Tummy Tuck Surgery

A tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen.  Loose skin and fat can be caused by excessive weight loss, abdominal lipodystrophy, or in some people, it is an inherited trait.  Tummy tucks can also tighten muscles that have been separated and weakened by pregnancy or advancing age.

A tummy tuck surgery is mostly performed to tighten the loose skin and tighten the weakened abdominal wall.  Tummy tuck surgery may also be performed with Liposuction to help contour the stomach area.  Tummy tuck surgery is performed by undermining the skin and tightening it in an incision along the panty line, which may be covered by clothing.  The tummy tuck surgery is an outpatient surgery but some patients opt to stay overnight.  You will have temporary drains inserted to help drain any excess fluid and to prevent internal bleeding or an infection.

Your tummy tuck consultation will include meeting your tummy tuck plastic surgeon.  During the consultation, you will sit down and discuss the procedure, the risks and benefits, and the recovery process.  After a thorough examination of your abdomen, your tummy tuck plastic surgeon will discuss the different tummy tuck surgeries they perform and determine which tummy tuck surgery will give you the best results. 

You are a good candidate for a tummy tuck surgery if you have lost a large amount of weight through diet and exercise and have loose abdominal skin, have had multiple pregnancies, undergone weight loss surgery, suffer from obesity and have thin skin with minimal elasticity.  Your tummy tuck plastic surgeon will consult with you to determine the amount of skin to be removed.  During the tummy tuck surgery, your plastic surgeon will also tighten the underlying muscles that have been loosened through multiple pregnancies and excessive weight loss.

After tummy tuck surgery, you will be able to go home and relax.  Your tummy tuck plastic surgeon will prescribe antibiotics and pain medication.  Depending on the type of tummy tuck surgery your plastic surgeon has determined best for your needs, you will have drains to help remove any excess fluid from the tummy tuck surgery.  You will have an elastic binder for your abdomen to help support your stomach and aid your comfort level.  One day after your tummy tuck surgery, you will usually be able to shower and will be instructed to keep the tummy tuck surgery incisions clean.  Your tummy tuck plastic surgeon will see you for follow up appointments to monitor your recovery and keep track of your healing progress.

The next few weeks following tummy tuck surgery, your tummy tuck plastic surgeon will recommend you begin light walking to promote circulation and prevent fluid build-up in your abdomen.  Your tummy tuck plastic surgeon will discuss avoiding lifting, stretching and bending to avoid swelling and bleeding.  You will continue to wear the elastic binder for six to eight weeks for comfort and support.  Swelling and bruising are normal and will disappear over several weeks to a couple of months.  It may take several months before you see your final results which then your tummy tuck plastic surgeon will continue to follow up with your progress and take after photos.

Please call us at 847.696.9900 or email us at prplastic@yahoo.com for a consultation.

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