What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgical procedure that slims and sculps the abdomen. It eliminates excess fat and skin and can reinforce weakened or separated abdominal muscles. This procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals striving for a firmer, more defined abdominal area that might not be achievable through diet and exercise alone, such as after pregnancy when the abdominal muscles may separate. A tummy tuck offers a solution for achieving a tighter, smoother abdominal profile.
How Does a Tummy Tuck Work?
A tummy tuck is designed to create a smoother, and more toned abdomen. The procedure typically starts with an incision near the pubic area, the length of which varies based on how much skin needs to be removed. During the surgery, weakened or separated abdominal muscles are repaired to fortify the abdominal wall. Following this muscle repair, the skin from the upper abdomen is pulled down and stretched over the newly tightened muscles, and any excess skin is trimmed away. The final step involves carefully suturing the incisions to ensure a toned and refined appearance, resulting in a flatter and more sculpted abdominal profile.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, offers numerous benefits that go beyond cosmetic enhancements. Primarily, it can restore weakened or separated abdominal muscles, significantly improving the overall function and appearance of the abdomen. Patients often experience an improvement in bladder function, which contributes to a reduction in stress urinary incontinence. Removing excess skin can decrease itching and skin infections, promoting a healthier lifestyle. The procedure not only reshapes the abdomen, resulting in a firmer and smoother profile but also positively impacts posture. Many individuals notice an improvement in certain types of back pain, further emphasizing the multifaceted benefits of undergoing abdominoplasty.
Is Abdominoplasty Right For Me?
Tummy tucks are best performed on adults of any age meeting the following criteria:
- Are in good health
- Are close to the ideal weight for their body type and size
- Are moderately fit and overall have good muscle tone
- Do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that impair healing
- Don’t smoke
- Have a positive outlook and specific goals for body contouring
- 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 or revised for new incisions.
If you are planning substantial weight loss or are considering future pregnancies, it’s best to postpone a tummy tuck
What Results Should I Expect Right After My Tummy Tuck?
Once your procedure is completed, dressing 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.
You may also have a small, thin tube temporarily placed under your skin to drain any excess blood that may collect.
Initial healing will include swelling and discomfort at the incision sites. Discomfort is common and can be controlled with medication.
You will be instructed to return to light walking as soon as possible to minimize the potential for blood clots and other complications.
You must avoid bending, straining, or lifting anything for several days.
Your surgeon may also instruct you not to stand fully upright, to avoid stressing any internal sutures as they heal, and to sleep with pillows elevating your knees. • A return to light, normal activity is possible as soon as you feel ready, usually within a few days of surgery.
Initial wound healing may take 5-10 days.
Any sutures will be removed sometime after that, if necessary.
You will be ready to return to work and normal activity in a few weeks, so long as you do not engage in any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise.
Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling dissipates and incision lines continue to improve.
You must practice diligent sun protection until the healing process is fully complete.
What Results Should I Expect Over Time?
- The results of a tummy tuck are visible almost immediately; however, it may take several months for your final results to fully develop.
- Numbness and a firm feeling over the skin’s surface will resolve over the following months.
- It may take a year or more for incision lines to refine to some degree. Although they are permanent, these scars are hidden by most clothing and swimsuits.
- Your new profile with a firm and flat abdomen is relatively permanent, so long as you maintain your weight and general fitness.
As your body ages, you may find that some firmness is lost in the abdomen. However, this is minimal compared to the initial conditions that were corrected to achieve your now-toned abdomen.
Contact us today to learn if tummy tucks are right for you.
Before, During, and After
What to Expect Before a Tummy Tuck
Before undergoing a tummy tuck, patients undergo a thorough health evaluation, including laboratory tests to ensure safety and readiness for surgery. To reduce the likelihood of bleeding and bruising, patients must refrain from taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements. Additionally, adopting certain lifestyle modifications, such as ceasing smoking, is highly recommended to enhance the procedure’s success and minimize potential complications.
What to Expect During a Tummy Tuck
Throughout your tummy tuck surgery in Neenah and Plover, you’ll receive medications to ensure your comfort. The procedure starts with a horizontal incision made between the pubic hairline and belly button, tailored in size and shape to the amount of excess skin you have. To address weakened abdominal muscles, the skin on your abdomen will be carefully lifted, allowing for necessary repairs. In some instances, removing excess skin from the upper abdomen may require an additional incision around the navel. This step enables the skin to be smoothly drawn down, trimming away any surplus before suturing the skin back together. A new opening for your belly button is created, placing it in its original position and securing it. Finally, the incisions are meticulously closed, marking the end of the procedure.
What to Expect After a Tummy Tuck
Following your tummy tuck, expect bandages over the incisions and a compression garment to minimize swelling and aid in recovery. You may also have small drains placed to eliminate any excess fluids. Detailed instructions for caring for your surgical site, managing drains, and medications to enhance healing and prevent infection will be given. It’s important to start light walking soon after surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots. Adhering to these post-operative guidelines is key to ensuring a smooth recovery and achieving optimal results from your surgery.
TUMMY TUCK
BEFORE & AFTERS
Tummy Tuck
This 35-year-old mother of 3 underwent abdominoplasty and liposuction to the posterior lateral hips.
Plication of the abdominal musculature was also performed. At six month follow up she is extremely pleased and has noted that her core strength is significantly improved and her sciatica has improved.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How should one prepare for Tummy Tuck surgery?
To prepare for a tummy tuck surgery:
- Complete any required lab tests or health evaluations as recommended.
- Adjust your current medications according to your surgeon’s advice.
- Stop smoking well before your surgery date.
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements to reduce the risk of heavy bleeding during surgery.
Following these steps will contribute to a smoother surgical process and enhance your recovery.
What are the results of Tummy Tuck surgery?
Although you will see improvements immediately after your tummy tuck surgery, it could take a few months for all swelling to go down and for the complete results of your transformation to become visible. Your body needs time to adjust and showcase the full benefits of your procedure.
Are there any potential side effects or risks associated with Tummy Tuck?
While a tummy tuck can offer transformative results, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects, including bleeding, infection at the incision site, reactions to anesthesia, changes in skin sensation, noticeable scarring, and fluid collection under the skin. Choosing a qualified and board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Van Ye can significantly reduce these risks.
WIll a Tummy Tuck leave a visable scar?
In performing a tummy tuck, meticulous care is taken to ensure incisions are minimal and strategically placed in areas typically concealed by clothing, including swimwear. While some minor scarring from surgery is unavoidable, these scars tend to fade over time.
Is there any discomfort during treatment?
At The Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery, ensuring your comfort is our top priority, especially during a tummy tuck procedure. We achieve this by using mild general anesthesia, assuring a painless procedure.