How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Tummy Tuck?

The tummy tuck surgery, aka abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgical procedure to improve the appearance of the abdomen. Poor skin elasticity or weakening of the ligament might cause excessive fat deposition in the abdominal area. Also pregnancy, dramatic changes in weight, aging, genetic predisposition, abdominal surgeries like c-section and the natural body type might be listed among the effective factors.

Abdominoplasty can be defined as a cosmetic or reconstructive surgical procedure that is done to remove the fat and excess skin that occur in the abdominal area due to various reasons and also to tighten the loose muscles in the area. It can also be applied to give the muscles a tighter form after they have gotten loose and separated due to dramatic weight losses or pregnancy, and to remove the loose skin and excess fat in the abdominal area.

The excess skin and fat are removed and the skin is sown in the tummy tuck plastic surgeries. This way, the appearance of the abdomen is made to become flatter. The muscles underneath might also be surgically fixed to get a tight look.

The locations of the incisions to be made by the plastic surgeon, the center of the body, and the naval to be relocated are determined before starting the surgery. The incision is made from on hip bone to the other and above the groin bump. Then, an incision is made around the naval and the skin is made to loosen up from the abdominal wall up to the ribcage. The fascia of the abdominal muscles is sown and brought to a tighter position. Thus, the muscular repairing part of the surgery is completed. After the abdominal muscles are sown, the excess fat deposition in the area is removed using liposuction or other methods. The excess skin is taken out after the abdominal skin is stretched over the incision line. Although the skin around the belly has been moved, the belly stays virtually in the same location. A new naval is created with the hole that is made in the stretched skin.

The techniques to be applied might vary depending on factors like the patient’s anatomic properties, the area with the excess skin and the amount of the excess skin. The tummy tuck plastic surgery is usually done as a mini tummy tuck, full tummy tuck, extended tummy tuck and Fleur-de-Lys abdominoplasty.

Who Gets Tummy Tuck Surgeries?

A tummy tuck surgery can be applied for those who;

• Have fat deposition in the abdominal area that is resistant to regular diet and exercise,
• Have deformed abdominal shape due to pregnancy or extreme weight loss, 
• Have deformities or stretch marks in the abdominal area,
• And have weakness in the abdominal muscles due to various reasons.

How long the tummy tuck surgery will take; and which technique will be used for the operation might vary depending on the properties of the area of application, the patient’s needs and the scope of the procedure. A mini tummy tuck surgery usually takes 1-2 hours, while a full tummy tuck surgery takes 2-5 hours.

 A tummy tuck surgery is a surgical procedure that can be done for people between the ages of 30-60. However, this does not mean not everyone between those ages can get this surgery done. The patient should go through a thorough examination and their general state of health should be evaluated meticulously in order for the decision for a surgery is made.

Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgery is a Procedure that Increases One’s Comfort

As the tummy tuck plastic surgery is done under general anesthesia, the patient cannot feel any aches or pains during the operation. However, as with all other surgical procedures, it is normal for the patient to feel some aches or pain after the surgery. But the pain is usually to the extent that can be eased with the use of simple painkillers that the doctor prescribes.

Some amount of bruising and swelling can be seen in the area of application after the tummy tuck surgery. This resolves on its own within several weeks. There might be nausea and dizziness when the anesthesia wears off after the surgery. Also, the abdominal area gets sensitive and pain might be felt. The patient is advised to wear compression clothing for several weeks to reduce the swelling and support the skin to tighten up after the surgery.

Although it varies from patient to patient, the recovery usually takes 6 months. For the first few days, the goal is to manage the pain and prevent possible complications. The incisions start to heal and the body starts adapting to its new shape within 1-3 weeks. It is important for the patient not to take some anti-inflammatory medications and aspirin after the surgery. A break should be taken from smoking, if any, as it might cause coughing and bleeding. Again for 4-6 weeks, the patient should avoid weight lifting and exhausting exercise.

Patients usually start physical activities within several weeks. This duration can be shorter when the patient is physically in a better condition and have strong abdominal muscles. Not only does light exercise has a positive effect on the recovery process, but it also helps reduce the risk of embolism and swelling. But one should make sure to get the doctor’s approval specific for the person for this as well.

The sagging does not recur after the surgery unless there is an extreme change in the patient’s weight. However, some sagging is considered to be natural with time with the effects of aging and gravity.