What to Expect from a Tummy Tuck Procedure

tummy tuck

A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure intended to flatten the abdomen. The doctor does so by removing excess skin and fat. It is considered major surgery.

People who have lost a lot of weight often have fat deposits and loose skin around the belly and therefore often get tummy tucks. Similarly, women who have been pregnant several times find themselves with loose skin and lax abdominal walls.

Preparing for the tummy tuck

The first decision a patient and their doctor will have to make is to choose the type of tummy tuck. There are two main kinds: the full abdominoplasty and the partial abdominoplasty.

The doctor may also advise a smoker to quit a few weeks before the surgery and continue not to smoke until sometime after the surgery.

It may not be enough to merely cut down on cigarettes for smoking increases the chances of complications and slows down healing. The doctor may also ask the patient to stop taking certain medications.

What happens during the procedure?

In a full abdominoplasty, the incisions will be made above the pelvic area while a partial abdominoplasty is a less involved procedure.

What happens during the recovery?

Since a tummy tuck is a major surgery, the recovery takes time. The patient should plan to stay home from work for a couple of weeks and have another person stay with them for the first few days after the surgery.

Most surgeons place drainage tubes under the skin. Medication can be prescribed to manage any discomfort.

Who should not get a tummy tuck?

Since a tummy tuck is considered a major surgery, any candidate needs to be in good health. Tummy tucks can result in scarring, so people prone to scarring may want to reconsider.

People planning to lose a lot of weight or get pregnant should postpone the tummy tuck. Also, a tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure; it is for people who are already more or less at their healthy weight.

Contact Us

If your rigorous diet and exercise efforts have not removed some fat deposits, and you are looking for a solution, you may be a candidate for a tummy tuck procedure. Contact the office of Dr. Steven Warnock, MD today to schedule a consultation appointment.

Our practice is dedicated to helping patients with their cosmetic concerns, and we offer a variety of services including facelifts, skin tightening, breast augmentation, mommy makeovers, and more. Get started now.