Whether you have decided to have a tummy tuck or are thinking about it, read on to find out more! One of the most important parts of your journey is the initial consultation you will have with Charlotte plastic surgeon Dr. Enam Haque. During your consultation, Dr. Haque will present you with all available procedure options and discuss the best surgical path that will be taken to meet your unique needs and preferences.
An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, targets excess skin and the separation that can occur between your abdominal muscles. If you have excess skin, as a result of a significant amount of weight loss or pregnancy, a tummy tuck is the only way you can eliminate that loose, sagging skin and repair the separation on both sides of the rectus muscle, the muscle that gives you a six-pack. A tummy tuck will bring those muscles back together, pulling in your belly and acting as an internal corset.
Reasons to Have a Tummy Tuck
There are many reasons why you might consider having a tummy tuck and they could include:
- A significant weight loss
- Pregnancy – the effects of one or more pregnancies can result in excess skin and separation that is resistant to diet and exercise
- Previous abdominal surgery, such as a C-section
- Natural process of aging
- Your specific anatomy, the shape of your body
In addition to removing excess skin and repairing the muscles, a benefit of a tummy tuck is that any stretch marks located within the lower abdominal area, below your belly button, will be removed. If you have had a C-section, your existing surgical scar may be able to be incorporated into the incision for your tummy tuck. That will depend on your anatomy and the scar you already have.
Are you a good candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Dr. Haque will caution you against having a tummy tuck if you are considering a future pregnancy, plan to lose a significant amount of weight, have a severe, chronic condition such as heart disease or diabetes, are a smoker, or if you have had previous abdominal surgery that resulted in significant scar tissue. He will discuss this with you during your consultation
Recovery Will be Different for Everyone
Your recovery process will vary based on your body’s tolerance to pain and your natural recovery response.
The recuperation you experience will depend on several factors, including:
- Your age
- Your health
- Your body weight
- The type of tummy tuck you had – mini tummy tuck or full tummy tuck
You need to give yourself time to heal and take a break from your normal activities. You may stay in the surgical facility for a few hours or one or two nights. You will need to make sure that you are prepared to recover by making arrangements to heal ahead of time.
There will be surgical drains that you will need to empty. You will most likely be prescribed antibiotics and possibly an anticoagulant while the drains are in place. You will wear a pressure garment around your abdomen to prevent the buildup of fluid, reduce swelling, and support your abdomen. You will also need to avoid any strenuous activity, including vigorous exercise or heavy lifting.
Tips for Your Recovery
You need to avoid alcohol, especially if you are using pain medication, and any form of nicotine for at least six weeks. Smoking slows the healing process and can cause complications.
One thing you can do after surgery is to keep moving, even if it is just to take a light walk. Walking will keep your blood flowing and help with the healing process. It will also decrease the chances of you developing a blood clot in your legs.
The Queen City Plastic Surgery team will provide you with instructions and make sure that you go to your postoperative appointments. Before taking any prescription medication, including blood thinners, please check with Dr. Haque beforehand. Maintaining your weight after the procedure will help you maintain your beautiful results.
To schedule a consultation for your tummy tuck with Dr. Haque, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Charlotte, please contact us at 704-372-5685 today!