In considering improvement of the shape of the abdomen, each layer of the abdominal wall affected has to be considered. There are three relevant layers, the skin, the fatty tissue and the underlying muscle. The skin can be stretched with pregnancy, the fatty layer can increase with weight gain and the muscle layer may also be stretched or weakened with pregnancy and surgery
Your Personal Consultation
During the consultation, you will be asked about the results you would like to achieve from Tummy Tuck. This will help your surgeon to understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved.
Am I a good candidate for tummy tuck?
You may be a good candidate for tummy tuck if you have one or more of the following conditions:
- · excess or sagging abdominal skin
- · an abdomen that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of your body
- · abdominal muscles that have been separated and weakened
- · excess fatty tissue that is concentrated in your abdomen
If you plan to become pregnant or lose weight in the future, you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon. Scarring from previous abdominal surgery may limit the results of your abdominoplasty or tummy tuck.
How will my plastic surgeon evaluate me for tummy tuck?
Your plastic surgeon may examine your abdomen while you are standing as well as lying down. Your skin tone and the degree of loose skin in the abdominal region will be assessed. Your surgeon also will evaluate the amount of excess fat in your abdomen and the condition of your abdominal muscles.
You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, pregnancies, previous surgeries and medications that you currently take. It is important for you to provide complete information.
The goal of your plastic surgeon and the entire staff is to make your surgical experience as easy and comfortable for you as possible.
How should I prepare for surgery?
If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery. Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with additional preoperative instructions.
Tummy tuck will be performed on an outpatient basis. In this case, we will drive you home after surgery. When abdominoplasty is performed in conjunction with medically necessary procedures such as hysterectomy or hernia repair, a short hospitalization may be required.
What will the day of surgery be like?
Your abdominoplasty will be performed in a hospital. Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. Abdominoplasty will be performed using local anesthesia and intravenous sedation.
When surgery is completed , you will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. Gauze or other dressings may be applied to your abdomen and covered with tape or an elastic bandage.
You may be permitted to go home after a few hours, unless you and your plastic surgeon have determined that you will stay in the hospital or surgical facility overnight.
How will I look and feel initially?
The day after surgery, you will be encouraged to get out of bed for short walks to promote blood circulation. Although you may not be able to stand up completely straight, it is best if you do not sit for long periods of time during the first several days. Straining, bending and lifting must be avoided, since these activities might cause increased swelling or even bleeding. You may be instructed to sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees.
Depending on the tummy tuck technique used, you may be instructed to wear a support garment for several weeks. Generally, stitches will be removed in stages over a period of approximately one or two weeks.
You will notice swelling and bruising, which is to be expected. The bruising and much of the swelling will disappear over a period of weeks. However, it may be months before all swelling subsides and you see the final result of your tummy tuck.
