Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty): Procedure, Preparation, and Retrieval

Are sit-ups not providing you the tight tummy you want? If you have too much flab or extra skin on your abdomen that does not respond to diet or exercise, you might be contemplating a”tummy tuck,” which physicians call”abdominoplasty.”

This surgery flattens the abdomen by removing extra fat and skin and tightening muscles in your abdominal wall.

It is not exactly the same as liposuction, though you may opt to get liposuction together with a tummy tuck.

This is major surgery, so if you are considering it, you ought to be aware of the facts before deciding whether to go forward.

Abdominoplasty

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is acceptable for men and women that are in good health.

Women who have had several pregnancies may find the process useful for tightening their abdominal muscles and reducing skin.

A tummy tuck is also an option for people who were obese and have excessive fat deposits or loose skin around the stomach.

Who Would Not Consider a Tummy Tuck?

If you are a girl who plans to get pregnant, then you might choose to postpone a tummy tuck until you are done having children. During surgery, your vertical muscles are tightened, and future pregnancies can separate those muscles.

Are you planning to eliminate a good deal of weight? Then a tummy tuck also isn’t for you. A tummy tuck should be a last resort after you have tried everything else. It shouldn’t be utilized as an alternative to weight reduction.

You should also look at the appearance of scars after a tummy tuck. You can discuss scar positioning and duration with the doctor before the surgery.

How to Get Ready for Tummy Tuck Surgery

The first step is to choose a surgeon and see them for a consultation. At that meeting, you’ll discuss your goals and the following choices:

Complete abdominoplasty. The surgeon will cut your belly from hipbone to hipbone and contour the skin, tissue, and muscle as needed. The surgery will involve transferring your belly button, and you might need drainage tubes beneath your skin for a couple of days.

Partial or mini-abdominoplasty. Mini-abdominoplasties are often done on people whose fat deposits are located below the navel. In this process, the surgeon probably won’t move your belly button, and the process may only take up to 2 hours, depending upon your case.

If you smoke, your physician will ask that you stop smoking from at least fourteen days before the surgery until fourteen days following the surgery. It’s not enough to simply cut back on smoking. You have to stop entirely since smoking makes complications more likely and slows healing.

Don’t attempt a radical diet before the surgery. Eat well-balanced, complete meals. A healthy diet may help you heal better.

Inform your doctor about all you take, including prescription drugs, herbal medications, and other supplements. Your physician may instruct you to stop taking certain medications for a time before and after the surgery.

Before obtaining the surgery, get your house ready. You’ll need:

Ice packs

Loose, comfortable clothing that can be put on and off very easily

Petroleum jelly

Hand-held shower head and bath chair

You will also want someone to drive you home after the tummy tuck. If you live alone, you will need someone to stay with you for at least the first night. Make a plan for it.

How a Tummy Tuck Is Done

This surgery can take anywhere from one to five hours. You might need to keep overnight in the hospital, depending upon your case.

You’ll acquire general anesthesia, which will put you to”sleep” through the surgery.

Possible Complications

You’ll have pain and swelling in the days after surgery. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication and inform you how to best handle the pain. You may be sore for many weeks or months.

You may also experience numbness, bruising, and tiredness during this time.

As with any surgery, there are risks. Although they’re uncommon, complications can include infection, bleeding under the skin flap, or blood clots. You might be more likely to have complications if you have poor circulation, diabetes, or heart, lung, or liver disease.

You will experience inadequate healing, which may cause more significant scarring or loss of epidermis. Should you heal poorly, you might require another surgery.

A tummy tuck leaves scars. Even though they may fade slightly, they will never fully disappear. Your physician may recommend certain lotions or lotions to use after you have completely treated to help with scars.

Taking Care of Yourself After Surgery

Whether you are using a partial or complete tummy tuck, the region that’s worked on will be stitched and bandaged. It’s essential to follow all of your surgeon’s instructions on the best way best to care for the bandage in the days following surgery. The bandage used will be a firm, elastic band that promotes proper healing. Your surgeon will also instruct you on how to best position yourself while sitting or lying down to help alleviate pain.

You’ll need to severely limit strenuous activity for at least fourteen days. You might have to take up to a month off work following the surgery to ensure proper recovery. Your physician will advise you on what you will need to do or not do.

Returning to Daily Life

Generally, most people love how they look after this process. That could take some time, though. You might not feel like your normal self for months following the surgery.

Diet and exercise can help you maintain the results.

Does Insurance Cover a Tummy Tuck?

Insurance companies generally do not cover cosmetic surgery that is done without a medical reason. Yours might if you’ve got a hernia that will be fixed through the process.

Before you decide whether to get a tummy tuck, contact your insurance provider so you are clear on what is covered and what is not. If you believe that you can make a case that you will need the procedure for medical reasons, your physician might be able to help you by writing a letter to your insurer.