Introducing Tummy Tuck:
Tummy tuck surgery , is also known as abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin and, in most cases, restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer. If you have got too much flab or excess skin in your abdomen that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise, you may be considering a “tummy tuck”.
It is not same as liposuction, although you may choose to get liposuction along with tummy tuck.
The surgery is frequently performed after pregnancy or weight loss when the skin has become stretched or saggy. A new belly button may need to be surgically created by umbilicoplasty. Another procedure such as liposuction or breast augmentation is often performed at the same time. This is commonly referred to as a mommy makeover.
A traditional tummy tuck involves two levels of treatment:
A deep repair for separated muscles from excess weight or pregnancy, and a superficial removal of extra skin and fat, mostly in the lower stomach. Results are usually dramatic.
The surgery removes a section of skin and fat from the belly button—or higher—down to the pubic region. Up to 30-50% of the stomach skin is removed, including some of the stretch marks. Pulling down the remaining skin to cover the entire belly, the stomach becomes much flatter and tighter, and the belly button is repositioned.
While a tummy tuck addresses the full abdomen, above and below the belly button, a tuck uses a shorter incision to treat only the “pooch” area below the belly button for someone with little excess fat. Recovery time for a mini tummy tuck will be shorter since it removes less skin from the stomach. Contrasting a mini tummy tuck, a tummy tuck with a fleur de lis allows massive skin removal for extreme weight loss patients with the addition of a long vertical incision line.
The most common tummy tuck incision is horizontal, placed just within and or above the pubic area of the abdomen, usually low enough to be hidden by underwear or a bikini. Please note that your plastic surgeon may be able to keep the incision within your bathing suit lines, but it may not always be possible.
Who are the best candidates for tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is suitable for men and women who are in good health.
Women who have had several pregnancies may find the procedure useful 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.
Who Should Not Consider a Tummy Tuck?
If you’re a woman who plans to get pregnant, then you may want to postpone a tummy tuck until you’re done having children. During surgery, your vertical muscles are tightened, and future pregnancies can separate those muscles.
Are you planning to lose a lot of weight? Then a tummy tuck also is not for you. A tummy tuck should be a last resort after you’ve tried everything else. It should not be used as an alternative to weight loss.
You should also consider the appearance of scars after a tummy tuck. You can talk about scar placement and length with the doctor before the surgery.
How to Prepare for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
The first step is to choose a surgeon and see him or her for a consultation. At that meeting, you’ll talk about your goals and the following options:
- Complete abdominoplasty. The surgeon will cut your abdomen from hipbone to hipbone and then contour the skin, tissue, and muscle as needed. The surgery will involve moving your belly button, and you may need drainage tubes under your skin for a few days.
- Partial or mini abdominoplasty. Mini-abdominoplasties are often done on people whose fat deposits are located below the navel. During this procedure, the surgeon most likely will not move your belly button, and the procedure may only take up to two hours, depending on your case.
If you smoke, your doctor will ask that you quit smoking from at least two weeks before the surgery until two weeks after the surgery. It is not enough to just cut down on smoking. You must stop completely since smoking makes complications more likely and slows healing.
Don’t try a drastic diet before the surgery. Eat well-balanced, complete meals. A healthy diet may help you heal better.
Tell your doctor about everything you take, including prescription drugs, herbal medicines, and other supplements. Your surgeon may instruct you to stop taking certain medications for a time before and after the surgery.
Before getting the surgery, get your home ready. You’ll need:
- Ice packs
- Loose, comfortable clothing that can be put on and off very easily
- Petroleum jelly
- Hand-held shower head and bathroom chair
You’ll also need someone to drive you home after the tummy tuck. If you live alone, you’ll want someone to stay with you for at least the first night. Make a plan for that.
How a Tummy Tuck Is Done?
This surgery can take anywhere from one to five hours. You may need to stay overnight in the hospital, depending on your case.
You will get general anaesthesia, which will put you to “sleep” during the operation.
Is it right for me?
A tummy tuck repairs muscles and removes excess skin, revealing a stomach that is smoother and firmer. But it isn’t a replacement for exercise, a healthy diet, or a weight loss solution.
Tummy tuck surgery may be appropriate for you if:
- You are physically healthy and at a stable weight
- You have realistic expectations
- You have loose or droopy skin around your stomach
- You have excess stomach fat that hasn’t responded to diet or exercise
Possible Complications?
You will have pain and swelling in the days following surgery. Your doctor will prescribe pain medicine and tell you how to best handle the pain. You may be sore for several weeks or months, also experience numbness, bruising, and tiredness during that time.
As with any surgery, there are risks. Though they’re rare, complications can include infection, bleeding under the skin flap, or blood clots. You may be more likely to have complications if you have poor circulation, diabetes, or heart, lung, or liver disease.
You may experience insufficient healing, which can cause more significant scarring or loss of skin. If you do heal poorly, you may require a second surgery.
A tummy tuck leaves scars. Though they may fade slightly, they will never completely disappear. Your surgeon may recommend certain creams or ointments to use after you’ve completely healed to help with scars.
How to take care of yourself after surgery?
Whether you’re having a partial or complete tummy tuck, the area that’s operated on will be stitched and bandaged. It’s very important to follow all your surgeon’s 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. Your surgeon will also instruct you on how to best position yourself while sitting or lying down to help ease pain.
You will have to severely limit strenuous activity for at least six weeks. You may need to take up to one month off work after the surgery to ensure proper recovery. Your doctor will advise you on what you need to do or not do.
How much does it cost?
The average tummy tuck costs around $8,100 based on reviews from RealSelf community members, but the price can vary widely. Many factors affect cost, including the method used, the experience level of the surgeon, the geographic location where the procedure is performed, and any additional costs associated with surgical, operating room, anesthesia, or post-op appointments.
As with any cosmetic procedure, price should not be the primary factor in choosing your method or doctor.
What are the possible side effects or risks?
A tummy tuck is a surgery, and has inherent risks that should be discussed in advance with your doctor. Some potential complications may include bleeding, infection, and reactions to anesthesia.
Tissue loss along portions of the horizontal incision is possible when the tummy tuck is extensive. This complication, which delays healing and prolongs recovery, is more common in people who smoke or have medical conditions like diabetes. Revisionary surgery is sometimes helpful in certain instances where incisions may have healed poorly.
Returning to Daily Life
Generally, most people love how they look after this procedure. That can take time, though. You may not feel like your normal self for months after the surgery.
Diet and exercise can help you maintain the results.
Does Insurance Cover a Tummy Tuck?
Insurance companies generally do not cover cosmetic surgery that’s done without a medical reason. Yours might if you have a hernia that will be corrected through the procedure.
Before you decide whether to get a tummy tuck, contact your insurance company so you’re clear on what’s covered and what’s not.