The Tummy Tuck Process
A tummy tuck is an outpatient procedure performed regularly at our ambulatory surgery center. It is done under general anesthesia and requires significant downtime. Here is what happens when getting a tummy tuck.
Preparation
Dr. Naman will first see you for an initial consultation. He will review your medical history, perform a physical exam and may order lab tests and other examinations to see if you are healthy enough for surgery.
In the weeks leading up to your surgery, you will be advised to avoid drugs and supplements that thin the blood, such as NSAIDs, Coumadin, turmeric and fish oil, to name a few. You will also need to quit smoking and avoid alcohol.
The day and night before surgery, you will need to shower with antiseptic soap and avoid all food and drink after midnight. Plan to have someone drive you back home and be with you for the first 48 hours after surgery. You must also take time off for at least two weeks to recover.
Surgery
A tummy tuck is usually performed under general anesthesia. Once the patient is asleep, the surgeon makes a horizontal incision above the pubic bone. This location helps hide the scar under most clothing and swimsuits.
The surgeon may also create a separate incision around the belly button. They then separate the skin from the abdominal wall. This gives them access to abdominal muscles, which are tightened with sutures. After that, the surgeon trims excess skin and fat, stretches the remaining skin down and secures it in place with sutures. The belly button is moved to a new location if necessary to retain aesthetic balance.
A typical tummy tuck procedure takes about two to three hours.
Recovery & Results
After surgery, you are taken to the recovery room, where you will spend 30-45 minutes before being released home. Your abdomen will be wrapped in a compression garment, and drains will be placed through the incision. This helps reduce fluid buildup and swelling.
It is normal to feel pain, discomfort, tugging and numbness in the abdominal region following surgery. Your abdomen may also look swollen and bruised, which is also expected in the first week. It is important to take plenty of rest, avoid lifting anything heavy and follow your doctor’s instructions during your entire recovery.
Patients usually take about four to six weeks to recover fully and for their results to show. Once all swelling and bruising have subsided, you will notice a slimmer, flatter stomach. Scarring fades to its final appearance over six to 12 months.
