How Long is Recovery from a Tummy Tuck?

The technical name for a tummy tuck is abdominoplasty. An abdominoplasty is a surgical treatment that focuses on the stomach area. The purpose of this treatment is to remove stubborn fat tissues from this region, creating a slimmer look. Tummy tucks also repairs the abdominal walls that may have undergone extreme stress during pregnancy, weight loss, or aging. Due to the nature of this treatment, it is relatively invasive and requires some downtime after.

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Tummy Tuck Overview Tummy tuck surgery will get rid of excess fat and repair the muscles of the abdominal walls. Dr. Brenman recommends this treatment for individuals that are struggling to remove the last layer of fat after an exercise regime. It is also popular as a postnatal treatment for new mothers. Before considering if you’re a good candidate for a tummy tuck, it helps to understand the full procedure from start to finish. 

Preparation

Preparing for the treatment is as simple as getting a full medical evaluation – sometimes complete with lab testing. This will ensure that you are physically healthy enough for the surgery. You will also be asked to avoid certain medications before the surgery and to stop smoking. 

Procedure

The tummy tuck procedure is a three-step process. Firstly, anesthesia is provided to ensure you’re asleep during the surgery. A horizontal incision is then made in the lower region of your stomach, along the pubic line. From here, the skin is peeled away, and the abdominal walls are prepared. Your surgeon will then stretch the skin back over the stomach, trimming down any excess. It is finally stitched back together, creating a flatter stomach with less excess skin.  Sometimes, liposuction is used during this procedure to remove excess belly fat. This is optional, but you and your surgeon will decide if it is necessary. 

Recovery

Like a lot of cosmetic surgeries, you will be wrapped in a compression bandage following your treatment. This will stop swelling and allow your skin to heal correctly. Medication may be provided to help with pain. There may be some fluid drainage following the treatment, but your surgeon and their team will manage this for you. A full recovery can be made approximately 6 weeks after your surgery.

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Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

Tummy tuck surgery is beneficial for anyone that has excess belly fat or loose skin. It will allow you to remove the stubborn tissues to provide a flatter and more appealing stomach. This procedure is also advantageous if you have weak abdominal muscles. It can tighten and strengthen them back up, undoing the damage caused by pregnancy, etc. 

Am I a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

You are a candidate for a tummy tuck if you are a healthy person that’s gone through a natural weight-loss program. You’ve eaten well and exercised regularly, but still have excess stomach fat and loose skin. A tummy tuck is not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle – it is not used as an alternative fat loss treatment.  Likewise, women can be great candidates if your stomach has suffered after multiple pregnancies. However, Dr. Brenman advises against this procedure if you intend to have more children. It will yield better, more long lasting results if no more pregnancies are planned. “After losing 87 pounds I decided I would treat myself and get a tummy tuck that I have been wanting for some time. I researched and thought Dr Scot Brenman would be best. Well suffice it to say I am not thrilled with my results. Ultimately my tummy is flatter which was what I wanted but my belly button is 2 inches above the incision line which I hate! He promised lipo which til this day I’m betting he didn’t do! Also his aftercare was thee WORSE! He never followed up with me after the removal of my drains! No way will he receive another one of my hard earned dimes!” *