Tummy Tuck
What tummy tuck surgery can’t do?
A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program.
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Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight.
For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies would be advised to postpone a tummy tuck.
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A tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised
Tummy tuck candidates
In general, you may be a good tummy tuck candidate if:
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You are physically healthy and at a stable weight
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You have realistic expectations
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You are a non-smoker
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You are bothered by the appearance of your abdomen
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Tummy tuck surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.
Tummy tuck recovery
During your tummy tuck recovery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your abdomen as it heals following surgery.
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Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.
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You will be given specific instructions that may include:
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How to care for the surgical site and drains
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Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection
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Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
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When to follow up with your plastic surgeon
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Be sure to ask your tummy tuck surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period:
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Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
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What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
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Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery?
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When will they be removed?
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When will the stitches be removed?
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How will I bathe?
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How long will I wear the pressure garment?
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When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
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When do I return for follow-up care?
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Tummy tuck results
The final results of tummy tuck surgery may be initially obscured by swelling and your inability to stand fully upright until internal healing is complete
Within a week or two, you should be standing tall and confident in your new slimmer profile.
Your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight.
Previous abdominal surgery may limit the potential results of a tummy tuck.
Tummy tuck scarring
In women who have undergone cesarean section, the existing scars may be incorporated into the new scar.
The tummy tuck scar may take several months to a year to fade as much as it will.
Although good results are expected from your procedure, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.
Following your physician’s instructions is essential to the success of your surgery.
It’s important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.
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Tummy tuck procedure steps
A tummy tuck procedure includes the following steps:
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Step 1 – Anesthesia
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Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.
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Step 2 – The incision
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A full tummy tuck requires a horizontally-oriented incision in the area between the pubic hairline and belly button.
Tummy tuck incision front abdomen
The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the amount of excess skin. Once the abdominal skin is lifted, the underlying weakened abdominal muscles are repaired.
A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.
Tummy tuck incision front abdomen sutures
The upper abdominal skin is pulled down like a window shade. The excess skin is trimmed and the remaining skin is sutured together. A new opening for the belly button is created. The belly button is popped through to the surface and sutured into position.
Tummy tuck side before and after.
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Step 3 – Closing the incisions
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Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips close the skin incisions.
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Step 4 – See the results
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Your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight.
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Tummy tuck risks and safety
The decision to have plastic surgery is extremely personal, and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications of tummy tuck surgery are acceptable.
You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks.
Tummy tuck risks include:
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Anesthesia risks
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Bleeding
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Infection
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Fluid accumulation (seroma)
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Poor wound healing
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Skin loss
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Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
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Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
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Unfavorable scarring
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Recurrent looseness of skin
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Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
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Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
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Asymmetry
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Suboptimal aesthetic result
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Possibility of revisional surgery
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Persistent pain
These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It’s important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.
During your tummy tuck consultation be prepared to discuss:
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Your surgical goals
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Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
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Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use
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Previous surgeries
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Your tummy tuck surgeon will also:
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Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
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Take photographs
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Discuss your options
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Recommend a course of treatment
Discuss likely outcomes of the tummy tuck and any risks or potential complication.
The success and safety of your tummy tuck procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.
The consultation is the time to ask your plastic surgeon questions. To help, we have prepared a checklist of questions to ask your tummy tuck surgeon that you can take with you to your consultation.
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It’s very important to understand all aspects of your tummy tuck procedure. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress.
Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.