TUMMY TUCK FAQ’S
What are the different types of tummy tucks?
There are five different types of tummy tucks. There is a low horizontal tummy tuck, high lateral tension tummy tuck, vertical tummy tuck, inverted T tummy tuck, and reverse tummy tuck. If you have excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen between the on the belly button and above the pubic region, you may be best served with a horizontal tummy tuck. If you want to create more of an hourglass figure and do not mind more visible scars, you may be a good candidate for a high lateral of tension tummy tuck. If you have excess skin and fat from the sternum to the belly button, you may do best with a vertical tummy tuck. If you have excess skin and fat from sternum to the belly button and from the pubic region to the belly button, you may be best served with an inverted T tummy tuck. If you do not want any scars on your abdomen and only have a minimal amount of excess skin and fat of your upper abdomen, you may be a candidate for a reverse tummy tuck.
What are the indications for a tummy tuck?
If you have excess skin and fat of your abdomen, you may be a candidate for a tummy tuck. If you were dissatisfied with the appearance of your abdomen, you might be a candidate for a tummy tuck. Most patients have had several children and/or lost weight. Most patients seeking a tummy tuck have dieted and exercised, but they just cannot get that flat abdomen they desire. Both men and women undergo tummy tucks to improve their appearance and achieve a flat afternoon.
How long does the tummy tuck procedure take?
Every patient is uniquely different in every plastic surgeon has a different technique and surgical team. However, on average, the tummy tuck should take between three to five hours to complete. If there is excessive abdominal scar tissue, abdominal wall hernias, or if other procedures are being performed at the same time like liposuction or breast procedures, the tummy tuck will take longer to complete.
After my tummy tuck, how long will I be swollen?
Every patient heals differently and at a different rate. In general, at four weeks 80% of the abdominal swelling is gone. Approximately eight weeks after your tummy tuck, almost all the abdominal swelling should be gone. You will notice increased swelling of the abdomen during exercise this is because blood rushes into the abdominal area and leaks fluid into the capillaries. This fluid that is the abdominal flap tissue sometimes has a hard time returning to your circulation. I would suggest you continue wearing your compression garment for six to eight weeks after your tummy tuck. If you are swollen even after eight weeks, I advise you to continue your compression.
If I gain weight, will my tummy come back?
If you are planning to gain weight, do not have a tummy tuck. With that being said, if you continue to eat right and exercise, you should be able to maintain your tummy tuck results. Even if you do gain some weight, it will be difficult to regain all the weight lost with a tummy tuck
Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
Yes, you can get pregnant after a tummy tuck. I have many patients have uncomplicated, full-term deliveries with completely healthy children. If however, you are planning to get pregnant in the next year, I would suggest delaying your tummy tuck. If you are not planning to get pregnant in the next year and you are medically healthy, you can undergo a tummy tuck.
After my tummy tuck, when will I be able to walk?
The day after your tummy tuck you should be able to walk. You may not be able to walk a significant distance, but you should be able to walk about five or ten feet. As your tummy tuck healing progresses, you will be able to walk more. About two weeks after your tummy tuck, you should regain a lot of your energy. Four weeks after your tummy tuck, you should be able to walk almost as much as you want.
After a tummy tuck, when can I fly?
Yes, you can liquid after your tummy tuck. It is recommended that you do not weight for one to two weeks after your tummy tuck. One of the risks of flying is always a blood clot. Even if you don’t have surgery, there is a risk of developing a blood clot during a flight. Your risk of developing a blood clot is increased if you have had a recent surgery. To minimize the chances of a blood clot, I would suggest you use a blood thinner. This blood thinner shot is administered daily. This shot should be given several days before you fly and for several days after you land.
After my tummy tuck, how long do I need to wear the garment?
Swelling is the body’s natural reaction to surgery. Usually, swelling is completely normal. However, swelling does slow healing. Compression garments minimize swelling. As long as there is abdominal swelling, you should wear your compression garment. After a tummy tuck, compression garments are encouraged for at least six to eight weeks. However, if you still have abdominal swelling after eight weeks, I would suggest you continue to wear your compression garment. Compression garments also help to flatten the tummy tuck scars.
Can the procedure be done under IV, Local or general anesthesia?
Tummy tucks can be performed under IV sedation or local anesthesia, but tummy tucks should be performed under general anesthesia. One of the foundations of the tummy tuck is sewing the muscle together or rectus abdominis plication. To perform rectus plication, the rectus muscle needs to be paralyzed. The only way to paralyze the muscle to achieve plication is to undergo general anesthesia.
