Tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery that removes the extra fat in the stomach as well as tightens the muscles. Tummy tuck also known as abdominoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that removes the extra fat and tightens the abdominal muscles in a person. However, it is not a weight loss option. The surgery can be done on both men and women who are healthy or have problems with obesity. A lot of women opt for tummy tuck post-pregnancy to tighten the loose skin and shape up their abdominal muscles. Although a cosmetic surgery, it is a major one and one must prepare themselves and make an informed decision before undergoing a tummy tuck.
Types of Tummy Tuck
There are two types of tummy tuck primarily and one must consult with the doctor to choose which option would be better suited for their case. Here are the two types of tummy tuck:
01. Complete Abdominoplasty
The surgery involves a more invasive technique in which the surgeon will make an incision from one hip bone to the other. The surgeon will shape and remove extra fat, skin and tissues from the abdomen. After the surgery the patient may have drainage tubes attached to their skin for some time.
02. Partial Abdominoplasty
This is a minimally invasive surgery that is performed for the removal of excess fat around the navel area. In this technique the belly is not moved and takes much shorter duration to complete the surgery.
Ideal Candidates for a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck can be done by any person who are in good health. Often women opt for the surgery post pregnancy for tightening their abdominal muscles and reducing skin. A tummy tuck is also an option for men or women who were once obese and still have excess fat deposits or loose skin around the belly.
Tummy Tucks Is not Recommended
01. During pregnancy in a woman or if they are planning to have more children
02. If people are trying to use the surgery for weight loss option it does not work as one. A tummy tuck helps tighten sagging skin and fat from the
A detailed consultation is a must before going for the surgery. The candidate choosing to go through the surgery must be aware of all the pros and cons to make an informed decision.
Preparing for Tummy Tuck Surgery
The first step is to choose a surgeon and see them for a consultation. At that meeting, it is important to talk about the goals and the following options:
01. If the person going through the surgery is a smoker, they will have to quit at least 2 weeks before the surgery to attain satisfactory results. Cutting down on the vice is not going to help but they will have to go cold turkey. Going on a drastic diet change is also not recommended while a balanced diet should be followed. Eating well is needed with complete meals. A healthy diet helps in the healing process.
02. If the candidate is taking any prescription medications, the surgeon must be made aware of them. Other herbal medicines or supplements also should be told to the doctor that may impact both before and after tummy tuck surgery.
Before getting the surgery, the home should be ready of these things:
01. Ice packs
02. Loose, comfortable clothing that can be put on and off very easily
03. Petroleum jelly
04. Hand-held shower head and bathroom chair
Assistance will be needed for the first few days. Also, someone to drive the patient back home will be needed since tummy tuck is a major surgery.
During Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck surgery can take anywhere from one to five hours. The patient may need to stay overnight in the hospital, depending on your case. During the surgery the patient is put under general anesthesia, which will put them to sleep during the operation.
Risks and Complications after a Tummy Tuck
Pain and swelling will remain a few days following the surgery. The doctor will prescribe pain medication to manage this. The area may be sore for several weeks or months. Often patients experience numbness, bruising and tiredness during recovery process.
Just like any other major surgery, a tummy tuck may also cause infection, bleeding under the skin flap, or blood clots. Patient may be more likely to have complications if they have poor circulation, diabetes, or heart, lung, or liver disease. If the healing process happens poorly, a second surgery may be needed.
Tummy tuck leaves scars which eventually fade a little but never disappear completely. Many people choose to go for ointments and creams for the skin to heal quickly.
Recovery process after a Tummy Tuck
Whether it was a partial or complete tummy tuck, the area that is operated on will be stitched and bandaged. It is very important to follow all surgeons instructions on how to care for the bandage in the days following surgery. The bandage used will be a firm, elastic band that promotes proper healing. The surgeon will also instruct on the best sitting position or lying down to help ease pain.
The patient will have to severely limit strenuous activity for at least six weeks. It may need to take up to one month off work after the surgery to ensure proper recovery. Generally, most people love how they look after this procedure. That can take time, though. Patient may not feel like their normal self for months after the surgery. Diet and exercise can help maintain the results
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