Thinking about undergoing a tummy tuck procedure? Read on to learn more about this common plastic surgery procedure. Many people choose to have plastic surgery to improve one or more areas of their bodies, and tummy tucks are one of the more common procedures chosen.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin and restores weakened muscles to create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile. There are many reasons why someone would want to undergo this surgical procedure, and every plastic surgery choice is a personal one. Some of the more common reasons are related to pregnancy, aging, prior surgeries, heredity, and weight fluctuations.
The information below helps to explain the tummy tuck process. The fact that tummy tucks are a major surgical procedure makes it necessary for those who are considering undergoing this type of plastic surgery to carefully consider all of the pros and cons.
The first step in the tummy tuck process is giving the patient anesthesia. Anesthesia is necessary to perform this surgical procedure, as it does require large incisions to be made. The type of anesthesia patients need is general anesthesia, which uses a combination of medications to put them into a sleep-like condition before the surgery. General anesthesia can be given to patients intravenously or by inhaling anesthetic gasses. All of the potential side effects of general anesthesia should be discussed with each patient before their surgery.
Once the patient is under, the plastic surgeon will make a horizontal incision between their pubic hairline and their belly button. The surgeon will lift this skin in order to repair the abdominal muscles underneath. Next, they will make another incision around the belly button if any excess skin needs to be removed in this area. The next step requires the surgeon to trim the skin and then suture the remaining skin together. A new belly button is made and then the incisions are closed using sutures, special skin adhesives, and/or clips.
Every patient who undergoes a tummy tuck procedure will receive specific instructions from their plastic surgeon regarding their recovery instructions. These instructions must be carefully followed in order for patients to expect a successful recovery. Examples of these instructions include caring for the surgical site, taking any necessary medications, and staying hydrated. Most patients can return to work two to three weeks after undergoing a tummy tuck procedure and can often resume their regular activities about six weeks after the procedure.
The following are answers to some common questions that patients ask plastic surgeons in order to adequately prepare before a tummy tuck procedure.
A tummy tuck procedure is more comprehensive than a liposuction procedure. Liposuction simply involves the removal of excess fat. While a tummy tuck procedure may also involve the removal of excess fat, it usually also includes contouring the stomach muscles and removing excess skin.
The preparation process may look different for every patient depending on their lifestyle, diet, and habits. In general, patients are encouraged to stop taking anti-inflammatory medications as much as possible at least two weeks prior to the procedure. It can also help to stop smoking for two weeks, as well.
As discussed, anesthesia is provided for a tummy tuck procedure. This means that you are not likely to experience any discomfort during the procedure itself. However, there will likely be some discomfort for the first week or two after the procedure. The pain is usually worse during the first week and most of the discomfort subsides by week two.
The plastic surgeon should provide a recovery plan that may involve pain relief medication. The discomfort should be tolerable. If severe discomfort develops or there are other concerning symptoms, then be sure to notify your plastic surgeon or physician.
After reading the above information, is a tummy tuck procedure a good choice for you? This is one of the more commonly chosen plastic surgery options, as the end result allows one to have a smoother-looking, firmer abdominal area. Since it is now understood how the tummy tuck procedure works, those who are considering undergoing this procedure now know what to expect. Contact our plastic surgery office today to set up a tummy tuck.
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