Things to Know to Become Prepared for Tummy Tuck

Actual information

If diet and exercise do not provide the desired slim stomach, you should consider a belly tuck. A tummy tuck operation eliminates extra fat and skin while tightening stomach muscles. Geisinger's surgeons have been doing stomach tucks with outstanding results for many years.

What Should I Do to Prepare for a Tummy Tuck?

It is critical not to rush into a choice to undergo cosmetic surgery. You should discuss your alternatives with your surgeon so that you completely understand what results to expect.

If you smoke, you will be urged to stop since it increases your chance of developing a chest and wound infection, which can slow your recovery. If your surgeon believes there is a risk because you smoke, he or she may refuse to perform the procedure.

Your surgeon may also advise you to:

- Lose excess weight - A tummy tuck will produce the best results if your weight is appropriate for your height.

- Stop using the contraceptive pill six weeks before surgery to lower the risk of blood clotting (thrombosis).

Your stomach tuck is usually performed under general anesthesia, so you will be sleeping throughout the procedure. You will be advised to fast for around six hours beforehand. Certain forms of tummy tucks can sometimes be performed with local anesthesia and sedation. Your surgeon will discuss your options with you at your appointment.

Photographs may be taken to compare the results of your tummy tuck to your pre-surgical appearance.

You may be requested to wear compression stockings to help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. You may need to receive an injection of heparin, an anticlotting medication, in addition to or instead of wearing compression stockings.

What Happens During a Tummy Tuck?

The sort of tummy tuck you get will be determined by the amount of skin and fat you need removed. During your initial visit, your surgeon will discuss which type is best suited to you. The operation could take up to three hours.

There are three types of tummy tucks: 

Standard Tummy Tuck

During surgery, a large incision will be created in your abdomen above the pubic area. Your surgeon may also make a second incision to separate your abdominal button from the surrounding skin. Stretched or torn muscles will be brought together and sewn in place. Excess fat will be removed, and the skin will be pushed down and replaced to keep your belly button in the proper position. Your extra skin will then be removed.

The cuts from the surgery are stitched closed, and your lower abdomen is securely wrapped with bandages. You will most likely have a scar around your belly button as well as a long curved scar over your pubic area. These scars can normally be hidden with panties, although this is not always the case.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck surgery removes excess skin and fat from below the belly button, leaving a lengthy, curved scar on your abdomen above the pubic area. Your stomach button remains in place.

Extended Tummy Tuck

Excess skin and fat from the abdomen and lower back are removed. You will have a scar above your belly button, as well as a long curved scar over your pelvic area and along your lower back.

What to expect after your Tummy Tuck

Depending on how long you recover from surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for up to three days.

You will need to rest until the anesthetic's effects wear off, and you may require pain treatment to alleviate any discomfort.

You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home once you have been discharged. It is recommended that you have a friend or relative stay with you for the first 24 hours following your stomach tuck treatment.

General anesthesia temporarily impairs your coordination and cognitive abilities, therefore you must refrain from driving, drinking alcohol, operating machinery, or signing legal papers for 24 hours. If you have any doubts about driving, call your motor insurer to learn about their guidelines, and always follow your surgeon's instructions.

For the first few weeks after surgery, you may need to wear an elasticated garment to help with swelling and comfort. You may also be recommended to keep your knees bent while in bed to avoid placing strain on your stitches, and it may be difficult for you to rise straight first.

Stitches will be removed after one to two weeks, or they may be dissolvable. The time it takes for your dissolvable stitches to vanish varies depending on the type. Your surgeon will tell you how long this will take and if any stitches need to be removed.