Points of Interest in Your Abdominoplasty Journey
- Posted on: Feb 14 2022
Loose, sagging abdominal tissue is nothing but a huge frustration. At least that’s what we hear from patients who visit us to discuss abdominoplasty. When the lower or entire abdominal area is protruding, loose, and droopy, it can be difficult to feel fully comfortable in most clothing. Rather than hide your shape, you can learn to love it once again through abdominoplasty surgery. We understand that many people have the desire to sculpt their midsection naturally with diet and exercise. However, they often find that their efforts just don’t pay off. If you’re in that boat, know that it’s not your fault. Your abdominal area is affected by numerous factors that are beyond your control, including your age, hormones, and even your stress levels. Regardless of those factors, we can help you love the way you look. Here, we discuss some of the points about abdominoplasty that most patients want to know.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a customized plastic surgery procedure. It is designed around each patient and the area and degree of tissue laxity. It should be understood that a tummy tuck is all about tightening, it is not intended for fat-reduction. During your consultation, your surgeon will observe your abdominal tissue to determine the best surgical approach for your needs. Abdominoplasty is performed when the abdominal muscle and skin need to be tightened so they lie flat and toned. To achieve the desired outcome, the surgeon makes an incision near the hip bones and pulls the muscle together into a taut position. The muscle is held with internal stitches. The skin is then pulled and trimmed to lie flush over the tightened abdominal muscle.
Points about Abdominoplasty that You Should Know
Candidates for Abdominoplasty
The tummy tuck procedure may be appropriate for most adults who want a firmer, more sculpted midsection. Tightening can create an hourglass shape or make it easier for a six-pack to be seen. The tummy tuck may also eliminate some or all stretch marks caused by aging, pregnancy, or weight gain. To be a good candidate for abdominoplasty, you should be in good health and should not smoke. If you smoke and want to have plastic surgery, now is a great time to quit so you don’t experience a delay in scheduling your procedure.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Patients are often concerned that it will be difficult to recover from their tummy tuck. The healing process occurs over about two to six weeks. During that time, the tightness of the abdominal muscle prevents patients from straightening fully. It is not recommended to stand fully upright or lie flat on the back or stomach for the first two weeks. That said, this is not because of pain, it is merely because the muscle is too tight and needs time to settle. Pain after abdominoplasty is mild to moderate. A pain ball will help aleviate some of your discomfort for the first 5 days after surgery. You will be prescribed pain medication and should take it strictly as directed. Do not hold off on dosing to see if you develop pain. Our office will also give you sequential compression leg devices that you will use for two weeks to insure the best circulation and to lower your chance of getting a blood clot. Many patient find that using a walker will help in maintaining the bent over position while walking. We gladly let our patients borrow a walker for their recovery.
While you are recovering from your tummy tuck, you will need to limit your activities. You will be up and walking the day after your surgery. For the next two weeks, you will walk, take deep breaths, eat 2500 calories a day and you will rest. Knowing this, you can prepare sufficient entertainment in multiple forms, such as a watch list and a few good books or magazines or podcasts. It is extremely helpful to stay occupied while you recover from your tummy tuck so you do not experience what is called postoperative sadness. Over the course of your two- six week initial recovery period, you may gradually increase how much you walk, being careful to maintain a slow, casual pace. You may begin to resume normal activities three to four weeks after your procedure.
Having a tummy tuck is a big deal. The results of this procedure are well worth the preparation and time needed for a full safe recovery. To learn more, contact us at 210-227-3223 and schedule a consultation at our San Antonio office.
Posted in: Tummy Tuck
