after the surgery.

The recovery time varies for each patient, but a person can usually resume their regular activities after about eight weeks.

Tummy Tuck – How to Get Started

The first step in the tummy tuck process is having a consultation appointment with a board-certified doctor who will perform a complete physical examination to make sure you are healthy enough to have the treatment. The doctor will also discuss your goals for the surgery and your desired final results in order to set realistic expectations about the type of results that can be gained from the tummy tuck. Finally, the doctor will share your tummy tuck options with you so you can make a knowledgeable final decision about having a tummy tuck.

-MA

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