| Dr. Mohammad Khosravi is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Tummy Tuck.
Q. What is a tummy tuck?
A. Abdominoplasty, more commonly known as a 'tummy tuck', is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen. It also helps to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall and shape the waist.
Q. Who is an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck?
A. Whoever is looking to achieve one of the following,
· To remove a large fat deposit
· To remove loose abdominal skin
· To improve skin elasticity if you are an older patient
· To improve your muscle and skin tone after multiple pregnancies
Q. Will Smoking slow down the Healing Process?
A. Note that smoking may lead to larger tummy tuck scars, in addition to the higher risk of developing complications after the surgery. If you smoke, it is very important that you quit for two weeks before and at least two weeks after your abdominoplasty. Exposing yourself to cigarette smoke causes the blood vessels in your skin to constrict, decreasing the amount of oxygen being delivered to the skin cells. This, in turn, will slow the body’s immune response.
Q. What are the different types of tummy tuck procedures?
A.
To remove a large fat deposit
To remove loose abdominal skin
To improve skin elasticity if you are an older patient
To improve your muscle and skin tone after multiple pregnancies
Q. What should one expect after the operation?
A. For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort. However, most of this will be controlled by medication prescribed by your doctor. I will give you advice on showering and changing your dressings. It is also important that you start walking as soon as possible even though you may not be able to stand straight at first. Stitches will be dissolved by themselves. The dressing on your incision is then likely to be replaced by a support garment for some time.
Q. How long does tummy tuck surgery take?
A. Depending on the different cases it can takes 2 to 4 hrs
Q. Are there risks and complications to a tummy tuck?
A. Abdominoplasty is a very common procedure carried out successfully on many people each year. Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with surgery. Specific complications associated with this procedure include mostly minor infections which may be treated with drainage and antibiotics; Infection is uncommon. Serious infections are rare and occur in high risk individuals such as smokers, people who are very overweight, and those with certain conditions such as diabetes. Bleeding is unusual and normally drainage tubes are used to drain away any excess blood and fluid in the immediate post operative period. Drains are usually removed the morning after surgery, before discharge. Blood clots are also uncommon and the risk of getting one can be reduced by mobilizing as soon as possible after the operation. There is a chance of poor healing resulting in conspicuous scars and this may necessitate a second operation. If you are a smoker you are strongly advised to stop, as smoking may increase the risk of serious complications (including devastating infections) and delay healing. You can reduce the risk of complications by following your surgeon's pre and post operative instructions, particularly in regards to resuming physical activity.
|
