Tummy TuckAbout The Procedure
The Tummy Tuck procedure is ideal for removing abdominal fat that will not respond to diet or exercise. It is commonly used by women whose abdominal muscles have endured multiple pregnancies and can no longer return to their prior, firm shape.
Abdominal wall surgery treats flabby, stretched-out abdominal muscles and skin to improve appearance and strength. Excessive fatty tissue and loose skin are removed from the middle and lower sections of the abdomen and the abdominal muscles may be tightened.
Procedure Description
With Tummy Tuck surgery, an incision is made across the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. Excess skin and fat are removed from the abdominal wall, from the pubic area to the rib cage, around the umbilicus and the abdominal muscles are tightened. The incision is sutured closed. Small flat tubes (drains) may be inserted and used for a few days to allow fluid to drain out of the incisions. A firm elastic garment is worn after the procedure.
Best Candidates for Tummy Tuck Surgery
Candidates for Tummy Tuck surgery must be in good health, have no active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions, and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of the surgery.
A Tummy Tuck should be the last resort for people who have exhausted all other measures, and the procedure should not be used as an alternative to weight loss. Women who have muscles and skin stretched by multiple pregnancies may find the procedure useful to tighten those muscles and reduce that skin. A Tummy Tuck is also an alternative for men or women who were obese at one point in their lives and still have excessive fat deposits or loose skin in the abdominal area.
Women still planning to have children may want to postpone a tummy tuck until they are through bearing children.
A Tummy Tuck is also not appropriate for people still planning to lose a lot of weight.
Length of the Procedure
Tummy Tuck surgery takes 2 to 5 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure.
Anesthesia
Tummy Tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
Inpatient or Outpatient?
Tummy Tuck surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis.
Possible Side Effects
For the first few days, patients will likely experience swelling in the abdomen area and some pain and discomfort, which can be controlled by medication. There will be numbness of the abdomen that will slowly resolve in a few months.
Recovery
Recovery from a complete Tummy Tuck can take four to six weeks and patients are advised to take at least a portion of this recovery time off from work. Heavy activity especially must be avoided during this time. For the first ten days, a patient may experience bruising and discomfort. A supportive abdominal binder is normally worn to contain swelling and support the muscular repair. Patients are advised not to smoke both prior to surgery and during recovery. Smokers have a higher risk of complications with the operation.
Duration of Results
In most cases, Tummy Tuck results are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
Risks
Post-operative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can occur. Infection can be treated with antibiotics. Patients can minimize the risk of blood clots by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible. Smokers are advised to stop, as smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing.
Cost
Expect to pay $3,000 to $20,000 for Tummy Tuck surgery.
Scars
Tummy Tuck surgery can cause prominent, permanent scarring.
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