Many people, women in particular, wish the weight on their body would be distributed in a more even fashion. For some even though they adhere to a strict diet and exercise routine, other factors, such as genetics, menopause, and childbirth, can leave women with deposits of fat in the abdominal area. In some cases, an abdominoplasty—more commonly known as a tummy tuck—can produce excellent results. A tummy tuck can strengthen weak stomach muscles, remove fat, reveal a tighter abdomen and allow clothing to fit much more attractively. There are a number of things men and women considering a tummy tuck should be aware of, including the following:
- In order to undergo a tummy tuck, you should be in good health, and if you smoke you should stop at least two weeks prior to the procedure in order to minimize the risk of complications.
- A tummy tuck only targets fat deposits in the stomach area and will not take fat away from other areas of the body unless you combine the tummy tuck with another procedure such as liposuction to remove “love handles.”
- If the patient’s fat and excess skin are primarily below the belly button, they may be a candidate for a mini-tummy tuck.
- It is unlikely insurance will pay for a tummy tuck unless it is considered medically necessary.
- While some patients may require an overnight stay following a tummy tuck, many will leave the surgical facility only a few hours after the procedure.
- The day after the tummy tuck procedure, patients should walk short distances in order to encourage blood flow.
- Swelling, bruising and discomfort are normal.
- Most surgeons advise their patients to take at least a week—preferably two—off from work following a tummy tuck.
- Plan to have someone help you with household tasks as well as with the care of your children for at least two weeks following your tummy tuck.
- No travel, extended standing or heavy physical work for three weeks following the procedure.
- If healing has progressed normally, many people can resume most activities within three to six weeks, although you should expect to feel more tired than normal for a full six weeks.
- While the majority of the swelling, post-op fatigue, and pain will resolve within six weeks following the tummy tuck, full healing can take as long as a year during which the scars will soften and fade, and sensation will return to the skin in the belly region.
- Most patients will have a reduction of 30-50 percent of the abdominal skin which may get rid of any stretch marks as well. The remaining skin will be stretched to cover the entire abdomen.
- A new belly button will be created during the tummy tuck.
- Women who are not done with having children might want to delay a tummy tuck until that time, as future pregnancies can separate the vertical muscles which are tightened during a tummy tuck.
- If you are planning on losing a significant amount of weight, you should undertake that weight loss journey prior to having a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck is not a replacement for needed weight loss.
- During a complete abdominoplasty, the abdomen is cut from hipbone to hipbone, then the skin, tissue and muscle is contoured as needed; the belly button is moved, and most patients will require drainage tubes under the skin for a few days.
- Complications from a tummy tuck are rare, but can include infection, bleeding under the skin flap and blood clots. Those with heart, lung, or liver disease or those with diabetes may be more likely to experience complications during or after a tummy tuck procedure.
- Tummy tucks do leave scars, although they will fade as time passes.
- Diet and exercise can help maintain the results of a tummy tuck.
Contact Pasadena Plastic Surgeon Specialists
If you are considering a tummy tuck or liposuction, it is important to choose a certified plastic surgeon in Pasadena carefully. Men and women continue to choose Dr. Kevin Ruhge to perform their liposuction and tummy tuck surgeries because of the extraordinary care they receive. His personalized approach to plastic surgery means that his clients can contact him 24/7 after a surgical procedure.
If you would like to learn more about tummy tucks, liposuction, or any plastic surgery procedure, we invite you to meet with Dr. Ruhge for a private consultation at our plastic surgery center in Pasadena by calling 626.397.9095, or by scheduling an appointment online.