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The following article was published in Your Health Magazine. Our mission is to empower people to live healthier.
Hiba Bittar, MS, COO
Tummy Tuck From Consultation To Recuperation
Moki Media

Tummy Tuck From Consultation To Recuperation

Women who maintain a healthy diet and exercise program but still experience loose skin and a protruding abdomen are often good candidates for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). As we gain and lose weight, excess skin becomes a reality and makes a tummy tuck the only accepted surgical solution. In addition, the increase in obesity and bariatric surgery has given rise to plastic surgery that complements these weight-loss procedures.

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdomen wall. The foundation of all tummy tucks has remained consistent since its inception. Although incision placement and the amount of undermining varies from surgeon to surgeon, a tummy tuck is a surgery in which excess lower abdominal skin is excised and upper abdominal skin is realigned. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen or excess folds and fatty accumulation as a result of pregnancy or weight loss.

Consultation During the initial consultation, your plastic surgeon will be able to determine whether a tummy tuck is right for you. Patients often don't know whether they need a tummy tuck or liposuction. A simple “pinching” test helps your surgeon determine your candidacy. You can even do this pinching test at home in a standing tall or a bent over position. When assuming the bent over position, you need a tummy tuck if you are able to pinch the entire lower abdomen from below your belly button to your bikini line. The same applies in a standing position if you can perform this pinching while not trying to suck-in your abdomen. For more complete results, your surgeon may still recommend liposuction in conjunction with your tummy tuck if you have accumulated fat in the areas of the hips and lower flanks to accomplish a smoother silhouette. Your surgeon will also discuss with you the placement of your incisions. A tummy tuck results in a scar just like all surgeries. Patients scar differently and although your plastic surgeon will try to conceal your scar to the best of his or her ability, the scar will always be there. A highly-skilled plastic surgeon, however, will be able to place incisions in the lower abdominal natural crease resulting in a scar that is least visible while wearing a bikini.

Alternatively, you are not considered a candidate for a tummy tuck if you have unrealistic expectations, are morbidly obese or have a medical history that does not permit you to have elective surgery.

Surgery On the morning of your surgery, you will be asked to refrain from eating or drinking as part of anesthesia requirements. Your surgeon will address any questions you might have and will mark your operative site for the planned surgical procedure while you are in a standing position. Your anesthesiologist will also describe the anesthesia process and address any question you might have. Your surgery may take 2-3 hours under anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure. Different surgeons and surgical facilities use different anesthesia methods, yet a tummy tuck can be performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation in which case the patient can breathe independently during the entire operation. This is the preferred method since it allows for faster recovery from anesthesia with less postoperative discomfort and nausea. In addition, a new approach to a tummy tuck allows for a drain-less procedure, eliminating the need for drains that usually cause pain and discomfort for a week or so after surgery. Once the surgery is completed, an abdominal binder is placed to provide a slight compression to the abdominal area and the patient is transferred to a short stay in the recovery room. Patients usually go home within an hour of recovery.

Recuperation You will be discharged to a family member or a care-giver with all your proper medication to begin your recuperation process. Your surgeon will give your care-giver your discharge instructions which will include sleeping propped up with several pillows behind your back and under your knees. You are encouraged to walk to the bathroom and around your house, and a follow up postoperative visit the next day will be scheduled. It is also recommended that the binder be worn for a minimum of two weeks after surgery. An ideal recuperation period for a tummy tuck is ten days to two weeks or an average of 7 working days. Some patients can resume their work even earlier provided they do not exert physical activity during the healing period. Finally, it is recommended that you resume your normal physical activities gradually in order to avoid any complications.

Only your board-certified plastic surgeon can give you the tummy tuck you desire using safe and effective procedures. Call Luxxery today for your complimentary consultation with Dr. Hakki.

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