TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE

Typically performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, the tummy tuck procedure can last between two and five hours. The most common methods for performing a tummy tuck are the full and mini tummy tuck.

The mini tummy tuck might be the right option for you if you have minor contour problems without a lot of loose skin, but need more correction than liposuction alone can offer. During the mini tummy tuck, a short U-shaped incision is made just above the pubic region, excess skin is removed, the muscles are tightened and the belly button may be moved down slightly and repositioned.

The traditional, or full tummy tuck is much more common because it can offer a greater correction and a more noticeable result. During surgery, an incision is made slightly above the pubic area, stretching from one hipbone to the other. A second incision is made to free the navel from the surrounding tissue.The skin is separated from the abdominal wall up to the ribs and lifted to expose the muscles. The muscles are tightened and sewn in place. If you have muscle separation, pulling your muscles closer together and suturing them will give a tighter look to your abdomen. The skin is stretched back across the abdomen and extra skin is removed. Your belly button is then repositioned and sutured in place. Finally, all incisions are sutured, dressings are applied, and temporary tubes may be inserted to drain excess fluids.

TUMMY TUCK PREPARATION

During your consultation, you should be very open: provide all your medical history and list all of the medications, vitamins, and herbs you are taking (even if you don't think they're important).

Here are some tips that may help you reduce scarring, shorten your recovery time, and decrease your changes of complications:

• Discontinue using Aspirin or Ibuprofen (these medications act as blood thinners and could cause problems with blood clotting).
• Stop smoking for at least two weeks before your surgery as nicotine can impair circulation and healing.
• Don't drink alcohol in excess for at least two weeks before your surgery, and one week after surgery.
• Drink lots of water in the days leading up to your procedure.

To make your recovery easier and more comfortable, be sure to:

• Arrange for someone to take you home and take care of you for at least the first day.
• Fill your prescriptions and have them within easy reach of where you will be resting.

TUMMY TUCK POST-PROCEDURE

After surgery you should expect some bruising, swelling and pain. Bruising will disappear after a few weeks; however swelling can remain for months. stitches will come out or be absorbed on their own between ten to fourteen days. You may have to change your surgical dressing from time to time, and after a few days it may be replaced with special compression garments. If you feel like you've lost sensation in the areas treated, don't be alarmed. As your nerves begin to regenerate, feeling and sensation should return to normal. Pain medication will be prescribed to control any discomfort. Severe pain is not normal and we would want to know about it immediately.

The recovery process is different for everyone. Even though you might not be able to stand up completely straight and may still have some pain, it is a good idea to start walking the first day after surgery. You may shower after your dressings and drains (if placed) have been removed. You should plan on being out of work and away from your usual activities for one more week for a mini and two to three weeks for a standard tuck. During this period you may gradually return to activities such as lifting, exercise and sex. Avoid any high impact activities for about one month. In particular, you should avoid jogging and bouncing activities for up to six weeks. These precautions will help you avoid stress to your treated areas and allow time for your tissue to heal and recover.

While there will be permanent scars, they will be well hidden when you're wearing clothing, even when you're wearing a swimsuit in most cases. After about nine months to a year, your scares will usually flatten and become less noticeable. Although you should see an immediate improvement in your contour, the appearance of your tummy area will improve over a period of several months and you should be able to keep results that you will love for a very long time.