A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a procedure performed on the abdomen to reduce excess skin and fat while repairing the abdominal muscles. Most people needing a tummy tuck have recently lost significant weight, usually after a lifestyle change, or undergone one or more pregnancies.
How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
The procedure is designed to tighten loose abdominal walls and remove excess skin and fat.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a horizontal incision above the pubic bone, below the bikini line. They usually make markings on the skin to guide the incision line without distortion.
Another incision is made at the belly button to allow the surgeon to pull the skin towards the lower incision. The surgeon will then suture the abdomen together after removing excess skin. A new hole for the belly button is made, and the belly button is attached and sutured in place.
After the procedure, patients are advised to wear a compression garment issued at the hospital to minimize and discourage swelling and fluid buildup. If necessary, the surgeon will attach drainage tubes to allow fluids to drain. They often attach bottles at the end of the tubes to collect fluid and reduce the risk of infection.
How Long Does the Procedure Take to Heal?
Although done as outpatient surgery, a tummy tuck procedure is major surgery. It may take patients about six months before they are fully healed.
Can a Tummy Tuck Be Paired With Other Cosmetic Procedures?
The procedure can be paired with liposuction. Here, a surgeon uses a cannula to dislodge fat before using a medical vacuum to suction dislodged fat deposits. You can also choose to have another cosmetic procedure on a different part of your body, as is done during a Mommy Makeover.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
Tummy tuck costs in San Diego, CA, range from $10,000 to $15,000. These prices can vary depending on the types of the procedure you get (mini or full tummy tuck). The above price includes hospital fees, surgeon fees, anesthesia, and post-op / pre-op requirements.
Furthermore, health insurance does not typically cover the cost of the procedure or any other elective surgery.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck Procedure?
A good tummy tuck patient should be healthy and have a stable weight. Patients who exercise regularly are better equipped to maintain the results of the procedure because their abdominal muscles are toned.
After the procedure, the patient will get instructions from the doctor, which may include using compression garments even while sleeping, which can be uncomfortable. A good patient is disciplined because they have to follow the doctor’s orders without fail for the best results. Some patients disregard the surgeon’s recommendations and end up putting their lives and results at risk.
Tummy Tuck Q&A
Does the procedure leave scars?
Yes, a tummy tuck leaves behind a scar across the lower abdomen. Most patients will heal well and have barely any scars.
Is a tummy tuck safe?
Yes, a procedure performed by a qualified doctor in a sterile environment is safe. There are few cases of risks and complications that occur in less than 1% of cases. These are usually treatable or reversible, at the very least.
Can I drive after a tummy tuck?
You are advised to avoid driving while on pain medication as it can cause you to lose alertness.
How long does it take to recover from a tummy tuck?
After the procedure, patients may experience numbness, pulling, tightness, and tenderness around the abdomen and incision sites. The first six weeks of the recovery phase are the most important. It is important to faithfully use the compression garment or belly binder given by the surgeon or attending doctor.
After six months, you will feel more like yourself and all the sutures will have dissolved. Swelling will have gone down considerably, so patients can already see the full results of the procedure.
Is a it painful?
During a procedure, the patient is placed under anesthesia, so you do not feel any pain. Some patients experience discomfort and pain after the anesthesia wears off. However, it is worth noting that surgeons do their best to ensure patients are comfortable. Strong pain medications are administered to this end.
Can I exercise after the procedure?
Most patients report having a tight abdomen after the procedure which may make it hard for them to work out; the trick is to ease into exercise by starting with small, simple, and less strenuous ones.
