Candidates for a Tummy Tuck
- 18 years of age or older
- Mature enough to fully understand the procedure
- In relatively good shape, excluding the abdominal area
- Not pregnant or planning to become pregnant (pregnancy after tummy tuck surgery is generally unadvisable)
- Not obese, and in generally good health
- Not planning to lose a large amount of weight (your surgeon can explain why)
- Wanting to improve his/her appearance and/or comfort
- Realistic in his/her expectations
About the Procedure
A Tummy Tuck and Liposuction are the two most commonly combined cosmetic surgery procedures. The reason is that while Liposuction removes excess fat it cannot remove excess skin. And vice versa, a Tummy Tuck removes extra skin folds and not so much excess fat. Therefore, Liposuction and a Tummy Tuck combined can supplement each other to contour the body in the most effective way in order to give you a sexy curvaceous figure!
First, a solution of lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and epinephrine (a vasoconstrictor that controls bleeding by constricting blood vessels) will be injected. Dr. Byrd or Dr. McCluskey will mark your abdomen to indicate the location of the incisions, the center of your torso and the location of the repositioned navel. The primary Tummy Tuck incision will be above the pubic mound, from one hipbone to the other.
The skin will be loosened from your abdominal wall to your rib cage and sutures will then be placed in the fascia of your abdominal muscles to pull them into a tighter position. After your abdominal muscles have been sutured, excess fat will be removed by Liposuction or other methods. Your abdominal skin is then stretched down over your incision line and the excess skin is removed. Sutures, staples or Steri-Strips are used to close the incision and a drain may be used to prevent fluid buildup.
Aftercare and Recovery
Tummy Tuck surgery recovery time may vary for each patient and take several weeks to feel completely back to normal. Bed rest for 2 to 3 days is recommended with your legs bent up towards the hips in order to reduce strain on the abdominal area. You will be provided with a firm abdominal binder to offer support to the tightened areas. Dr. Marcia Byrd or Dr. Paul McCluskey will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressings. Although you may not be able to stand straight up at first, you should start walking as soon as possible, which will help promote blood circulation. Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days, and deeper sutures will come out in two to three weeks. Even if you’ve never exercised before, you should begin a light exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and improve muscle tone. However, vigorous exercise, especially lifting, is not recommended for several weeks.
Often, tummy tuck scars appear to worsen during the first few months, but typically flatten out and lighten in color over the course of a year. While tummy tuck scars may never disappear completely, your incisions will be placed so that they will be undetectable under a bathing suit or underwear.