Tummy Tuck
Once the abdomen has been stretched by pregnancy or weight gain, it often fails to return to its original shape. Because the muscles and tissues are lengthened beyond the capacity to return to normal, they do not typically respond to exercise or diet. In these cases, tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty) can provide a long-lasting solution.
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Who Is a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Patients who are unhappy with sagging, loose skin on their abdomen, and are at or close to their ideal weight may be good candidates for tummy tuck surgery. In general, the best candidates are also:
- In good general health
- Not pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- Wanting to improve their appearance and comfort
- Realistic about their expectations
What Does a Tummy Tuck Entail?
Tummy tuck surgery is performed using general anesthesia for your comfort and safety.
Dr. Nguyen will make an incision across the hip bone directly above the pubic area, with a second incision to separate the navel from surrounding tissue. He will then remove excess skin and fat and tighten the abdominal muscles. Some liposuction is also performed to enhance the contour further.
Tummy tuck surgery can take between two and five hours to complete, depending on the extent of correction needed.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Tummy tuck recovery time will vary for each patient. It can take between two and four weeks for you to feel well enough to return to work, depending on your physical condition and the extent of your surgery. You will be asked to wear a compression garment to help minimize swelling and assist in the healing process. Surgical drains may also be placed to help prevent fluid build-up. Drains are typically removed in about one week.
You should begin taking light walks as soon as you can to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and improve muscle tone. However, strenuous activities, especially lifting, should be avoided for around four weeks or until Dr. Nguyen clears you.
Some scarring will occur after your tummy tuck and may appear to worsen during the first few months of recovery, but will fade with time. Incisions will be placed so that they can be concealed under a bathing suit or underwear.
Tummy Tuck Results
As long as you maintain a stable weight, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and follow postoperative instructions regarding physical activity, the results of your tummy tuck can be permanent. Dramatic weight fluctuations or pregnancy after your procedure will affect your results.
Mommy Makeover
For a more dramatic result, you can combine this procedure with a breast augmentation, tummy tuck, or other procedures for a full Mommy Makeover. This combination of procedures is common for mothers who would like to restore their pre-pregnancy bodies.