Tummy Tuck Cosmetic Surgery

1. Tummy Tuck Cosmetic Surgery How is a Tummy Tuck Done? A tummy tuck involves multiple surgical steps, each designed to enhance the cosmetic appearance and feel of your abdominal area. The tummy tuck starts by making an incision low down on the abdominal wall. Dr. Backstein places this incision as low down as possible so that it is generally not detectable in a bathing suit or a bikini. Depending on your body structure, fully hiding the incision scar may not be feasible. Following the initial incision, a tummy tuck will involve plication (firm tightening) of the muscle layer, excision and removal of as much excess skin and fat as possible, and placement of the umbilicus (belly button) into an anatomically pleasing location on the abdominal wall. Dr. Backstein includes liposuction of the upper abdominal area and love handles as part of the tummy tuck procedure. Tummy Tuck Cosmetic Surgery Scars. There are two scars that are left by a tummy tuck. These are a horizontal scar placed low down above the pubic area and a circular scar carefully placed around the belly button. Both of these scars are absolutely needed if a tummy tuck is to be done properly and effectively. Any procedure that attempts to avoid these scars will always compromise the result of the surgery in terms of tightening, flattening, and overall abdominal beauty. For more information visit: http://drsumanscosmeticssurgery.com/tummy- tuck-surgery/ Scars in general are dynamic. This means that scars go through phases during which the visibility of the scar changes from more to less. During the first two months after a tummy tuck or liposuction, scars will usually have a certain amount of redness to them. This is called the inflammatory phase of wound healing.

2. Following this, for up to a full year, the scars will fade more and more. It is important to note that healing of surgical incisions is very much an individual trait much like hair colour or skin tone. People will heal incisions and form scars differently even when undergoing the exact same surgery done by the same surgeon. As a rule, patients are so thrilled and excited by the dramatic flattening of their abdomens and the psychological lift that this provides that tummy tuck scars are quickly overlooked and ignored. Tummy Tuck Recovery. How Much Pain Will I Have? Following a tummy tuck, patients describe a major feeling of tightness around the abdomen. The discomfort is described as an intense muscle ache similar to the feeling after an aggressive abdominal workout. Dr. Backstein feels that the best tummy tucks will cause a certain amount of post operative discomfort. This is related to the extent of tightening that the surgeon has achieved. If a tummy tuck doesn't hurt at all, the abdomen was likely not tightened adequately. Swelling and bruising is always seen after a tummy tuck or liposuction. Dr. Backstein always provides supplemental liposuction to the upper abdominal area and love handles and bruising will be seen in these areas. Do I Need To Stay Overnight? Most patients are able to leave the hospital on the evening of the surgical day. Arrangements can always be made for patients to stay overnight if so desired. Although straining, heavy lifting and bending should be avoided, tummy tuck patients must start minimal walking and leg exercises the day of the surgery. Lying in bed for hours at a time is dangerous and must be avoided to minimize the risk of blood clots. When going to sleep, a couple of pillows under the knees and behind the head will act to ease the tension on the surgical incision and will help relieve discomfort. When Can I Return To Work?

3. Patients with jobs that require significant physical activity including bending, lifting, or quick movement will need about 4 weeks off before being able to return to full duties comfortably. Those patients with jobs not demanding physical activity can return to work after 2 weeks. When Can I Work Out? Light work outs involving exercises that do not strain the surgical incision or the abdominal muscles can begin at 2-3 weeks. This includes brisk walking or stationary bike riding. Heavier work outs including abdominal crunches, sit-ups and running should not be attempted for about 1 month.