Tummy tuck Continued
The consultation is your time to evaluate both the procedure and the surgeon. Ask questions and don't hesitate to discuss any concerns you have about the surgery with your surgeon. Make sure that you inform the surgeon of your health status and talk about any illness or physical limitation you might have.
There are many variations of the Tummy Tuck procedure:
- Standard Abdominoplasty—this is the most often performed Tummy Tuck surgery. During this procedure the surgeon makes an incision just above the pubic bone extending in both directions. The length of the incision depends upon the scope of the surgery to be performed. A second incision is made at the navel. Skin is separated from the main incision to the ribcage; the underlying muscle structure is pulled, tightened then sutured into place. The skin is then repositioned, pulled taut and smooth, and extra skin excised. A new hole is made for the navel and it is stitched in place. The entire surgery can take 5 hours. Depending on the extent of surgery, a hospital stay may be required for this procedure.
- Mini Abdominoplasty—if the fatty area and amount of loose skin is relatively small, a surgeon may choose to do a mini Tummy Tuck. The incision for a mini Tummy Tuck is much smaller and the incision of the belly button is not necessary in this procedure. Liposuction may be performed in conjunction with the surgery to help remove fatty deposits. The mini Tummy Tuck surgery takes from 1 to 2 hours.
- Endoscopic Abdominoplasty—this procedure requires only small incisions through which a camera and surgical instruments are manipulated by the surgeon. Endoscopic Abdominoplasty is used in conjunction with liposuction. As in a standard Tummy Tuck, abdominal muscles are tightened and a smoothed and a flat look is obtained. This procedure is an option for patients with good skin elasticity and mild abdominal protrusion.
Risks
Tummy Tucks are considered very safe, however all surgery carries risk. Normal post op complications such as blood clots and infection can occur. Smokers can be susceptible to slow healing and skin necrosis (rare). There is the possibility that fluid will collect beneath the skin requiring the surgeon to drain it. Following your surgeon's post op instructions will diminish your chances of having any complications.
Results
Recovery from surgery will involve moderate pain and swelling. Some numbness will occur for up to 6 months. You can return to work within 2 weeks, but no strenuous exercise is allowed for 8 weeks. You will notice the full effect of surgery within 6 months to 1 year. Scars from the surgery are permanent but do fade over time.
You will need to follow a sensible diet plan and develop an exercise routine to maintain the results of the surgery. For many people the end benefits of the surgery—firmer figure, better fitting clothes, more self-confidence—far out way the physical and financial costs.
By MS Kauffman
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