Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure designed to enhance your abdominal contours by removing excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen. This procedure also addresses weakened abdominal muscles, creating a flatter and firmer abdominal profile. When considering a tummy tuck, it’s essential to be well-informed about the surgical process, recovery period, and potential risks involved. At Clinic 805, our experienced team of professionals is dedicated to guiding you through every step of your journey, while providing expert care and support to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Real Patient Results
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Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck can be an ideal solution for individuals who are bothered by loose skin and stubborn fat in the abdominal region, particularly due to significant weight loss, skin laxity after pregnancy, or the natural aging process. Diastasis recti (abdominal separation) can often be repaired and tightened during a tummy tuck, eliminating the protrusion that this condition can create. It’s crucial to note that a tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure, and candidates should have reached a stable body weight and be in good overall health before pursuing cosmetic surgery.
What will my tummy tuck surgery be like?
Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia in our fully accredited in-house operating facility and takes 1.5-3 hours depending on your personal treatment plan. An incision is typically made along the lower abdomen, discreetly placed below the bikini line. Excess skin and fat are then carefully removed, and the musculature is repaired. You may have a drain placed for a few days. Following surgery, our attentive medical team will monitor your initial recovery in the calm, comfortable setting of our in-house recovery room.
How long is the recovery from a tummy tuck?
For the first three to five days post-surgery, it is essential to have a responsible adult to assist you with daily activities like meal preparation, mobility support, and incision care. Most patients will have drains in place initially, and a supportive garment (binder) will be provided to aid in the healing process. Strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, and excessive use of the abdominal muscles should be avoided for about six weeks following the procedure. Most patients return to non-strenuous work within four to six weeks and gradually resume their normal activity levels.
You will visit our clinic for postoperative care with our nurses typically one to two weeks after surgery and subsequently as needed to support your recovery journey. As with any surgery, the healing process can vary from patient to patient and your final results will depend on many individual factors. It is important to be patient with your body and allow yourself time to rest and recuperate.
Your Questions Answered
We strive to ensure our patients are thoroughly informed and equipped with the resources they need to make the best decision for themselves. Your consultation includes a comprehensive examination, a discussion of your goals, and an explanation of the procedure, including potential risks and benefits. You will also have the opportunity to explore your potential results using our advanced VECTRA® 3D simulation technology. For more information, you can also review our guide to the surgical process from consultation to recovery.
You will need to ensure a reliable adult is available to drive you to and from your procedure and post-op appointments, and to support you full-time during the early recovery phase. This includes mobility assistance, incision care, caring for your pets or children, cleaning, and preparing meals. We also recommend having someone available to drive you to your post-op appointment(s).
As with any procedure, post-operative complications after a tummy tuck are rare but possible. These may include bleeding, blood clots, infection, seroma, asymmetry, contour abnormalities, delayed healing, and unsatisfactory scarring. Our skilled surgical team prioritizes your safety and meticulously works to minimize these risks. You may experience altered sensations such as numbness or tingling for several weeks or months, which are normal and should resolve with time.