Most people associate getting a tummy tuck with extreme weight loss, which is true. But there are many other reasons for getting this procedure done than just loose skin after weight loss. Even if you are of normal weight for your height, you can start getting saggy skin or your stomach could start to protrude. Other reasons for getting this loose saggy skin are Pregnancy, aging, heredity, past surgeries and your weight going up and down.
Getting a tummy tuck is a very personal procedure and you should only do it for yourself, not for anyone else’s satisfaction. This is a good option for you if you are physically healthy and you weight is stable. You must have realistic expectations and realize that it is not a miracle procedure. Also, to qualify for a tummy tuck, you cannot be a smoker.
Important Points of this Procedure
You must understand that there are some things that this procedure does not do. It is not a substitute for healthy exercise or for weight loss. The area that is treated is typically below the belly button, so don’t get your hopes up that all of your stretch marks will be gone. The only chances of removing stretch marks with this procedure are if they are in the area where the skin is removed.
Your Consultation
Since a tummy tuck is a very personal procedure, you should be prepared to talk about personal information. Your surgeon is going to ask what your expectations are and what you expect to look like after your surgery.
You will also be asked about any medical conditions, allergies and any medical treatment you are currently under. They will also want to know all of your medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, if you drink, if you smoke and if you are currently on any street drugs or medications that were not prescribed to you.
They will also want to know about any previous surgeries you have had in the past. This is important because they will need to know if there is any scar tissue that they will be dealing with, and also they can find out the exact anesthesia you used before.
You surgeon will want to do a complete examination, the same as your primary care doctor does. This will involve checking any pre-existing health problems you have, and help determine if there is a risk that the procedure will be unsafe for you. He or she will want to take pictures of your stomach for your health records. They will also want to explain your options to you and let you know what their plan of treatment is. You will talk with him/her about the expected outcome of your tummy tuck and they will let you know all of the risks and complications of the procedure.
Before Your Surgery
You will be given a sheet that you take to the lab and get blood testing done. You will have to take medications prescribed to you by your surgeon and you might have to change or stop taking some of your regular medications. This is because some medications can cause excessive bleeding in a surgical situation. These medications are aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements. You will also need to quit smoking for quite a while before the procedure is done.
Your doctor will give you information on what to do before you come in for surgery, what to expect from your anesthesia, and how to care for your body and any limits in your activity after the surgery.
What Will Happen the Day of Surgery
The day of surgery you should follow all of the instructions given to you by your surgeon. This will ensure that the procedure will take place. Many surgeons recommend that you not eat before the procedure, this is because the anesthesia and the stress of the surgery could make you feel very nauseated.
The first thing that is done will be the doctor drawing a line on your stomach where the incision will be. They may also make as series of dotted lines on your stomach indicating the skin to be removed. The doctor may also initial next to this line so that the staff that is prepping you for the surgery will know that the line was made by them. You may also have an IV placed in your arm by the nurse so that you can receive fluids and medication while you are in surgery.
When you go into the operating room, you will be cleaned and draped in a sterile fashion. There will be paper sheets draped over your stomach and the only place showing will be the lines that were drawn on your stomach. You will then be given medication so you can relax and be comfortable. This will most likely be given through your IV with the fluids you are already getting.
You will be given a sedative through your IV and you will be given general anesthesia through an oxygen mask.
Once you are unconscious, the surgery will begin. Once you are sedated, you will not feel any portion of the surgery until you are woken up in recovery.
The incision that is made will most likely go along the front of your hips and down to your pubic bone. There may also be a second incision made around the belly button to remove excess fat and skin from the upper part of your stomach. Through the first incision, the surgeon will remove the problem fat and extra skin.
After this part of the procedure is complete, damaged muscle is repaired in the abdomen. They will close the incision with their choice of sutures, skin adhesives, tapes, or clips. This will depend on the surgeon and their experience with the materials.
Immediate Result of the Surgery
You will not be able to see the results immediately after surgery. You will have swelling and will not really be able to stand up straight until you begin to heal. However, within a few weeks, you will see a slimmer profile and after an ideal surgery, the contour of the muscles in your stomach.
Recovery
After your surgery, you will probably have a gauze dressing over the incision and you might be wrapped in an elastic band. This will keep your stomach from swelling too much. You may also have a small tube going into the incision. This is to allow fluid to drain that sometimes collects inside surgical incisions.
You will be given instructions on when to remove the bandages, when to come back to have the drain removed, antibiotics that you should take, and pain medications that you should take to reduce pain.
Make sure you understand all the information for after the surgery before you have it done. Here are some questions you might want to ask.
1. Where will you be taken after your surgery is done.
2. What medication you will get after your surgery.
3. What dressings will be applied
4. When can you remove dressings.
5. Will your stitches need to be removed or will they dissolve,
6. When should they be removed?
7. When will you be able to go back to regular exercise and activity?
It is very important to follow these instructions so that you do not cause damage to the site as it is recovering.