Tummy Tuck: Abdominal Wall Surgery Explained
Posted on 07. Mar, 2009 by Valerie in Surgical Procedures
Abdominoplasty is in order when a person has lost a significant amount of weight and still has the extra folds of skin hanging around. The great successful feelings a person encounters on such an accomplishment can be marred by this flabby, stretched-out skin.
Before the Surgery
Your doctor or cosmetic surgeon will make sure you thoroughly understand the risks and benefits of all surgery. Ask questions and pursue the answers until you are certain you understand.
If you are taking contraceptive pills, you may be asked to stop for six weeks before the surgery and use another form of birth control. This reduces the risk of thrombosis, which is dangerous clotting.
If you smoke, you should cut down or quit altogether before any surgery. Smoking increases the risk of chest infection or wound infection, and can significantly slow your recovery. Yet another reason to stop smoking!
Recovering After the Surgery
A tummy tuck, (also known as abdominoplasty) is major surgery, but many thousands of such procedures have been performed by doctors all over the world. The procedure usually takes two or three hours to perform.
Most people report reactions to the anaesthesia, pain and swelling at the site, and general tiredness and discomfort. Your recovery time will be lessened if you are in good general physical condition before the surgery.
You will rest in the hospital for a few days after the surgery, and should keep your legs bent at the knees and your hips relaxed to lessen the strain on the repaired abdominal muscles. Pain medication will generally help you get through the first days of healing.
The stitches in your skin will be removed in less than a week and deeper stitches two or three weeks after surgery. Stitches typically itch but this passes in time. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may need surgical dressings for a short time; follow your doctor’s recommendations.
A surgical girdle will be worn for two to three weeks to reduce swelling and bruising and to support the abdominal wall whilst healing. Strenuous activity should be completely avoided for at least a month. If your work is physically demanding, you may need to take some time off to recover completely.
The New You
It bothers some people that they see scars and bruising after major surgery. The scars will lighten and flatten out over the course of about three to six months, and the bruising rarely lasts more than two weeks.
Your healing time will depend on your individual strength to cope with the surgery. Your surgeon will work hard to make sure the scars are not noticeable, and usually places them where they will be camouflaged by undergarments.
After taking the time and trouble to lose all that weight and go through a tummy tuck surgery, maintain your success through proper diet, regular exercise, and weight control. The tummy tuck will keep you looking good and reduce the appearance of stretch marks. That flatter stomach is worth the effort, so show off! A new wardrobe and a new way to carry yourself are the rewards. For more information about tummy tucks have a look at one the many cosmetic surgery websites.
