As the name suggests, a tummy tuck is a procedure to tuck your tummy to enhance its appearance and shape. During this cosmetic surgery, your doctor removes excess fat, stretch marks, and skin to tighten your abdominal muscles to render a toned look.
The procedure works on the excess skin and fat you cannot get rid of through exercise. However, it is not an alternative or quick solution for getting into shape.
Alternate Name of Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty
Body Location
Abdominal region
Tummy Tuck Procedure Type
A tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure.
How to Prepare for a Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Here's how you prepare for a tummy tuck procedure:
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If you smoke, quit at least six weeks before your surgery.
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Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
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Ensure that your diet is rich in protein. It facilitates healing your tissues post-surgery.
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Avoid certain medicines, such as anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin. These medications can cause excessive bleeding.
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Make all necessary arrangements beforehand.
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If you have kids, make sure to arrange help for them before your admission.
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A tummy tuck is either performed as an outpatient or inpatient. Your doctor will inform you about it.
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Make sure to have someone drive you home and take care of you after the procedure.
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Maintain a stable body weight for 12 months before going under the knife.
How is a Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?
There are two forms of tummy tuck surgery - partial and complete abdominoplasty. During both procedures, you will be under the effect of general anaesthesia.
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Partial Tummy Tuck
During a partial abdominoplasty, your doctor makes a large horizontal incision in your tummy. It separates your skin from the wall of the abdomen right below the belly button. Once open, the doctor removes the excess skin and fat and stitches the cut while repositioning the remaining skin.
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Complete Tummy Tuck
During this surgery, your doctor makes a hip-to-hip horizontal cut (first incision) in your lower abdomen. Then, they make a second cut to remove the tissue surrounding your belly button. It isolates the skin from your abdominal wall. Once done, the doctor realigns the abdominal muscles and removes excess skin and fat deposits. Then, a new hole is made for the belly button. Finally, they pull the remaining skin together and sew it to reposition the same.
Follow Up After a Tummy Tuck Surgery
Your doctor will schedule your first follow-up two weeks after surgery. During this visit, your doctor will examine your abdominal area to understand if the wound is healing properly. After they remove your stitches, you can resume your normal activities. Complete recovery may take around three to five weeks.
Risks Associated With a Tummy Tuck Surgery
The risks involved with a tummy tuck surgery include the following:
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Seroma or fluid build-up under the skin is a common post-operative issue in a tummy tuck procedure. Therefore, small drainage tubes are placed at the incision site post-surgery. Your surgeon may drain the fluid using a syringe and needle after completing the procedure.
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In some people, the region along the line of the incision does not heal properly or happens to separate. To avoid this, your doctor will advise taking antibiotics.
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You may develop scarring at the incision site, and this scar is permanent. However, it remains hidden along the bikini line.
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Fat tissue damage or death is also a risk associated with a tummy tuck. Smoking often maximizes the chances of the same. In some people, the tissues may recover on their own, while others need a surgical touch-up.
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Repositioning of abdominal skin may impact the nerves surrounding the tummy region. So, you feel numbness or a reduction in sensation after the procedure. However, it goes away within a few months.
Recovery After a Tummy Tuck Surgery
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After a tummy tuck surgery, your abdominal region, including the belly button and incision, will be protected with surgical dressing.
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Your doctor may place small tubes across the site of the incision. It is to drain out excess body fluid or blood.
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Your doctor will leave the draining tubes in place for a couple of days after your surgery. They will show you how to take care of and empty the drains.
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After the first day of your surgery, a caregiver will help you walk. It helps prevent blood clot formation.
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Swelling and pain in and around the surgical site are normal. Your doctor may also give you pain relief medications to reduce pain.
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Your doctor may prescribe a blood-thinning medicine after the surgery for some time.
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You will have to use an abdominal binder (a supportive garment) for around six weeks after the procedure. This garment will support your abdomen and prevent fluid accumulation during recovery.
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Be extra cautious when moving for at least six weeks after your surgery. Do not move or sit in postures that may create pressure around your incision site and open the wound.
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