One of the most popular body contouring procedures is the tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty. A tummy tuck is a great way to get the kind of taut midsection that looks amazing in body-hugging dresses, crop-tops, and bathing suits.
Unfortunately, many women put a lot of effort into concealing their abdominal area. They choose clothes that hide it, and they sit or stand with postures that disguise it.
At San Diego Body Contouring, we hear from patients all the time who express deep gratitude not just for the way they look following their tummy tuck but also for the wonderful sense of freedom gained when they no longer feel the need to hide their bellies.
WE LOVE TO HEAR THIS. And we’d love to hear it from you.
Need a little more information before you commit to a tummy tuck? Take a look below at some of the most common questions about the procedure. Then, give us a call and schedule a consultation with Dr. Sarosy at our San Diego office.
What is a tummy tuck? And who should get it?
During the tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedure, Dr. Sarosy will flatten your abdomen by removing extra fat and skin and tightening the muscles in your abdominal wall. Although abdominoplasty is an outpatient surgery that can be done at our San Diego office, it is not minor and does require general anesthesia. The procedure is not the same as liposuction (read about the differences here), but it is possible to combine the two.
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are those with excess skin from childbirth or extreme weight loss, or those with a bit too much flab that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. Candidates must also be in good health.
What kind of downtime do I need?
Like we mentioned before, tummy tuck surgery is not a minor procedure. You’ll need to follow post-surgery instructions carefully if you want to avoid complications. You may need to take as long as a month off of work following the procedure, and strenuous activity must be put on hold for at least 6 weeks. You should plan not to run, lift weights, play tennis, or golf during that time. Swimming and sexual activity are OK after 4 weeks. Driving may not be recommended for 6 weeks or more.
How long will I need to wear the compression garment?
Your body needs to heal tissue damaged during the procedure, and one of the most important tools for your recovery period is the compression garment. The garment is a band woven from elastic and cloth. It’s meant to apply a constant even pressure around your abdomen. A few of the many benefits of the compression garment are that it holds your bandages and surgical dressings in place; it helps keep your incisions clean; it lowers the risk of complications; and it improves your circulation. Every person heals at her own pace, so we can’t tell you how long you’ll need to wear your garment. But typically, they’re worn from one to four weeks. Dr. Sarosy will provide those specifics to you after your surgery.
What will happen to my belly button?
During your tummy tuck procedure, Dr. Sarosy will make an incision around your belly button to release it from the surrounding skin. This allows the upper tummy to be redraped downward and tightened. Once the skin of the abdomen is redraped, Dr. Sarosy will make a new hole in the skin flap and suture the belly button into place.
How will the doctor help with the pain?
General anesthesia will put you to sleep through the surgery, and you will feel no pain. Dr. Sarosy will inject local anesthetic into the area of the procedure to help control your post-operative pain. You can also choose to have a pain pump placed at the time of the procedure. This will continue to provide you with controlled doses of local anesthetic for several days. Dr. Sarosy will also provide you with prescriptions for oral medications to help relieve your pain, relax your muscles, and allow you to rest while you recover.
What kind of scarring should I expect?
The incision for tummy tuck usually begins just above the pubic hairs and slowly curves up toward the hips in both directions. The length of the incision depends on the amount of skin that needs to be removed. In most cases, the scar will be as thin as a fingernail and sit low enough to remain concealed by even a low-cut panty or bikini.
How long will the results last?
There are no guarantees for how long your tight new stomach will last, but a steady healthy diet and exercise routine that helps you maintain your weight the time of the procedure is best way to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. A tummy tuck is not an alternative to diet and exercise. It’s best to have the procedure done at a time when you are otherwise satisfied with your weight. Extreme weight fluctuation (gain or loss) can result in unwanted changes.
Have more questions?
We’re happy to answer them. At San Diego Body Contouring, it’s important to us that our patients feel comfortable, informed, and at ease before committing to any of our procedures or services. Call us with questions or schedule a consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve the wonderful sense of freedom that comes with knowing how good you look in a body-hugging dress.
