Who benefits from tummy tuck surgery?
- Patients with excess abdominal skin as a result of major weight loss. Large folds of excess skin are not only unsightly but can also lead to fungal infection.
- Patients who want to have a flatter, tighter, more contoured abdomen and narrower waist. This is especially helpful for women whose stomach muscles have changed after pregnancy or individuals who have drooping or sagging skin after weight loss, aging or pregnancy.
- Patients who want to increase self confidence that comes with the enhanced abdominal shape.
- Patients with stretch marks and wanting to remove it by either removal of the affected skin or tightening of skin.
How is tummy tuck surgery performed?
The tummy tuck procedure is generally performed under general anesthesia. During tummy tuck surgery, a horizontal incision is made just above the pubic hairline. The length of this lower abdominal incision is determined by the amount of excess skin. The skin is then dissected up toward the rib cage, the muscle is tightened, the belly button is repositioned and excess skin is removed. Surgeon may also recommend combining liposuction with your tummy tuck procedure for the best results. Drains are most often used and are removed several days following the procedure.
Pre-Operative Care
- Our team will evaluate your medical history to check for conditions that may delay the surgery or the healing process. Some of the common conditions are:
- Bleeding tendencies – problems with blood clotting, or lack of clotting
- Scarring problems you have had in the past – like keloid scars and hypertrophic scars
- Hypertension (High blood pressure) – particularly if it is not under control.
- Smoking – this may affect your reaction to the anaesthetic and prolong the healing process. Please stop smoking 4 weeks prior to surgery.
Please avoid aspirin and brufen-containing medication for two weeks prior to surgery to eliminate the chance of post op bleeding. Generally it is best to continue any blood pressure or blood sugar medications. These may safely be taken with a sip of water on the morning of surgery. Women should ensure negative pregnancy test before surgery.
Protect your health prior to surgery. Even a simple cold could cause complications with the anesthesia. If you do develop an illness right before your surgery, let your surgeon know. You may need to postpone your tummy tuck surgery until you feel better. On the day of your procedure, do not wear any skin care products, makeup, deodorant, perfume, nail polish or powder.
Post-Operative Care
After your tummy tuck procedure is completed, dressings, bandages, and binder will be in placed around your tummy and waistline to provide additional support and lessen the movement and the resultant discomfort.
Bed rest for the first 24 hours. Dizziness and fainting can happen during this period of time when you go from a laying to a standing position. To help prevent this, move gently when going from laying to standing or sitting positions.
The period of greatest discomfort does not usually last more than 24-48 hours. Thereafter, you may find that you need your pain medication less frequently.
You will experience some pain associated with the surgery which is usually controlled well with pain medications. Upon discharge you will have prescriptions for pain medication that you will take as needed, and antibiotics that you will need to take for several days to decrease chances of infection. You should be able to resume your regular activities in about two weeks, although you should refrain from heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for several months, it may take six months to a year for you to get completely used to your tighter stomach and body. Upon completion of healing process maintaining proper diet and exercise routine should assure a long lasting result.
Expect for swelling and fluid retention, bruising – varies, usually lasts approximately 2 weeks and slight signs of blood on the dressing and girdle. It may be necessary to change the dressing.
Need to Contact us when:
- Severe pain not responding to pain medication.
- Excessive bleeding.
- Marked swelling.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- If girdle gets too tight.
