An tummy tuck is a component of a lower body lift and can be combined with liposuction contouring, breast reduction, breast lift, or occasionally hysterectomy, depending on the reason for the hysterectomy.
Complete tummy tuck
A complete tummy tuck involves:
- An incision is made from hip to hip just above the pubic area.
- Another incision is made to free the navel from the surrounding skin.
- The skin is detached from the abdominal wall to reveal the muscles and fascia to be tightened.
- The muscle fascia wall is tightened with sutures.
- The remaining skin and fat are tightened by removing the excess and closing the defect.
- The old belly button stalk is brought out through a new hole and sutured into place.
- Liposuction is often used to refine the transition zones of the abdominal sculpture.
- A dressing and sometime a compression garment are applied and any excess fluid from the site is drained.
Recovery from Tummy Tuck
* Depends on the problem to be treated, surgical technique(s), and other factors. Can take one to four weeks and patients are advised to take at least a portion of this recovery time off from work.
* Heavy activity especially is best avoided during this time.
* Initially there may be bruising and discomfort.
* A supportive abdominal binder or compression garment can minimize swelling / bruising, and support the repaired tissues.
* Patients are advised to avoid all forms of nicotine for a month or longer prior to surgery and also during the recovery period.
* Full recovery takes 3 - 6 months, with further fading of scars thereafter.
Find your local tummy tuck surgeon here.
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