Are you ready for a Tummy Tuck Procedure?

 If you’re a woman and you’ve had children or have female friends who have had children, there’s a good chance the phrase “tummy tuck” has come up in conversations. While tummy tucks are also performed on men, they are more frequently performed on women following the birth of a child after the abdominal skin doesn’t return to its pre-pregnancy form, no matter how much dieting and exercise is done.

There are a number of other reasons a person may choose to have a tummy tuck because of excess fat, poor elasticity of the skin, or weakened connective tissue in your abdomen. Some reasons may include:

- Pregnancy

- Abdominal surgery, especially if you were pregnant and delivered by cesarean section

- Significant weight loss or gain

- Aging

For the record, a tummy tuck is a completely different procedure than liposuction, although the two procedures can be combined for a dramatic result. Liposuction involves the removal of fat by way of suction. A tummy tuck is a much more involved procedure where fat and baggy skin is surgically cut from the abdominal region and the muscles underneath may actually be repositioned.

 

Some issues that may prevent you from having a tummy tuck include if you:

- Had previous abdominal surgery that left significant scar tissue

- Have a chronic illness condition, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease

- Are considering a future pregnancy

- Have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more

- Plan to lose a significant amount of weight after the surgery

- Smoke

 

Tummy Tuck Before and After

When considering a tummy tuck, your first step is to find a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon. At your initial consultation, the surgeon will review your medical history, perform a medical exam, then speak with you about your expectations.

 

The surgeon will then provide an explanation of how the procedure is performed and what specifically is being recommended for your surgery. He or she will also probably recommend that you avoid taking any medicines or supplements that could increase the chances of bleeding (including aspirin), maintain a healthy weight, and arrange for help after the surgery, including someone to drive you home and stay with you the first night during your recovery.

If you are a smoker, your doctor will highly recommend that you quit before the surgery and abstain from smoking during recovery because smoking decreases blood flow and can hinder the healing process.

 

After the surgery, your surgical team will get you up and walking as soon as possible to prevent the formation of blood clots. You will need to wear a supportive abdominal garment for four to six weeks.

This not only provides support to your abdomen but also helps to prevent fluids from building up. You may also have drain tubes that will need to be emptied and cleaned periodically. And you could potentially be given a variety of prescription medications including pain relievers, blood thinners, and antibiotics.

 

During your tummy tuck recovery, you’ll need to be careful when moving around or doing anything that can put excessive strain on your incision. This would include bending quickly at the waist and/or picking up heavy objects.

Your surgical team will also instruct you on when you need to come back for post-operative exams.

 

Tummy Tuck Cost

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery, the average cost of a tummy tuck procedure performed in the United States in 2019 was $6,092.

This does not include the cost of anesthesia, operating room facilities, and other expenses. As this is an average, you may pay more or less for your procedure, based on your surgeon’s skill and experience, and the cost of living in the geographic area where the procedure will be performed.

 

Tummy tuck surgery in Richmond, VA

Again, when considering any kind of procedure such as a tummy tuck, always rely on the skill, knowledge, and expertise provided by a board-certified surgeon. The procedure will go more smoothly, your risks will be minimized, and the results will be far greater.

 

Conclusion

A tummy tuck is a procedure where a board-certified surgeon surgically removed loose skin and excess fat from your abdominal area. The abdominal muscles underneath may be repositioned to provide you with a nice toned look after recovery. Some sutures may also be added to provide additional strength if your abdominal muscles or the connective tissues are weakened.