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Tummy Tuck Tummy Tuck | Procedure | Recovery | Before and After Gallery
The goal of a tummy tuck is to remove excess skin from the abdomen and/or to tighten the underlying muscles. This procedure is indicated when there is bulging due to abnormal stretching of the abdominal muscles and skin. The extent of surgery depends on the amount of excess skin and the laxity of the abdominal muscles.
Understanding the procedure
Surgery is carried out under general anesthesia or under local anesthesia with IV sedation. In some cases, the belly button is repositioned because of the amount of skin that is removed. Although hidden by clothing, a sizeable scar may result from the tummy tuck. This scar may widen and require surgical improvement at a later time. Every effort is made to reduce the size of the scar and to make it as inconspicuous as possible through such methods as taping the incision. In spite of the scarring, most patients are enthusiastic about their results. Symptoms such as low back pain, rash and abdominal discomfort may be relieved by the procedure.
| Before | After | |
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Understanding the recovery
Swelling around the incision should be minimal and will peak at 72 hours. As a general rule, 80% of your swelling is gone in 2 to 6 weeks and the remainder should be gone in 3 to 6 months. To minimize swelling, rest and sleep in a reclining position with your head elevated 20-25 degrees for at least 2 weeks after surgery. Sleep on your back and not on your side. Avoidance of salt in your diet will also help to prevent excess swelling.
Bruising may occur in the surgical area following the procedure. If bruising develops, it should be gone in 3 to 6 weeks. Some oozing along your incision may occur the first 24 to 96 hours after surgery. If sudden, profuse bleeding or severe purple swelling occurs, please contact our office immediately. Remain calm as excitement and panic raises your blood pressure and worsens bleeding.
Areas of numbness, firmness and tenderness around your incision and under your skin are common. Normal feeling should return several months to 2 years after surgery.
You may run a slight temperature the first few days following surgery. If so, increase your fluid intake and take Tylenol. Do not exceed 8 Tylenol per day. Please notify us of any fever above 100 degrees that Tylenol does not control.
Since nothing heals symmetrically or suddenly, expect your best result to be achieved 6 to 24 months following your surgery. The best outcome will be achieved by following instructions and taking good care of yourself.
Visit our plastic / cosmetic surgery office located in Little Rock, Arkansas (AR).