What is a tummy tuck?
What does the tummy tuck do?
The most basic tummy tuck tightens up stretched out abdominal skin. This is common after pregnancy or extreme weight loss. Once the excess skin is removed and the remaining skin is tightened, the abdominal area will look smoother and flatter.
In some cases, the surgeon will sew abdominal muscles together to enhance the appearance of the tummy tuck. This is often the case if the patient is unsuccessful in tightening up the ab muscles through exercise.
There are three main types of tummy tucks. These include:
- Mini tummy tuck extends from hip to hip and targets a small area
- Extended tummy tuck extends beyond the hips to the back and targets a larger area
- Reverse tummy tuck targets the upper abdominal area instead of the lower
Consulting with a surgeon can help the potential patient determine which procedure is more likely to produce the results they want.
What does a tummy tuck surgery entail?
Dr. Joel Aronowitz is placed under general anesthesia for the procedure. A large cut is made, usually along the pubic bone unless the procedure is a reverse tummy tuck, and the surgeon removes excess fat and skin. Once the surgeon is satisfied with their work, they suture the area back up and fluid drains may be inserted.
What is the recovery from a tummy tuck?
It can take up to six months to see the final result of the tummy tuck. The recovery depends on the type of tummy tuck and whether drains are inserted. Typically, people have to avoid physical activity for at least two to three weeks. They can typically return to work between two and four weeks after the procedure. Full activity is usually resumable by eight weeks post-procedure.
All patients who undergo will receive aftercare instructions from their surgeon, such as Joel Aronowitz MD. It’s critical that they follow these and attend all follow-up appointments so their recovery can be monitored.
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