Guide To Tummy Tuck Surgery
Imagine waking up one morning in a new body. You’re leaner and more defined. It’s not a dream! And it’s not because you spent hours in the gym or participated in a crash diet. It’s because you elected to have a tummy tuck procedure!
Over 100,000 tummy tucks are performed yearly, making them the sixth most popular plastic surgery choice. Tummy tucks remove excess fat and skin. They also help tighten the abdominal wall.
Tummy tucks can be helpful for those who have lost a significant amount of weight and carry excess skin. Many postpartum women choose to have them to help with long-lasting baby weight and weak abdominal muscles.
If you’re curious about what is involved in having a tummy tuck, keep reading!
Tummy Tuck Surgery Procedure Overview
A tummy tuck procedure is a significant surgery. It involves surgery of the abdominal wall and tightening of muscles. While liposuction is different than a tummy tuck, it may be part of your procedure.
Before undergoing the procedure, you will consult your plastic surgeon. During the consultation, you will discuss your current and previous health history. You and your surgeon will discuss the outcome you hope to achieve with surgery.
You will devise a plan for preparation, surgery, and recovery with your surgeon.
What is Involved in Having a Tummy Tuck?
There are specific criteria you want to meet before pursuing this procedure. If you still have weight you want to lose, wait until you are at your goal weight to schedule the procedure.
If you are of childbearing age and plan to have a baby, doctors may recommend waiting until your last birth. Pregnancy can stretch the muscles the tummy tuck tightens.
The ideal tummy tuck candidate is healthy, active, and a non-smoker. This procedure is not a solution for weight loss but rather an aid in getting you closer to your goal body and improving self-esteem.
The Process
What is the process of a tummy tuck? After your initial consultation, your plastic surgeon schedules your surgery date.
Depending on how much work you need, a tummy tuck lasts anywhere from one to five hours. An anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia, and the surgery begins.
Most of these procedures are outpatient. Whether you are an outpatient or in-patient, have a friend or relative with you. You will want someone with you to drive you home.
The Procedure
How is a tummy tuck performed? The plastic surgeon makes a small incision below your belly button. Through this incision, the surgeon removes the excess skin and fat.
After removing skin and fat, the surgeon tightens the fascia tissue that covers the muscles. This procedure uses permanent sutures to keep the tissue in place.
If the patient has an abundance of extra skin, an additional incision around the belly button may be necessary.
After surgery completion, it’s time to rest and recover!
Recovery
Most patients recover from their tummy tuck procedure within six weeks. Patients will have drains for up to three weeks post-surgery. Patients receive a pain medication prescription.
After your six-week checkup, your plastic surgeon will clear you for everyday activities.
Some patients may experience swelling past the six-week mark. But, within 12-16 weeks, all swelling should be gone. Once all swelling subsides, you will see your final tummy tuck results!
What is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
What is involved in a mini tummy tuck? A mini tummy tuck is the same procedure as a standard tummy tuck but on a smaller scale.
Mini tummy tucks are perfect for patients with little fat and less excess skin. A mini-tuck procedure takes one to two hours.
Recovery from a mini tummy tuck is the same as an entire procedure. Because the surgery is on a smaller scale, you can expect recovery to be a little easier.
Depending on your plastic surgeon, you may resume some activities as soon as two weeks. If surgery was minimally invasive and recovery went well, a shorter time frame can be more likely.
After Your Tummy Tuck
Life before and after a tummy tuck procedure is life-changing for many patients. Low self-esteem falls by the wayside. Patients often feel they have a new lease on life. Clients feel free from many restrictions, such as clothing options and activities.
After a patient gets the all-clear to resume normal activities, there are no restrictions. Many patients report improvements in their social and personal life.
When you feel better about your body, it flows into other areas of your life. While a tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery, it creates life-long feelings of satisfaction in most patients.
Other Plastic Surgery Services
If a tummy tuck is not on your radar, there are many other plastic surgery services to consider.
Liposuction is the removal of excess fat. This is an outpatient procedure. Similar to a tummy tuck with the removal of fat, but no change to the abdominal structure is made.
An Arm Lift, or Brachioplasty, removes loose skin from the arms. A combination of liposuction and surgery is performed. A small incision is made in the arm, and the excess skin is lifted and tightened.
If plastic surgery isn’t for you, you can still refresh your look with a MedSpa visit. Facials, laser therapy, and Botox are a few services that are non-invasive but give you a little pep in your step.
Schedule a Consultation
Now that you know what is involved in having a tummy tuck procedure, it’s time to schedule your consultation!
The Plastic Surgery Group of New Jersey provides state-of-the-art services to the New Jersey area. The Plastic Surgery Group specializes in transformative plastic surgery procedures.
For over 25 years, they have been New Jersey and surrounding areas’ go-to facility for plastic surgery.
The team at the Plastic Surgery Group in Montclair, New Jersey, is ready to answer all your questions and concerns about procedures. Whether it’s a tummy tuck or you’re interested in our MedSpa, we’re here to help. Contact our office today to set up an appointment!
