What Happens During a Tummy Tuck?
Your Specialty Aesthetics Surgery team will prepare you for your surgery, which takes place under general anesthesia. The procedure usually takes a few hours, depending on the details and complexity of the surgery. Your surgeon will use the incision to lift the loose skin and remove any excess. They may use an incision around the belly button to move it to a new, natural-looking location.
Your surgeon may also repair your abdominal muscles, a key part of your abdominal core that often separates during pregnancy. They may also use liposuction to remove excess fat and sculpt the abdominal area and waistline. Liposuction is often used to achieve an overall more contoured appearance.
Do You Lose Weight after a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure, and you should not enter into the procedure with the expectation that you will lose weight. However, some people will notice changes in their weight after their tummy tuck. Factors that affect whether you experience any weight changes include:
- The thickness of your abdominal fat under the skin
- The amount of overhanging skin removed
- The amount of liposuction performed
- Your overall pre-procedure weight
Some people who have a tummy tuck are concerned with loose skin and do not have much excess fat. Others may have an “apron” of fat and skin on the abdomen that a tummy tuck will remove. People who see the best results from their tummy tuck lead an overall healthy lifestyle and do not have large amounts of excess fat in the area.
If the primary issue with your abdominal area is excess fat, your surgeon will discuss your options, including a tummy tuck, liposuction, and the benefits of maintaining your results with healthy lifestyle choices.
What is Recovery Like After Abdominoplasty?
You can expect some pain, swelling, and bruising after your procedure. Your surgeon will prescribe medications as needed. You will not be able to lift anything so you will need assistance with childcare and other tasks. Your incisions may have drains to keep fluid from accumulating. Your surgeon will remove these at a follow-up visit.
Most people return to work two to four weeks after a tummy tuck. You can resume your exercise routine, including careful lifting, after six weeks or when your surgeon approves. Each person’s recovery experience is unique, and your Specialty Aesthetics Surgery team will support you throughout.
