
Tummy tuck
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin, and in most cases restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer. A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals. Even individuals of other wise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include:
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Pregnancy
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Aging
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Significant fluctuations in weight
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Heredity
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Prior surgery
Tummy tuck candidates
Abdominoplasty is a good option for you if:
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You are physically healthy and at a stable weight
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You have realistic expectations
Tummy tuck recovery
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 during the tummy tuck recovery period.
A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect to minimize swelling after tummy tuck surgery.
You will be given specific instructions to aid your abdominoplasty recovery: 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 your general health, and when to follow-up with your plastic surgeon.
Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual abdominoplasty recovery period:
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Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
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What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
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Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery?
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When will they be removed?
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When are stitches removed?
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When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
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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.
Tummy tuck results
Your tummy tuck procedure will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight.
The final results may be initially 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 happens during a tummy tuck procedure?
What happens during tummy tuck surgery?
Step 1 – Anesthesia Medications are administered for your comfort during abdominoplasty surgery. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.
Step 2 – The incision A full tummy tuck procedure requires a horizontally-oriented incision in the area between the pubic hairline and navel. 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 while excess fat, tissue and skin is removed. A second incision around the navel 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.
What to expect during your tummy tuck consultation
The success and safety of your tummy tuck procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’l be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.
Be prepared to discuss:
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Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome
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Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
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Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
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Previous surgeries
Your surgeon may also:
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Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors.
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Take photographs for your medical record.
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Discuss you r options and recommend a course of treatment.
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Discuss likely outcomes of the tummy tuck and any risks or potential complications.
Preparing fo r tummy tuck surgery
Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:
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Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
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Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
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Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
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Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding
Special instructions you receive will cover:
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What to do on the day of surgery
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The use of anesthesia during your tummy tuck
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Post-operative care and follow-up