| Dr. Larry Fan 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. A tummy tuck is a procedure that contours and flattens the abdomen by removing loose skin and tightening the stomach muscles.
Q. How is a tummy tuck performed?
A. A tummy tuck is performed by removing loose skin and tightening the stomach muscles. The result is a dramatically flattened abdomen with an incision that is hidden in the bikini line. A tummy tuck is often combined with liposuction of the waist, abdomen, and back to produce an even more dramatic improvement in contour.
Q. How long does tummy tuck surgery take?
A. A tummy tuck is typically performed under general anesthesia and usually takes two to four hours to perform.
Q. Are there risks and complications to a tummy tuck?
A. The tummy tuck is an extremely popular procedure and is considered generally safe. All procedures, however, have potential risks and complications. Risks of a tummy tuck include bleeding, infection, prominent scarring, adverse reaction to anesthesia, delayed healing, tissue loss, numbness, dysethesias, distortion of the belly button, asymmetry, blood clots, and seroma.
Q. What should one expect after the operation?
A. A tummy tuck is done on an outpatient basis, meaning you will be able to go home the same day after surgery. Most patients report mild to moderate discomfort after surgery, for which you will be given pain pills. You will be up and about in a few days. Time off work is one to two weeks. You will not be able to perform vigorous exercise or heavy lifting for six weeks. You will be instructed to wear a compression garment or girdle for six weeks. You may have one or two small drainage tubes left in place after surgery to evacuate any fluid that collects. These drains are usually removed after several days.
Q. How much does a tummy tuck cost?
A. The cost of a tummy tuck varies depending on how much needs to be done. Average fees range from $4,000 to $8,500.
Q. How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?
A. The results of a tummy tuck usually last several years, even decades, provided you maintain a healthy lifestyle and stable weight. The tummy tuck, however, does not stop your body from continuing to age. |
