A tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgical procedure that results in tighter abdominal areas and gives the patient a slimmer waistline. The surgery literally tucks body fat that is unsightly under itself in layers until it is no longer visible. It is a complicated procedure that an experienced cosmetic surgeon needs to complete.
Tummy Tuck procedure
Two incisions are made when a cosmetic or plastic surgeon begins the tummy tuck surgery. One incision will be around the hip bone near the pubic area. The other incision loosens the belly button so that I can be repositioned after the tummy tuck is completed. After these incisions are made, the surgeon begins the tummy tuck. Any abdominal muscle that is exposed will be stitched into a tighter, better looking, and reshaped waist area. The body will be redefined with a smaller waistline after the muscles are folded and stitched into place. The incisions will then be closed to all them to heal.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
It takes a good amount of time to recover from a tummy tuck surgery. The total recovery time varies by patient and cannot be predicted. Patients will not be able to lift or carry any type of weight during this period. The hardest days are the ones immediately following the surgery. Discomfort, pain, swelling and bruising are all natural parts of the process that the body experiences due to the rearrangement of the abdominal muscles.
The incisions will be healed about five to seven days after the surgery. It is at that time that the stitches may be removed. Just because the stitches are removed does not mean it’s time to start strenuous activity. The patient still needs to allow a lot of time for healing. Restarting normal activity at this point is impossible. Doing so may result in painful damage to the area which might reverse the effects of the surgery.
A support that is made for tummy tuck recovery and aftercare will be required to be worn. It keeps the newly moved muscles in place and will act as a protective barrier for the waistline as it begins to heal. The support is very helpful in relieving additional pain and stress from the patient when it is worn. Many patients wear the support longer than suggested because it removes a large amount of the soreness associated with tummy tuck recoveries.
Tummy Tuck Scars
There are some scars associated with the tummy tuck. Many cosmetic surgeries will leave some kind of scar. Patients can expect to wait at least twelve months before the scar has reduced enough to be able to show off their new stomach in a bathing suit. Consulting a plastic surgeon or scar removal professional may speed up this process.
Tummy Tuck Cost
A tummy tuck can cost several thousand dollars. It is not covered by your insurance company. You can expect to pay at least fifty percent of the cost up front prior to the surgery date. Other expenses include after care, medicine, anesthesia, supplies, and the tummy tuck support.