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What You Should Know About Tummy Tuck Surgery

The stomach is the most aggravating part of the body. Excess skin and fat collect around our midsection as we go through typical physical changes including childbirth, weight fluctuations, and the aging process. Unfortunately, as many individuals have discovered, exercise and nutrition are ineffective in recovering our youthful waistlines. The abdominoplasty, often known as a tummy tuck, is a popular surgical operation for slimming the waistline and smoothing the stomach. The procedure can also be used to heal damaged or weakening abdominal muscles, tightening the stomach even more and assuring long-term effects.

Tummy Tuck Houston Texas

As with any medical operation, it is critical for a prospective patient to do their homework in order to completely comprehend both the procedure’s possible benefits and hazards. Despite the fact that belly tuck surgery can be advantageous for many men and women, there are strict recovery requirements and potential problems to consider first. Because of these factors, abdominoplasty may not be appropriate for everyone. Consider the following five tummy tuck facts before committing to the abdominoplasty procedure:

A tummy tuck necessitates a large amount of recovery time.
A tummy tuck in Houston is a serious surgery that takes weeks to recover from. An incision is made from hip to hip as part of the procedure. Patients should expect a two- to three-week recuperation time. You will feel exhausted, bloated, and sore at first. It is common to experience moderate pain during the first few days, but this will gradually improve. Allowing oneself time to focus on rest and healing is critical. Abdominoplasty patients will want assistance with household duties and children in addition to taking time off from work. Physical activities that are strenuous will need to be postponed for at least four to six weeks.
Prior to your tummy tuck, you should be at a steady weight.

Abdominoplasty is a fantastic procedure for sculpting the physique and shaping the body. The surgical technique, however, is not a substitute for weight loss. Before receiving a belly tuck, you should be near to your ideal weight for six to twelve months. The majority of surgeons will advise patients to be 10-15 pounds under their ideal weight. This is critical since gaining or decreasing weight after surgery can destroy the sculpted shape you’ve attained. Weight fluctuations might strain abdominal tissues, necessitating a revision operation to restore the original procedure’s benefits. The scar after a belly tuck is permanent.

The incision will leave a scar along the belly, despite the fact that the tummy tuck is one of the most popular and effective cosmetic surgery treatments today. This will go from hip to hip, just above the pubic bone, along the horizontal incision line. While the scar will fade with time, it will still be noticeable for many years. An expert plastic surgeon will position the incision with care, ensuring that the scar is well-hidden beneath clothing, underwear, and swimsuit bottoms. For the first week or two, surgical drains will be in place.

Drains are placed after surgery to prevent an accumulation of blood or fluids, reducing edema and promoting normal recovery. Surgical drains are frequently used after an abdominoplasty. These will require attention and care, even if they are only temporary. Your surgeon will address the necessity for drains and how to care for them before surgery, as well as any bathing restrictions. The drains are usually removed without pain in seven to ten days, but they may need to stay in place for two weeks or more. It can take up to a year for your body to fully heal.

The results of a belly tuck will not be seen right away. In fact, redness, bruising, stiffness, and swelling are frequent in the first few weeks. Over the next four to six weeks, this will gradually settle, and the results will begin to emerge. Residual swelling, on the other hand, can last up to six months. It’s typical to experience transient numbness or lack of sensation along the incision line, but this will fade with time. While you should be back to your old self in a few months, it can take up to a year for the stomach to heal completely and the surgical results to be visible. Take your time and only trust a board-certified plastic surgeon if you’re considering a full abdominoplasty or a mini-tummy tuck.

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      Bruce K. Smith, M.D.

      1315 St. Joseph Pkwy
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      Houston, Texas 77002

      (713) 659-2700

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