Tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty in medical terms, is part of the cosmetic surgery procedures done today to improve the physical look of a person. It involves removal of the excess fat and skin from the waist and abdomen area to achieve a flatter stomach and a leaner figure. Average cosmetic surgery prices for this procedure are around $6,000.
The surgery is done starting with a long incision along the hipbone. The second incision is done to move the navel from the tissue as it may get damaged during removal of fat and excess skin. The main procedure involves the separation of the skin and the abdominal wall in order to lift the skin flap, pull the abdominal muscles, and stitch them tighter together. The skin flap is then stretched towards the hipbone incision and extra tissues are removed. This is followed by creating a hole for the navel and closing the sutures. In general, the procedure takes around a couple of hours. The patient is advised to stay in the hospital for around 1-3 nights depending on the extent of the surgery.
Expect a swollen abdomen during the first few days of the recovery period. Your doctor can prescribe medication for pain. Complete bed rest is suggested for the first three days. Some doctors also recommend that the patients’ legs are kept slightly bent at the hips so that abdominal pressure and strain will be reduced. Standing and walking may be a little difficult at first as such creates tension around the abdominal muscles. However, the patient should be able to stand and walk as soon as possible.
It is important that patients follow the additional instructions surgeons provide. There may be specific directions to be followed when walking, changing surgical dressings, and taking a bath. The use of abdominal binders may be recommended to support the tightened area. Follow-up visits are necessary months after the surgery as the doctor needs to evaluate progress of healing.
The recovery highly depends on the patient as human bodies vary in response to surgical wounds and treatments. Most patients, however, take two to four weeks to recover and most of them are able to get back to normal activity after a month and two weeks. Cosmetic surgeons advise that abdominoplasty patients avoid lifting heavy objects and undergoing strenuous exercise six weeks after the procedure.
As cosmetic surgeries promise beauty and transformation, it is still wise that patients manage their expectations. Although tummy tuck procedures are believed to provide lasting results, it is best if it will be maintained with proper exercise and balanced diet. Not only would you want to avoid the physical pain of this procedure again, but no doubt you will want to avoid the monetary paid as well. Cosmetic surgery prices will continue to increase year over year.