A tummy tuck is a type of plastic surgery procedure intended to shape and tighten the area around a patient’s abdomen. It is quite effective at giving patients a sleeker and more trim look. Like any involved medical procedure, it pays to learn a little bit about a tummy tuck before you walk into the surgeon’s office. Knowing what to expect from a tummy tuck procedure can clue you in about whether your procedure and recovery period are progressing normally.
If you are interested in receiving an abdominoplasty in Beverly Hills, this guide can help you set your expectations for the procedure.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure that gives a patient a sleeker and more toned appearance around the abdomen. Consequently, it is one of the most commonly requested plastic surgery procedures.
A tummy tuck can improve a patient’s appearance in many different ways. Some aesthetic issues that a tummy tuck can address include:
- Stretch marks
- Fat deposits around the belly that resist traditional methods of management
- Separated abdominal muscles
- Loose skin that hangs around the belly, hips, and waist
- Excess weight gained after pregnancy
Overall, a tummy tuck can significantly boost a patient’s appearance and confidence and give them a head start on addressing some aesthetic issues that may have bothered them for some time.
What to Expect from a Tummy Tuck Procedure
Though each individual’s experience is unique, there are general outlines that a patient can expect from their tummy tuck experience. Tummy tucks take some time to heal. In many cases, your physician may recommend that you take two to three weeks of work to heal completely.
Additionally, patients can expect to experience a large amount of swelling for several months following their surgery. Eating a light diet heavy in fluids can reduce the level of swelling that you experience in general.
Generally, the steps of a tummy tuck can be outlined as follows:
- First, the physician cuts your abdominal area, typically between the pubic hair and the belly button.
- Next, any excess upper abdominal skin is pulled down.
- Then, the excess skin is then pulled down.
- Following this, an opening is created, and the patient’s belly button is moved into place.
- After, drainage tubes are inserted into the abdomen to drain excess fluid out of the abdomen.
- Finally, the incision site is closed and is covered in bandages.
Once the procedure is complete, you will undergo a period of observation until you have been approved to go home. All in all, the procedure should take between one and five hours.
Types of Tummy Tucks
There are several different kinds of tummy tucks. Which version you undergo will be determined by the specifics of your situation. The types of tummy tucks include:
- Full tummy tuck: A full tummy tuck makes use of an incision along the lower abdomen along the pubic region.
- Mini tummy tuck: During a mini tummy tuck, a physician makes a smaller incision. The exact size of the incision will depend on the amount of excess skin present.
- Extended tummy tuck: An extended tummy tuck involves the back and frontal parts of the abdomen. It has the potential to heavily alter a patient’s entire midsection.
- Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck: This type of tummy tuck is explicitly intended to help patients who have lost a lot of weight.
Benefits and Risks of a Tummy Tuck
There are many different benefits to receiving a well-executed tummy tuck. Some of the commonly reported benefits from patients include:
- Tightening of loose or weak muscles
- Reduction of excess skin in the abdominal area
- Achievement of a desired aesthetic appearance
- Increased confidence
On the other hand, a tummy tuck has some risks. When deciding whether to receive treatment, you should consider the following complications.
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Infection
- Seroma
- Numbness
- Blood clots
- Apparent scars
Your physician will inform you if you are at risk for incurring more intense side effects and complications.
The Best Plastic Surgeon in Beverly Hills
Dr. Elise Min is one of the most highly regarded female plastic surgeons in Beverly Hills. Now that you know what to expect from a tummy tuck procedure, contact Dr. Elise Min’s office to schedule a consultation.
