Tummy Tuck

Introduction

A tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgical procedure that both men and women elect to undergo to recover muscle tone and shape in the abdominal area. The tummy tuck procedure restructures abdominal muscles from the inside out, providing contouring and removing excess tissue from the area, resulting in a firmer abdomen and tighter skin. The procedure provides excellent long-term results, however you must maintain a stable weight in order to retain the desired results.

Ideal Candidates

Ideal candidates for the tummy tuck procedure are men or women in good health who would like to improve the tone and shape of their abdomen, regaining their previous physique. Candidates with good weight control will see the best results from a tummy tuck. The procedure is also ideal for men or women who have undergone significant weight loss and now have loose abdominal skin and muscles, or for women who have had their final pregnancy and wish to tone up. While the tummy tuck does not pose risks to subsequent pregnancies, the stretching of the abdominal area during pregnancy will counteract the effects of the tummy tuck.

How It's Done

The tummy tuck is a surgical procedure which requires you to be fully sedated under general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes between three to four hours. Surgery may take longer if you are having additional cosmetic procedures performed at the same time, such as liposuction.

Before surgery, guidelines are made in pen on your abdomen to assist the surgeon in placing the incisions where they will be the least visible. Typically, the incision is placed in the bikini line, where your undergarments will cover them.

After making the incision, the surgeon then carefully moves the skin up toward the ribs to expose the muscles beneath the skin. The abdominal muscles are brought together and connected with strong, non-absorbable sutures. Special care is taken during this process to ensure the muscle does not intrude on the abdominal cavity. Then the skin and fat layers are placed back over the muscles, and any excess tissue is trimmed. The surgeon uses a special technique to reattach the skin and fat to the muscle, suturing in the midline area, which minimizes excess fluids during recovery. Small tubes (drains) are placed underneath the skin to collect what fluids do occur. Finally, the skin is reattached at the lower incision.

Recovery

Immediately after surgery, you are taken to the onsite recovery suite, where patients often spend the night, attended by an RN. If you are responding well and there is no unusual discomfort, you will be discharged the following morning to return home for the balance of the recovery.

The drains that were inserted during your procedure will stay in place between 48 hours and 4 days, depending on the amount of fluid that needs to be released. During surgery, an abdominal girdle is put on, which creates compression and helps the body return any further fluids. The girdle is worn between 3-6 weeks, or longer if needed.

Patients typically need to schedule 2 weeks off work, or longer if their job requires lifting or heavy physical activity. During the initial 2 to 3 weeks of recovery, you will feel too uncomfortable to pick up young children, so you should make arrangements for assistance during that time if you have young ones at home. Within a month the sutures are dissolved, and you will see results and feel recovered after about 3 months. At 6 months, the results are final and you should have no further discomfort.

Walking is the best exercise for the early period of recovery. You may begin walking for exercise as early as 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. More strenuous exercise such as lifting, aerobics, etc., should be avoided for at least the first 7 weeks. When more strenuous exercise is resumed, you may chose to wear a support garment during exercise.