According to Forbes, 87% of tummy tuck patients say it is completely worth it. Some wish they had gotten it done before. A tummy tuck is a safe and accessible surgical procedure for anyone looking to remove excess skin and fat around their midsection.
In this article, we take an in-depth look at how the tummy tuck surgical procedure is performed.
Why Opt for a Tummy Tuck?
The main reason patients resort to abdominoplasty is to remove excess fat and skin and restore weakened muscles, resulting in a smooth and firm abdominal profile. Tummy tuck surgery costs are relatively low, making the procedure accessible and safe for patients.
A Step By Step Analysis of an Abdominoplasty
Before the Tummy Tuck
Your surgeon will instruct you to get to the medical facility a few hours before the procedure in comfortable clothes. You will receive anesthesia, so it is important to bring someone to drive you home afterward.
These are the types of abdominoplasty your surgeon may perform:
Extended Abdominoplasty
This technique is reserved for patients in need of extensive intervention. The incision is made at the bikini line extending towards the back. Your surgeon will then manipulate the skin and muscle to give you the desired result before creating a new belly button. You will get drainage tubes attached for a few days to help drain the wound.
Partial or Mini Abdominoplasty
Mini or partial abdominoplasty usually only requires short incisions. They are performed on patients with less excess skin. This approach typically does not affect the position of the belly button. Drainage tubes are not inserted in all cases, and the surgery usually takes one to two hours.
Circumferential Abdominoplasty
This abdominoplasty includes the back area as well as the abdomen. It is done when there is excess skin and fat in the back and the abdomen. Some people may choose to get the back done without the abdomen, but for maximum improvement, both the abdomen and back are recommended.
After the Procedure
Once the surgeon is done with removing the extra skin and fat cells, they will close up the incision site using stitches and place bandages on top. You do not need to get the stitches removed because they typically dissolve as the wound heals. Since this is an outpatient procedure, you can go home the same day.
Your surgeon will put you in compression garments to help your body heal in the desired shape. You may need to wear the garment for the first four weeks, including when you sleep. They will also advise you to lie down and shower for the next few weeks to keep the wounds clean.
Tummy Tuck Procedure Q&As
Where is a tummy tuck performed?
A tummy tuck surgery is performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical facility. The important thing is the surgical environment remains sterile to reduce the chances of contracting an infection. Such as from Saber Plastic Surgery where they perform tummy tuck operation in the Los Angeles area
Will I be completely asleep during my tummy tuck?
When undergoing a tummy tuck, you get two choices; you can be put under general anesthesia or be mildly sedated (for some mini tummy tucks).
General anesthesia means you will be unconscious and unable to feel, hear or move during the procedure, while moderate sedation will leave you partially asleep. In both situations, you will not feel pain. Most patients are required to have general anesthesia due to the nature of the surgery.
How long does a tummy tuck take?
An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) can take between an hour and five hours, depending on the amount of skin there is to remove. It can also take longer if other cosmetic procedures are scheduled, like liposuction.
Can I have a liposuction done with a tummy tuck?
Yes, most patients opt for a liposuction procedure with a tummy tuck to improve the outcome. You can also opt for a cosmetic procedure on a different part of the body, like a breast augmentation or facelift.
How big is the scar from a tummy tuck?
The incision for a tummy tuck is typically done at the bikini line right above the pubic hair. It extends towards the back on both sides and goes as far as there is skin to retract. This means that the length of the scar depends on the amount of excess skin. You can also expect a scar around your belly button because your surgeon will have to make you a new one.
How will a tummy tuck affect my lifestyle?
Smokers will be required to quit smoking, while your surgeon may instruct you to avoid certain medications. In addition, you will need to keep your weight under control after the surgery if you would like to keep the results. It is also important to note that significant weight loss after the fact can negatively affect your results.