Sacramento Tummy Tuck

Exercise and diet will only get you so far if you are looking for a flatter looking stomach and abdominal area. This part of the body can be affected by childbirth, weight loss and gain, surgery, age, or even genetics. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, has become a popular procedure for improving the appearance of the midriff area.

This surgical procedure removes excess skin and fat and repairs stretched or separated abdominal muscles to restore a firmer, slimmer, and more youthful midsection.

How is a tummy tuck performed?

As with any cosmetic surgery, the best candidates for tummy tuck surgery are in general good health, do not smoke, and have reasonable expectations about what a tummy can and cannot do.

It also helps to have maintained a stable weight for some time, and not to have any pregnancy plans in the immediate future.

Abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia in a certified medical facility or hospital setting.
A horizontal incision is made above the pubic hairline along the front of the lower abdomen (usually from hipbone to hipbone). The underlying abdominal muscle tissue is repaired or re-aligned, and then excess skin and tissue pulled taut and trimmed. Localized fat pockets are also removed at this time.

The belly button may be relocated and sutured into a new position, depending on the surgery’s extent. Finally, the surgeon will suture and tape the incision, and the entire area is bandaged.

Some patients choose to combine their tummy tuck with liposuction of the surrounding areas or use their tummy tuck as a part of a more significant Mommy Makeover.

Liposuction of the abdomen alone may be appropriate if you have good skin elasticity and muscle tone.

Tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) are one of the most dramatic and intensive body contouring procedures out there. It’s a great way to get your body looking the way it did pre-pregnancy or help to remove excess skin following extensive weight loss. Our best advice to you following your abdominoplasty is to follow your post-op instructions to the letter but we’ve also compiled a few other tips to keep in mind to ensure you have a quick yet healing recovery.

Eat A Well-Balanced And Healthy Diet

It’s important to give your body the nutrients it needs to heal. Make sure you’re eating nutritious foods. This doesn’t just mean eating your greens, it’s also important to be eating foods that are rich in protein. Healthy fat can also help your skin’s healing process.

In addition to eating healthy, it’s vital to keep your body hydrated before and after your procedure. It helps to get into the habit of drinking plenty of water before your surgery to reduce the risk of complications but it’s never to late to start drinking water.

Immediately following surgery, your movement will be limited but as soon as you feel up to it, we recommend walking 20 to 30 minutes. Because you won’t be able to fully workout for a few weeks, walking is a great way to get some circulation going following surgery.

Swelling around the surgical area is normal and can last for a few weeks following your procedure. It is recommended you wear a girdle or binder to help provide support during your healing process. It’s important to wear this compression garment even when you’re sleeping.

Recovery from tummy tuck surgery

Recovery from tummy tuck surgery can take several weeks. Bandages and a compression binder will be applied immediately after surgery with thin drainage tubes to eliminate excess blood and fluid from the body.

Medications to control pain and prevent infection will be prescribed. You will need a companion to help with transportation home and personal care. Diligence must be observed while changing bandages, and you will be released from care with detailed instructions about how to care for these and any drains (if needed).

Keep activities very light for at least two weeks. Most people can resume all normal activities (including strenuous activity) by the six to eight-week point; however, recovery can vary widely from patient to patient depending on their health and other factors.