Understanding Tummy Tuck Surgery
Joseph Then

Abdominoplasty, also known commonly as tummy tuck surgery, is a plastic surgery procedure.  During a tummy tuck surgery the abdominal area is shaped and contoured by removing excess skin and fat to make it look smoother and flatter.  Many people decide to get tummy tuck surgery when diet and exercise has been unable to help them achieve the look they desire.

The type of tummy tuck surgery can be a main factor in the length of time the surgery takes and how long recovery takes.  A person can opt to get a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck.  A full tummy tuck is done to the whole abdominal area, where a mini tummy tuck is only done to the lower abdomen.  A full tuck takes longer to perform and to recover from.

A tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure that is performed under general anesthesia.  Patients should be aware of the risks and side effects associated with a tummy tuck surgery.  Risks include infection, blood loss and adverse reactions to anesthesia.  Side effects of the surgery include pain, swelling and scarring.

During the tummy tuck surgery the surgeon will make a large incision near the pelvic bone and may also make a smaller incision near the belly button.  The surgeon will remove fat and skin as needed to flatten and smooth the stomach.  Depending upon the extent of the surgery, a new belly button may be created and stretch marks may be reduced or eliminated.

Tummy tuck surgery can take anywhere from one to five hours.  It really depends on what exactly the surgeon needs to do and how much work is required.  More extensive surgeries will require a hospital stay, where less extensive surgeries will likely allow the patient to go home shortly after their surgery on the same day.  Once home it is important for the patient to follow all instructions their surgeon has given them to ensure they heal properly with minimal complications.

It can take form two to four weeks to completely recover from a tummy tuck.  The recovery time depends upon the patient.  If they were in good physical shape and they are a naturally fast healer then recovery time will be minimal.  However, a person who was not in the best physical shape or who is a slow healer will need more time to recover.  Additionally, following the surgeon’s recovery instructions can effect the recovery process and seed it up or slow it down.

The results of the tummy tuck surgery are not going to be immediately noticeable.  There will be swelling that will likely make the area look similar to before surgery.  After the swelling goes down, though, patients should begin to see a flatter smoother stomach.  To keep the effects of the surgery it is important for a patient to not gain or lose weight.

Tummy tuck surgery can be a great way to improve your physical appearance when diet and exercise are not working.  A tummy tuck can help a person get the look they’ve always desired.  It is a serious surgery, though, and it is up to the patient to follow all doctors orders so they can enjoy their tummy tuck results and not end up with complications. 

Tummy tuck surgery is not something to be taken lightly.  A patient should understand that it requires work on their part to ensure that they get the results they desire.