How Serious of a Surgery is a Tummy Tuck?
When it comes to getting in shape, the most stubborn part is the belly. Fat accumulates around the abdomen when we go through life and the physical changes that come, like childbirth and weight fluctuations. Many find it the hardest to do when you try to use exercise and dieting to lose the belly. You may also have gathered a lot of loose skin, which can make your weight loss not as attractive as it should be.
In comes the tummy tuck to save the day. You can eliminate any stubborn fat gathered there and eliminate the loose skin. So how major of a surgery is a tummy tuck? It is a major surgery, and you should consider all the factors before getting one.
Read on to learn more about the tummy tuck and why it is major surgery.
Medical History
Before getting a tummy tuck procedure approved, the surgeon will need to review your medical history. You will have to answer questions about your past and present medical conditions. You must disclose any medication you have been taking or are still taking.
The surgeon will also want to know if you have had any surgical procedures done before. You will have to tell them about any allergies you may have. They will want to know about your weight gain and loss journey.
Physical Exam
The surgeon will do a physical exam to check if a tummy tuck is a compatible procedure. They may also take pictures of you for the medical record.
Talk About Your Expectations
The surgeon will want to know what you want to achieve with a tummy tuck procedure. They will help you make your expectations more realistic and tell you if anything can affect your desired outcome.
Stop Smoking
Before getting a tummy tuck procedure, you must quit smoking. Smoking slows the healing process and restricts blood flow to the skin. It also increases the risk of tissue damage, so the surgeon will ask that you quit smoking before and after the procedure.
Medication
You will need to stop taking some medications during the procedure and for some time after. The main medications you will need to avoid are those that may increase bleeding after the procedure.
Manage Weight
You will have to manage your weight and ensure it is stable for at least 12 months before getting the procedure. You cannot get the procedure if you are overweight. The surgeon will recommend that you lose weight before as losing weight after the procedure will affect the results.
Have Help During Recovery
A tummy tuck has a very long downtime after, and you will need to have someone help you after the procedure. Your movement and the type of activities you can do are limited until the first part of recovery is done.
Risks of Tummy Tuck
Seroma or accumulation of fluid under the skin after the procedure. You will often need drainage tubes attached during recovery.
Wounds healing poorly. Sometimes, the wounds may begin to open after the procedure.
Scarring, which is beyond what was expected.
Damage to abdominal tissues.
Changes in feeling at the site of the procedure.
For more on how serious of a surgery a tummy tuck is, visit Clark Plastic & Hand Surgery at our office in McKinney, Texas. Call 469-675-3659 to book an appointment today.
