What You Should Know About Tummy Tuck Surgery

Tummy tuck is the surgical procedure that reduces and tightens excess skin in the abdomen. Its primary purpose is to flatten the abdomen, but it can also address loose or sagging abdominal muscles and stretch marks. People choose to have a tummy tuck for a variety of reasons, including significant weight loss that results in loose or stretched abdominal skin, pregnancy and aging.

A tummy tuck can be performed under local or general anesthesia. Before the procedure, your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical exam. Your doctor may recommend that you maintain a stable weight for several months before your surgery to achieve optimal results. Significant weight gain after your tummy tuck can diminish results.

During the procedure, your plastic surgeon will make a horizontal incision near the pubic hairline or belly button and repair weaker abdominal muscles. Your doctor will remove excess fat and skin, then close the incisions. A drainage tube might be placed in the incision area to reduce fluid accumulation beneath the skin (seroma). You will likely need this tube for a few days after your surgery until the area heals.

You will probably need to spend two days in the hospital after your tummy tuck. During this time, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you until the effects of the anesthesia wear off. Be sure to arrange this in advance, as you will not be able to drive after the surgery until your doctor approves it.  stomach tuck