Tummy Tuck Surgery: Procedure, Benefits, and Post-Operative Practices

Want to flaunt your hourglass figure post-pregnancy? Tummy tuck surgery helps you eliminate excess skin and fat, helping you obtain a firm and smooth abdominal appearance. Whether you want to get rid of excess skin after significant weight loss or you want to tone up after pregnancy, a tummy tuck is an excellent solution.

So, what should you expect during a tummy tuck surgery?

Let’s take an inside look.

What Is Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Also known as abdominoplasty, tummy tuck surgery is a cosmetic procedure that eliminates excess skin and fat. This process restores loose skin and separated muscles, leaving you with a smooth and firm abdomen.

Whether you love showing off your hourglass shape or you are looking at it for medical reasons, it is always safe to have an experienced surgeon perform the process. The reason? They will observe the procedural measures and steps as follows for the best results:

Step 1: Administration of Anesthesia

When you visit your top tummy tuck surgeon in Houston, TX, they will begin by examining and recommending the best anesthesia (general anesthesia or intravenous sedation) for you. They will then administer it to ensure you are comfortable during the surgical procedure.

Step 2: Incision

Abdominoplasty requires a horizontal incision just above the pubic hairline. Depending on the amount of excess skin, the surgeon will make a suitable incision shape and length to lift the abdominal skin, repairing weakened muscles.

If needed, the surgeon will make a second incision near the navel to remove excess skin on your upper abdomen. Then pull it down and trim any excess skin, suturing the remaining skin together.

Step 3: Closing the Incision

This is the final step of an abdominoplasty, where the surgeon uses sutures, tapes, clips, or adhesives to close skin incisions.

Cosmetic and Medical Benefits of a Tummy Tuck Surgery

Tummy tuck surgery allows you to enjoy cosmetic and medical benefits, including the following:

Improved Posture and Decreased Back Pain

Weakened muscles cause poor posture and back pain. Once you undergo an abdominoplasty procedure, you will adopt a good posture, alleviating back pain.

Improves Abdominal Contour

Tummy tuck surgery eliminates excess skin and loose muscles, leaving your abdomen firmer and flat. You get to enjoy your initial look before pregnancy or weight fluctuation.

Eliminates Loose Skin

Did you just accomplish your weight loss goal and can’t stand the aftermath of loose skin? Your tummy tuck surgeon can help you eliminate it!

Reduced Stress Urinary Incontinence

According to Pubmed, abdominoplasty has been confirmed to reduce stress urinary incontinence in some individuals. The results are more evident in patients who have not undergone Cesarean section surgery before the procedure.

Post-Operative Practices

Now that the surgery is over, how should you ensure a quick recovery? Here are best practices for a faster recovery after a tummy tuck surgery:

  • Your diet determines how long the healing process will take. That’s why doctors recommend taking food high in protein and plenty of water. This gives you enough energy to maneuver your day and reduce swelling.
  • Planning to go back to your regular exercise routine or heavy duties after an abdominoplasty? This can cause injuries to the surgery area. Hence, you should avoid intensive exercise and lifting or pulling heavy objects until complete recovery.
  • After returning home, you may be tempted to run the house solely as usual. Don’t yield to this; hire or ask for help with household chores and caring for your kids and pets. This will eliminate any risk of injury and allow you ample time to recover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go for a tummy tuck surgery?

The idea of improving your abdominal appearance can be exciting. However, you might feel uncertain about the procedure if unfamiliar with the prerequisites. Don’t panic anymore, as abdominoplasty can be performed in healthy and fit individuals.

You are a fit candidate for a tummy tuck if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Excess or sagging skin on your abdomen after weight loss
  • Separated or weakened abdominal muscles
  • Excess fatty tissues around your abdomen.
  • Protruding abdomen that is out of proportion with your body

Nevertheless, you must consult your doctor before the surgery if you have a chronic condition or a body mass above 30.

Can a tummy tuck be performed alongside other procedures?

To optimize your final appearance, you may prefer multiple procedures. But is this safe and effective? To get complete results, you can combine a tummy tuck surgery with other body procedures, such as liposuction on other body areas.

You may upgrade from abdominoplasty to a Mommy Makeover if you are a woman. This procedure entails tummy tuck surgery, liposuction, and breast procedures, for instance, breast lift surgery and breast augmentation surgery.

How long should you wait to see results after an abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty results begin to show immediately after the surgery. The good thing is that the outcome improves in the following weeks and months as you near full recovery since the bruising and swelling reduce.

Most individuals see complete results after two or four months. Generally, you get a smoother, firmer, and more contoured abdomen.

How can you maintain a firm and flat abdominal contour after abdominoplasty?

Abdominoplasty has long-lasting results. However, additional weight gain after the procedure can interfere with your abdominal appearance. Hence, doctors recommend healthy living, which entails regular exercise and a balanced diet.

Future pregnancies after the surgery can detract from the outcome. Hence, women should finish having children before they undergo a tummy tuck to enjoy long-lasting results.