A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure in which excess fat and sagging skin in the middle and lower abdomen are removed and the abdominal muscles are tightened. While it removes excess fat it’s important to note that the Tummy tuck isn’t a bariatric surgery. If you’re obese and want to opt for a tummy tuck, you must lose as much weight as beforehand.
There are several techniques available for tummy tuck surgery most of which our surgeons at Esthete Clinic fully master. Tummy tuck surgery can be performed together with correction operations for other body parts.
Candidates for Tummy Tuck
You’re suitable for a tummy tuck if:
- You have excess skin from weight loss, pregnancy, or aging.
- You aren’t obese
- You are in good health
How to Prepare for Tummy Tuck
In general, our surgeons at Esthete Clinic will go over these points with you. But here are some of the most important points to take into consideration before Tummy Tuck.
- If you smoke, you should stop starting from 2 weeks before your tummy tuck.
- Stop using vitamin E and blood thinners 2 weeks before tummy tuck
Tummy Tuck Procedure
Pre-surgery
Our surgeons will begin by sterilizing and drawing on your abdomen to plan the details of your tummy tuck.
Following this our anesthesiologist will administer your general anesthesia preparing you for surgery.
Surgery
In a tummy tuck, your surgeon will make an incision typically in areas that can be covered with clothing. Most cases require making an incision 10 cm below the navel and another one nearby. Through this incision, your surgeon removes the excess fat and skin and tightens the abdominal muscles underneath. After achieving all the necessary changes, your doctor sutures them into place using biomedical stitches.
Post-Surgery
After surgery, you‘ll find that the treatment area is covered with a dressing. Likewise, you’ll find two drains placed near the wound these are put to remove excess fluid and discharge. Drains will be removed 1 to 3 days after your tummy tuck.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Right after surgery, you won’t be able to stand directly. For this reason, you’ll use a urinary catheter. As you regain your balance, typically in a day, you can neglect its use. You’ll stay in the hospital for an average of 2 nights before you’re discharged.
Our surgeons at Esthete Clinic will provide you with all the information you need for recovery. But in general, your post-operative care includes the following:
– Lie down in a V shape, raising your torso by 45 degrees to reduce tension and swelling in the first few days.
- From time to time, we recommend bending your legs and bringing them towards your torso. This will encourage circulation
- Wear your compression garment as instructed by our surgeons. It plays a significant role in your recovery.
- Avoid gas-inducing foods in the first weeks after a tummy tuck
- If you start feeling pain, take your painkillers as instructed.
- To avoid embolism, take light walks around the room
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol for 2 weeks after a tummy tuck
- Avoid strenuous exercise
- Never make jarring or big movements during recovery
- Avoid direct sun rays
- Do not swim in pools or seas
- Avoid sauna and steam rooms
Showering After a Tummy Tuck
Usually, for the first week after a tummy tuck, you’d be advised to take half showers without wetting your surgical area. You can take a full shower from the second week onwards.
Duration of a Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck procedure takes between 3 to 5 hours depending on your personal case and aesthetic goals.
Results of a Tummy Tuck
Results of a tummy tuck are immediate, but you won’t be able to see them right away with all the dressing and bandages. There will be a drastic transition in the shape of your abdomen and results will improve as your progress through your recovery.
Results of a tummy tuck can be long-lasting, but factors such as rapid weight gain can alter the longevity of the results. As for the scar, our surgeons will do their best to open incisions in areas that aren’t visible. As the cars heal they’ll blend more with your natural skin color.
