Abdominoplasty, sometimes also called a tummy tuck, is a medical procedure whereby excess skin and fat are removed and the stomach muscles are tightened and brought back together. (The separation of stomach muscles is commonly experienced by women during and after pregnancy).
There are many reasons someone would consider getting an abdominoplasty procedure, and like any surgery, it is not going to be the correct solution for everyone. The following five things are what you need to keep in mind as you look into the procedure.
You Need Time To Heal
Abdominoplasty is a serious procedure that will require time to heal. You can expect your recovery to take at least two to three weeks. You will be swollen and sore, there might even be pain for the first few days.
Not only will you likely need to take time off of work, but you will also need help around the house completing basic chores and caring for pets and children. There are a number of things you can do pre-surgery to boost your recovery. Strenuous physical activity will likely not be an option for six weeks post-surgery.
You Won’t Lose Weight
Contrary to popular belief, abdominoplasty isn’t a weight loss solution. Before abdominoplasty, you’re going to want to be at a stable and healthy weight for six to twelve months. A tummy tuck surgeon will help you determine what weight you need to be maintaining before the procedure for the best results. Your doctor will also speak to you about the state of health you need to be in for the surgery overall. Some medications need to be stopped, sometimes other health interventions are required first, like quitting smoking.
There Will Be Scars
There will be permanent scarring once the surgery has healed completely. The scar will go from one hip to the other, and though it will likely fade some as time passes, the chances of having no scarring are slim to none.
You can speak to your surgeon about keeping the scar lower on your body to keep it hidden by bathing suit bottoms or underwear. As well, there are many things you can do at home to reduce the overall appearance of scarring. Of course, you should not begin treating a scar until it is fully healed.
A Drain Will Be Used
To tackle the buildup of fluids or blood, a drain will likely be put in place to help with the healing process. On average drains are needed for seven to ten days, but depending on you in particular, a drain might need to be in place longer.
A drain will require care and attention and may make bathing or showering slightly more difficult. Your surgeon will tell you everything you need to know about caring for a drain.
The Results Won’t Be Fast
You might not see or feel the results for up to a full year, as it takes time for your body to heal. Redness, bruising, or swelling will be visible for as long as six weeks. It can take up to a full year for your stomach to heal completely and feel normal. This procedure is not a quick fix, but a serious medical surgery that needs to be treated as such.
With these five things in mind, you will be better able to determine if abdominoplasty is the right choice for you. You will be better prepared for the surgery and for the healing process afterward. As with any medical information online, always consult with your doctor to learn more about your particular situation and needs.
