subject: What is Tummy Tuck? [print this page] What is Tummy Tuck? What is Tummy Tuck?
The medical jargon for tummy tuck is abdominoplasty. The procedure is not a medical emergency, but an "emergency" none-the-less, for those with excess skin and wants to tighten up their loose abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck is surgical procedure that will make stomachs firmer, flatter and slimmer. Stretch marks are often diminished if not totally gone after a tummy tuck procedure. Some may say that abdominoplasty and other plastic surgery procedures are simply unnecessary if done for aesthetics effects only. However, cosmetic surgery, tummy tuck in particular could boost ones self-confidence aside from improving his or her physical appearance.
A tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure that normally takes 2 to 4 hours to finish. The procedure involves the removal of excess fat and skin in the stomach area. The procedure is precise as a plastic surgeon will mark the parts of the abdomen that will be surgically removed or "tucked". The surgery is not merely cosmetic though as it also involves the restoration of weakened and separated muscles caused by obesity or pregnancy. A properly done "tuck" will result in a firmer and smoother abdomen.
It normally takes 2 to 3 weeks for the wound to heal. A person who has undergone a tummy tuck needs someone to take care of him/her in the first week. The scar of a tummy tuck runs from one side of the hip to the other that during the initial week, a patient will not be able to even stand up straight as the abdominal skin was pulled and tightly "tucked". Pain and bruising are expected but medications will greatly help in this department. Tummy tuck drains are attached to some patients when they go home to minimize the possibility of an infection.
A lot of swelling is expected. The swelling is normal and there is really no need to worry as a patient is given strong antibiotics and pain management medications. Generally, a potential tummy tuck patient is assessed physically and mentally- to see if he or she is fit for the procedure. Drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious food could help in the healing process. Over hydration should be avoided as frequent trips to the bathroom would be quite tedious for the patient.
There are physical limitations for a person who has just undergone a tummy tuck. Bending over and reaching over are a no-no. Lifting heavy object over 10 pounds is not permissible in the beginning. Engaging in strenuous activities such as jogging, crunches, yoga even sex are not allowed for the meantime. The wound has to be healed for 2 to 3 months before doing strenuous activities. Slow walking is advisable. Complete mobility is a must to avoid body swelling.
A transition phase is expected. When the wound has healed, it is still normal to feel phantom pain. The bruising, swelling and pain will be gone but there will be episodes of tingling and warm sensation as the nerves under the skin start to "regrow".
