Tummy Tuck - FAQ
.jpg)
What is a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty?
Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin, and in most cases restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.
What are the most common causes for an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging?
- Pregnancy
- Aging
- Significant fluctuations in weight
- Heredity
- Prior surgery
What will a tummy tuck not do?
A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies may be advised to postpone a tummy tuck.
Also, a tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised, generally those treated areas below the belly button.
Is a tummy tuck right for me?
Tummy tuck surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it yourself, not to fulfill someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. Abdominoplasty is a good option for you if:
- You are physically healthy and at a stable weight
- You have realistic expectations
- You are a non-smoker
- You are bothered by the feeling that your tummy is too large
What happens during tummy tuck surgery?
Step 1 - Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia.
Step 2 - The incision
A full tummy tuck requires a horizontally-orientated incision in the area between the public hairline and naval. The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the degree of correction necessary. Through this incision, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and sutured and excess fat, tissue and skin is removed. A second incision around the naval may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.
Step 3 - Closing the incisions
Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips close the skin incisions.
Step 4 - See the results
Your tummy tuck will result in flatte, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight.The final results may be intitially obscured by swelling and your inability to stand fully upright until internal healing is complete. Within a week or two, you should be standing tall and confident about your new slimmer profile.
What should I expect during my consultation?
Be prepared to discuss:
- Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome
- Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
- Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
- Previous surgeries
Your surgeon may also:
- Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
- Take photographs for your medical record
- Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
- Discuss likely outcomes of of the tummy tuck and any risks or potential complications
Will there be anything prior to surgery, I may be asked to do?
- Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
- Take certain medications or adjust your currect medications
- Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-flammatory drugs or herbal supplements as they increase bleeding
Special instructions you receive will cover:
- What to do on the day of surgery
- The use of anesthesia during your tummy tuck
- Post-operative and follow-up
What are the risks associated with tummy tuck surgery?
The decision to have tummy tuck surgery is extremely personal and you'll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks and potential complications.
The risks include:
- Unfavorable scarring
- Bleeding (hematoma)
- Infection
- Fluid accumulation
- Poor wound healing
- Skin loss
- Blood clots
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Anesthesia risks
- Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
- Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
- Major wound separation
- Asymmetry
- Recurrent looseness of skin
- Pain, which may persist
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Persistent swelling in the legs
- Nerve damage
- Possibility of revisional surgery
- Suboptimal aesthetic result
What happens when my procedure is completed?
Following your surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and to support your abdomen as it heals. A small, this tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess bllod or fluid that may collect.
Will I be given any specific instructions folowing my procedure?
Yes. You will be given specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in overall health, and when to follow up with your plastic surgeon.
Are there any specific questions I should ask my surgeon regarding what I should expect during my individual recovery period?
Yes. You should ask the following:
- Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
- What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
- Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery? When will they be removed?
- Are stitches removed? When?
- When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
- When do I return for follow-up care?
Previous abdominal surgery may limit the potential results of a tummy tuck. In women who have undergone cesarean section, the existing scars may often be incorporated into the new scar.
.jpg "AAAHC logo"){kind=logo}