Tummy tuck surgery requires several hours, depending on the type of procedure being performed.
Making the Incisions
The amount and the size of incisions that are made during a tummy tuck surgery will depend upon the type of procedure being performed.
There are different types of tummy tucks surgery for the treatment of different kinds of aesthetic problems.
Surgery procedure like Traditional tummy tuck surgery requires just one incision along the frontal part of the abdomen from one hip bone to the other.
You can consult with your surgeon about altering the position of your incisions, based on your body type and lifestyle preferences.
Naval Reattachment and Sculpting surgery procedure
Most tummy tuck surgery procedures involve repositioning to make abdominal skin look tight. To detach the navel, a vertical second incision is made across the abdomen’s midsection.
Depending on your surgeon’s mindset a more appealing result can be achieved. Naval reattachment surgery and naval sculpting procedures are surgical art forms, and cosmetic surgeons more experienced with abdominoplasty surgeries will generally achieve better results.
Tightening abdominal Muscles
Our Abdominal muscles usually relax or loosen up as the patient ages. During abdominoplasty or tummy tuck surgery your surgeon has the opportunity to tighten sagging abdominal muscle mass.
This procedure also helps to eliminate pockets of excess fat and loose skin from the tummy area. The abdominal muscles are the pulled closer and sewn or stitched in a way that provides more toned and appealing appearance. Tightening of the abdominal muscles also results in a narrow waistline.
Skin Removal procedure
Post tummy tuck surgery the abdominal muscles and the skin is stretched downward, and the excess skin is cut short. Sometimes tummy tuck surgery is used to remove any unwanted fat pockets before the skin is trimmed short.
Eliminating Stretch Marks
Visible stretch marks located slightly under the navel are often eliminated along with the excess skin. The remaining stretch marks often invisible after a tummy tuck surgery.
This is because the stretching of the abdominal skin flattens the stretch marks, decreasing the degree to which they indent the skin.
Closing the Incisions
When the tummy tuck surgery is complete, the skin is stitched together using surgical stitches. With the sutures in place, your skin cells will meet at the site of incision resulting in healing the wound naturally over time.
Surgical drains fasten up the healing process and often reduce the pain from the buildup of fluids under the skin. The tummy tuck stitches will normally be removed in stages over a period of two weeks following surgery.
RECOVERING FROM TUMMY TUCK SURGERY
Various cosmetic surgeons have been performing tummy tuck surgery safely and effectively for many years. However, it is a major surgical procedure and requires an extensive recovery time and careful post-surgical care.
A patient can fasten their healing process by following your surgeon’s instructions.
Downtime
Patients should take at least a few weeks off from work, although you may require a recovery period of up to six weeks if you undergo an extensive procedure.
Patients with young children should make childcare arrangements during this time. Moderate walking can aid the healing process, but individuals should avoid strenuous physical activity. Patients should sleep with their heads elevated for at least a few weeks after their tummy tuck surgery.
Post-Operative Care
Most tummy tuck surgeons place drainage tubes under the skin. Patients should empty those drainage tubes few times a day. It is necessary to monitor the discharge and alert your surgeons if you notice a significant amount of blood or an unpleasant odor. you will also be required to change your bandages several times a day.
Medication after a tummy tuck surgery can vary widely, depending on a particular procedure and the tummy tuck surgeon’s personal preferences.
Over-the-counter medication can help in reducing the discomfort, and the surgeon may also prescribe more medication if needed.
Post tummy tuck surgery patients should avoid showering for a few days or until otherwise instructed by the plastic surgeon.
Minimizing Scarring
All tummy tuck procedures will eventually leave some scars, although cosmetic surgeons try to minimize scarring as much as possible.
To ensure that the scars are not visible patients should avoid direct sun exposure on the incision sites. Petroleum jelly, silicone sheets, and silicone cream may also reduce the appearance of scar tissue.
Smoking
People who smoke post their tummy tuck surgeries are much more likely to suffer from complications, infections, and scarring. smoking restricts the flow of oxygen all over the body, tummy tuck patients should avoid tobacco products for at least 2 weeks post their surgeries.
Psychological Effects
post tummy tuck surgery, patients sometimes feel a little low. The long rest time can be a little disturbing for active individuals. however, swelling, bruising, and scarring is a part of the recovery process.
As recovery progresses and the tummy tuck results become apparent, most patients find that their mood and self-esteem boosted. However, those who have experienced prolonged depression should discuss this with their surgeon.