Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Procedure, Risks, Preparation & Recovery

An abdominoplasty or a tummy tuck is a surgery that involves removing the extra skin as well as the fat in the abdomen region. In general, this surgery flattens your tummy as well as tightens the muscles in the abdomen region. Depending on the amount of skin and fat you have in your tummy region, you can undergo any type of tummy tuck surgery.

For women who have had numerous pregnancies and therefore have extra layers of skin, this surgery could be a game changer. The procedure can be either a small procedure or a major procedure depending on the fat your abdomen has. Yet again, before you opt for a tummy tuck surgery, you must educate yourself about the functioning, side effects as well as benefits of a tummy tuck.

It is also crucial to understand that one cannot use this operation as a major alternative to instant weight loss. If you wish to learn more about the procedure as well as the risks involved in a tummy tuck surgery, consider reading through!

Who Should Get A Tummy Tuck?

Abdominoplasty can be suited for individuals who have a stable weight, apart from having a good health status. Apart from that, it is also important that this operation is carried out on non-smokers. Women who have had numerous pregnancies and wish to tighten their abdomen muscles can opt for this surgery.

Apart from that, individuals who were once obese and have now lost a lot of weight can also opt for this surgery. Thus, this surgery can help in getting rid of excess fat or loose skin that builds up under the abdominal region.

How To Get Ready For A Tummy Tuck Operation?

There are numerous aspects you need to remember before preparing yourself for a tummy tuck operation. If you are a smoker, you will need to quit the habit for a significant period, in order to not complicate the healing process. Apart from that, you may also need to completely quit nicotine products including e-cigarettes, preferably two months before your surgery.

Make sure you do not starve yourself before the surgery, this is because proper nutrition is important before as well as after your surgery, to ensure proper healing. As part of the procedure, your surgeon might recommend you to completely stop a few medications that have the potential to think your blood. You may also need to prepare a recovery area for yourself after the surgery, in order to heal quickly.

You can consider hoarding loose clothing so that you can wear them after your tummy tuck operation. It is also best to have a telephone that is easily accessible. A shower that can be hand-held as well as a bathroom chair could turn out to be a great help too.

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How A Tummy Tuck Is Performed

A tummy tuck is performed in three forms. First, general anesthesia is used during the operation and patients will then be put to sleep. You may also require someone to drive you back home and potentially stay with you for the first night following surgery. After the anesthesia is given, the surgery will commence.

1. Complete Abdominoplasty

This type of surgery is suitable for individuals who require significant rectification. The incision is done at the level of the bikini line, similar to the level of the pubic hair. The extent of the scar will vary depending on the quantity of additional skin present.

2. Partial Abdominoplasty

A mini abdominoplasty is a procedure that involves making shorter cuts and is typically done for patients with a limited amount of excess skin. Repositioning of the belly button is unlikely to be a part of this procedure. The skin is separated between the incision line and the belly button. It usually takes two hours to perform. Similar to a complete abdominoplasty, the use of drainage tubes post-surgery may or may not be required.

3. Circumferential Abdominoplasty

Circumferential abdominoplasty addresses both the abdominal and back areas. If there is a significant amount of fat in both regions, an individual may choose between liposuction of the back or this procedure which allows for the elimination of skin and fat from the hips and back, creating a more harmonious overall body shape.

Following a mini or full tummy tuck, the incision will be sewn closed and wrapped in a bandage. Your surgeon may suggest that you use a compression garment or elastic bandage after the surgery. It is crucial that you follow all the instructions given by the surgeon for the care and wearing of the bandage and garment. Your surgeon will also provide you with the best way to position your body to reduce any pain and discomfort.

Issues That Might Arise

After your surgery, you might experience mild pain or even swelling. Your doctor might prescribe a few pain relief medications. Apart from that, you may also experience soreness in your abdomen muscles. If you have a history of diabetes, liver diseases, poor blood circulation, or if you are a smoker, numerous issues can arise after your surgery. Some of the issues are listed below for your convenience.

1. Scarring
2. Bleeding
3. Major Infection
4. Seroma
5. Delayed Healing Of Wound
6. Numbness In The Region
7. Serious Fat Necrosis
8. Separation Of Wounds
9. Unevenness Of The Wound

How To Take Care Of Yourself Following Surgery

Considering the fact that you have gone through a major surgery, it can take months for you to feel yourself again. You might get completely obsessed with your new look; however, you must take the necessary steps required to maintain your new body. Make sure to follow a nutritious diet, and exercise at least two times a week.

Getting Back To Regular Life

It can take several weeks for your body to heal completely. However, you may not be able to perform numerous activities, such as driving or physical exercise. Consider having a word with your doctor to learn more about what activities you may need to stop or continue. Apart from that, you may also want to know for how long you can take a work leave.

On average, it can take about two months for your body to recover. You may also experience swelling for some period; however, many patients recover within three months. After two months of the procedure, you can continue light exercises as well as resume usual activities. Considering your health status after the surgery, your doctor may suggest specified recommendations for quicker healing.

Is A Tummy Tuck Covered By Insurance?

Insurance companies usually don’t cover any form of tummy tuck surgery. However, if you suffer from a hernia, the insurance may cover the procedure of tummy tuck. It may be important for you to communicate with your company before you opt for the surgery since it can help you discuss numerous insurance concerns with your healthcare specialist at an early stage.

Risks Associated With Tummy Tucks

There are numerous risks associated with a tummy tuck operation, including bleeding, reactions to anesthesia, or even infection. Some of the most serious risks are listed below for your convenience.

1. Accumulation of fluid right under the abdomen skin.
2. Delayed healing of the wound.
3. Scarring
4. Damage of the tissue layer.
5. Numbness or sensational changes of the skin.