What to Expect from Your Tummy Tuck Procedure

Excessive fat of the abdominal area, sometimes combined with loose abdominal skin and laxity of abdominal muscles, can be a cause for frustration for many patients who find diet and exercise to be ineffective. This change in appearance is often caused by fluctuations in weight, pregnancies, or surgeries for weight loss. The most effective way to correct this problem is surgically, through a tummy tuck procedure. Here’s what you can expect from your surgery day and recovery.

The Procedure

In a traditional tummy tuck procedure, excessive skin around the abdomen is removed, the abdominal muscles are tightened, and liposuction is sometimes performed on the excess fat of the flanks, hips, and abdominal wall. This procedure is also known as abdominoplasty, and it is performed under general anesthesia. An incision is a necessary part of the procedure and, if there is a large amount of skin to be removed in a horizontal and vertical direction, then a ‘T’ shaped incision is made. Blood vessels are narrowed with the help of numbing medicines and epinephrine, combined to make a tumescent fluid. Surgeons also use pain managing injections like Exparel.

A no-drain tummy tuck procedure is the one in which drains are not required during the recovery period. Progressive tension sutures or TissueGlueâ are used for this purpose, as they dissolve with time. The advantage of this technique is that it diminishes the chances of seroma development so drains are not required. This technique is very popular because dealing with drains during recovery time can be very uncomfortable. Dr. Salzman is an expert in performing no-drain tummy tuck surgery.

The Recovery

The standard recovery time for tummy tuck procedure takes about 10 to 14 days. The Exparel injection given by anesthesia under ultrasound, (TAP Block) can last for up to 3 days, allowing movement and managing pain for a quicker recovery. Patients can usually return to their non-stressful work routine after two weeks; however, some patients who have physically-challenging jobs may require an additional couple weeks before they can feel fit enough to resume their work.

Consulting with Dr. Salzman before your surgery is the most important step of your procedure process because the suitability for every individual is different. Dr. Salzman can also make sure you’re aware of the specific risks and factors involved with a tummy tuck procedure and plan the best surgical technique for you. To schedule a consultation, contact our office by calling or filling out our online form.

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