You Are Considering a Tummy Tuck

TUMMY TUCK

(Abdominoplasty)

This procedure classified as major cosmetic surgery, removes excess skin and fat from the mid and lower abdomen. Abdominal muscles may also be tightened as part of the procedure. The objective of this surgery is to correct a protruding abdomen caused by pregnancy or genetic predisposition.

The degree of surgery is dependent upon the amount of excess tissue in place; therefore patients who intend to lose (a significant amount of) weight should postpone surgery. Likewise, women planning future pregnancies may want to defer the procedure particularly when seeking to tighten their abdominals. These could separate during the "stretching" process of pregnancy. The appearance of existing abdominal scars may worsen.

Tummy tuck procedures increased 227 percent since 1992.
-The 2001 Report of the 2000 Procedural Statistics, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Surgeons perform this operation in a hospital or a properly equipped and accredited outpatient surgery center. It is always done under general anesthesia. The operation may take two to five hours.

Because of the major tissue movement, healing time and wound quality may vary in individuals. Cigarette smoking and/or poor circulation will have an adverse effect and hence add greater risk.

The long incision is closed in layers using both deep (hidden) stitches and either surface stitches or surgical clips. A suction drain-tube is usually inserted for two to five days to reduce swelling and bruising and aid in healing.

A special support and compression garment is usually worn for a week or so. While most patients can return to work and resume normal activities in two weeks, it may take a bit longer for some. Exercise programs can be safely resumed in three to four weeks. Scar maturation can take up to nine months, which is typical for any operation done on the abdomen.

Questions to Ask if You Are Considering a Tummy Tuck:

What factors determine if correction of my abdominal fullness can be accomplished by liposuction vs. a tummy tuck?
What is a "partial" or "mini tummy tuck"? Am I a candidate?
What happens if I gain weight after? Lose weight?
Can problems occur if I become pregnant after surgery?
What are the chances of keloid scars?
I do a strenuous workout program including sit-ups. How long before I can resume these activities?
What is the most common complication? How is it corrected?
What is the most serious complication? How is this handled?

Tummy Tuck

Convalescence: At home. Mild to moderate pain medication required. Because the abdominal muscles may be quite stiff and sore, you may need a bit of help getting in and out of bed for the first couple of days.
Stitch Removal: External stitches are in place from five to ten or even fourteen days. Removal may be done serially not all at once, depending on the speed of wound healing.
Return to work: One to two weeks. Longer if lifting or stooping are job features.
The first week: If a suction drain is used, it may be in place two days or longer. The purpose is to remove fluid that accumulates under the skin which, if not evacuated, can compromise healing and prolong swelling. Abdominal muscles are stiff and sore. You will find it difficult to flex and extend the abdomen. Bruising may be present. A corset-binder is helpful.
After the first week: You may continue to use the corset-binder for several more weeks. Swelling abates and soreness disappears. If there is any bruising, it also fades rapidly. The scars will be obvious for many months and they take a year or longer to be fully mature and minimally visible. Sun protection, of course, minimizes the possibility of increased scar pigmentation during the first year or so.

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