The goal is to tighten and slim the tummy area.
It may also involve tightening or sewing abdominal muscles back together.
Tummy tucks are not weight loss surgery.
AndreyPopov / Getty Images
Long-term results are not guaranteed, but avoiding weight gain after surgery can help maintain results.
It might also include fastening the underlying abdominal muscles.
The following are the most common tummy tuck techniques:
Diastasis rectioccurs when abdominal muscles separate down the middle.
Pregnancy is the most common cause of diastasis recti due to pressure from the fetus on the muscles.
These muscles can be sewn together as part of a tummy tuck.
It follows the natural crease that runs along the lower abdomen.
This surgery comes with the usualrisks associated with surgeryas well asintravenous sedationorgeneralanesthesia.
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure.
If you are severely overweight and weight loss is your goal, your provider may discussbariatric surgerywith you.
It is typically done to prevent medical complications of obesity rather than for cosmetic reasons.
While it is similar to a tummy tuck, it would not involve surgical intervention to fat or muscle.
Your surgeon will order preoperative testing and medical clearance to ensure that you could safely have this procedure.
This may includeblood worksuch as acomplete blood count (CBC)orelectrolyte(chemistry) test.
Cost
Because a tummy tuck is cosmetic, most health plans don’t cover this procedure.
Most people go home the day of the surgery.
What to Wear
you’re able to wear whatever you would like to your surgery appointment.
You will change into a gown when you arrive at the hospital or surgical center.
However, follow your surgeon’s instructions as the science behind this concept evolves.
Most vitamins and herbal supplements are stopped a few weeks before surgery.
Be sure you are clear about the instructions in your case and follow them exactly.
Pack comfortable clothes that you could change into when you head home.
In the weeks before your surgery, your healthcare provider or anutritionistmay discuss dietary issues with you.
This includes your temperature, blood pressure, pulse, oxygen level, and respiratory rate.
You will have an intravenous (IV) line placed.
You may also have aurinary catheterplaced so your bladder can release urine, especially if you have general anesthesia.
You will have either general anesthesia or IV sedation during your procedure.
Your skin will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution.
Your surgeon may measure or mark areas on your abdomen before making incisions.
You will be taken to a postoperative area, where your vital signs will continue to be monitored.
It takes several hours before you’re free to get up and walk with assistance.
You will go home or to a hospital room according to your plan before surgery.
Recovery
Recovery from any jot down of abdominoplasty may take two weeks to two months.
You should expect to avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks.
Carefully follow post-op instructions.
Keep the incision clean and dry.Care for your woundand drain according to the instructions you received from your providers.
Keeping the incision free of infection helps decrease the risk of excess scarring.
Your provider may suggest ascar creamor patch after the incision is healed.
Keep in mind that the scar may not significantly fade until one-year postsurgery.
In the weeks after your tummy tuck surgery, you should avoid strenuous activity and avoid lifting heavy objects.
Your drain and wound will be examined when you go to your follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider.
When the drain is no longer needed, it will be pulled.
A suture orSteri-Stripmay be placed to close off the opening in the skin.
Your surgical wound will be inspected, and any nonabsorbable stitches will be removed once it has healed.
You shouldn’t need any specific long-term care after recovering from a tummy tuck surgery.
Weight gain followed by weight loss can cause the skin to become saggy again.
Exercising and following a healthy diet are necessary for weight management and optimal long-term benefits after tummy tuck surgery.
If you are prone to extreme dieting, discuss this with your healthcare provider.
Techniques vary based on the individual and desired results.
This is not a weight loss surgery, other procedures may be needed if this is your goal.
Keep your incision clean and dry, and wear your compression as advised.
Your provider can help you make an informed decision about your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a tummy tuck can be done during the same operation.
It depends on your goal.
A tummy tuck and liposuction are often used together.
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