Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. It is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen (stomach) and tightens its muscles. This procedure can be performed on both men and women, but it is more commonly performed on women than on men.
In this article, we’ll talk about what a tummy tuck is, how it works to improve your appearance, and whether or not it’s right for you.
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat, sagging skin, and muscle tissue from the abdomen while tightening the underlying muscles. It’s designed to improve the appearance of the abdominal region (stomach).
The procedure can be performed on its own or with other procedures such as liposuction or a breast lift.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
The best candidates for a tummy tuck are those who have excess skin and fat after having children. A tummy tuck can be performed on patients who have had multiple pregnancies, or those who have lost significant amounts of weight.
A tummy tuck can be performed at any age, but it is more common to perform one after pregnancy when more fat and skin are involved.
If you are considering a tummy tuck, you should be in good health, without any medical conditions that would prevent you from having surgery. You should also not smoke or drink alcohol regularly as these can affect healing time and increase the risk of complications during surgery.
What Will My Tummy TuckConsultation Be Like?
Your consultation will be a chance to ask questions, discuss your options, and decide if you’re ready to move forward with the tummy tuck procedure.
During this appointment, you’ll discuss your medical history and any concerns you have about undergoing surgery. Your surgeon will also take measurements and photos of your abdomen to create an accurate 3D model rendering of your body.
You’ll also talk about how long it takes for scars to fade after a tummy tuck procedure, what kind of recovery period you can expect after surgery, and how much weight you should lose before having surgery.
It’s important to go to this appointment prepared with questions so that they can be addressed extensively.
What Are the Risks of Tummy Tuck Surgery?
The most common risk of tummy tuck surgery is that it may not improve your appearance. If you’re not happy with how you look after the surgery, you’ll have to go through another procedure (and pay for it).
Other risks include:
- Infection
- Seroma (fluid collection)
- Bleeding (Hematoma)
- Scarring
- Wound healing problems
- Blood clots
- Discomfort or pain at the site of surgery
- Nerve damage
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
The tummy tuck procedure will be performed in an accredited medical facility under general or local anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision across your navel, and then remove excess skin, fat, and muscle tissue before stitching your abdomen back together. The procedure takes between two to three hours, depending on how extensive it needs to be.
Will I Need Any Other Procedures?
A tummy tuck is often combined with liposuction or breast enhancement surgery. If you are interested in breast augmentation, you may have it performed at the same time as your tummy tuck. If you have had previous abdominal surgeries or have loose skin around your waistline, liposuction may be recommended before your tummy tuck.
How Long Will My Recovery Take?
Recovery time varies depending on which procedures are performed during the operation and how much scarring was present before surgery. Tummy tucks generally require 10 to 14 days of downtime from work or school and up to six weeks for full recovery from activities such as lifting heavy objects and intense exercise sessions.
How Long Do Results Last?
The results of a tummy tuck are permanent but will continue to look good for many years after surgery if maintained properly through diet and exercise routines that support healthy weight loss goals
Is Tummy Tuck Safe?
The techniques used in tummy tuck surgery have been refined over many years. This means that it is now possible to perform the procedure safely in most patients.
However, there are some situations where it may be safer not to have your tummy tucked; these include:
- If you have diabetes or other chronic medical conditions
- If you smoke
- If you are obese
How Long Does It Take?
Tummy tuck surgeries typically take between two and three hours to complete. You can expect to stay overnight in the hospital or surgical center after your procedure, although some people choose to go home on the same day as their surgery. You must follow all of your doctor’s instructions after your procedure so that you can heal properly.