What Does A Tummy Tuck Do?
A tummy tuck, or anabdominoplasty if you want to use the fancy term, is a fairly popular surgical procedure. Those people who usually opt for a tummy tuck procedure want to flatten their stomachs or tighten up lose or sagging skin. Tummy tucks are preformed on women or men. Commonly people who have lost weight and maintained their weight loss, but are not able to tighten up their stomach through exercise will choose tummy tuck surgery. Women who have been through a pregnancy and are sure they will have no more pregnancies will often opt for abdominoplasty.
Tummy tuck surgery is not for those who see it as a way to lose weight. Candidates for this procedure must be in good health and have a healthy weight before the surgery. Tummy tuck surgery is not the same procedure as liposuction, although excess fat is removed during the surgery. A tummy tuck removes excess skin and tissue and tightens up the muscles under the skin by using stitches to bring the muscles closer together.
The Procedure
You must first choose a qualified plastic surgeon and then you will have a consultation appointment to discuss your procedure. Let your surgeon know your desired outcome, but be realistic. Through discussion, you and your surgeon will determine the best approach for your tummy tuck procedure.
More than likely, you will be given general anesthesia, but other pain medication options may be available. Commonly, the incision for tummy tucks is made slightly above the pubic hair line from hip to hip. Depending on the procedure another incision may need to be made vertically to the navel so that the upper abdominal muscles may be tightened. The skin will then be pulled over the muscles, with any extra skin being removed. The entire process takes anywhere from two to five hours.
After The Surgery
Tummy tuck surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, so you will more than likely go home the same day as your surgery, but you will want to have someone available to help you at home. You will have bandages and possibly a drainage tube when you first come out of surgery. You will have stitches that will remain in for seven to ten days.
There will be surgical pain after the procedure, as well as swelling, bruising and possible numbness for up to several weeks. Over time the results of your surgery will continue to improve. Your surgeon will inform you when you can return to your usually level of activity, but plan on taking it easy for at least six weeks. Your surgeon will also let you know when you may return to work. It could be up to two weeks. You will have several follow up appointments after your surgery to have your stitches removed and to make sure healing is progressing as it should.
Risks from tummy tuck surgery include infection, scarring, fluid accumulation, blood clots and other surgical complications. Your surgeon will go over all the risks with you during your consultation.
You will want to maintain a balanced diet and exercise program in order to keep a healthy weight and to ensure lasting results from your procedure.
For more information on tummy tuck procedures or to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon, visit <a rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href=" ">Plastic surgeon Los Angeles</a>.
