A tummy tuck is a procedure where excess abdomen skin and fat is removed. The abdominal muscles and skin can become stretched due to multiple pregnancies or excessive weight gain. As a result, abdominal muscles will begin to protrude due to loss of tightness. The abdominal skin will become slack as a result of loss of elasticity. People may choose to receive a tummy tuck in order to regain a tighter looking stomach. It is important that if you want to lose weight, to do so prior to getting a tummy tuck. When you lose weight after a tummy tuck, this can result in the appearance of excess skin.
Expectations
After the procedure has been performed, your stomach will either be stapled or sutured shut. Protective gauze will be wrapped in order to prevent infection from occurring. Drains may be placed during surgery. The drains help to prevent seromas from developing. Seromas are fluid filled sacs that can develop within your incision. If your surgeon doesn't place drains, you will need to to visit your doctor so that fluid can be removed with a syringe.
Time Frame
You may need to wear drains for several weeks. Your doctor will advise you on how you must empty the drains, and it is important you follow these instructions in order to prevent the possibility of infection. After your surgery, you will have to wear what is known as an abdominal binder. This will need to be worn for up to six weeks, depending on how your sutures are healing. It is important that you wear the abdominal binder, as this can help support the abdominal area while healing, as well as minimize fluid retention. Stitches are usually removed within a week or two after your surgery.
Swelling
Getting a tummy tuck is major surgery. Since the abdominal muscles are stretched, realigned, as well as skin being removed and sutured, you can expect to feel pain. Pain varies from patient to patient, but any discomfort can be alleviated with medication prescribed by your doctor. Swelling will be significant and according to the Mayo Clinic, swelling can last from six weeks to three months.
Activities
After your receive a tummy tuck, you will be in no condition to do your usual activities. You will need to rest for a few days in order to reduce symptoms associated with pain. It may help to have your legs slightly elevated while in bed (place two pillows under your legs) to help minimize strain on your abdominal muscles.
Recovery
Recovery time varies from individual to individual. Recovery time also depends on whether you received a full tummy tuck or partial tummy tuck. A full tummy tuck is more invasive since the surgical incision expands completely across the abdomen and reconstruction of the abdomen is done both above and below the navel. A partial tummy tuck has smaller incision scars and is done on areas that are below the navel. For a full tummy tuck, healing and fading of scars and bruising can take up to three months. A partial tummy tuck may take up to two weeks to heal.
Risks
As with any major surgery, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) does come with some risks. It is common for your doctor to have you sign a consent form so that you are aware of potential complications. These risks can include, unsightly scarring, bleeding, infection, fluid retention, skin loss, poor healing, blood clots or an allergic reaction to anesthesia. Other complications can include nerve damage by accidental severing of nerves, swelling of the legs or undesired results. It is important that if you begin to experience a fever (above 101 degrees F), chills, and nausea/vomiting that you seek immediate medical attention, as this can be a sign of infection.
