Tummy Tuck

On the operation date, you should not eat and drink six hours before the surgery.

It either can be a major tummy tuck where the skin and tissue are loosened up to the rib arch, abs tightened and excess skin is cut away. It can be complemented with a Liposuction of the hips and waist for best results. Both operations leave scars behind. Discuss with your plastic surgeon your expectations and what is appropriate for you.

Tummy tuck is done under general anesthesia, a mini tummy tuck(upper or lower) takes about 1-2 hours while the major Tummy tuck operation takes 2-4 hours. The cut is from hip to hip in a low-cut bikini. Skin and tissue are separated from the muscles. The stomach is flatter and the waist is slimmer. The skin pulled down and any excess skin is cut away. Skin sewn into several layers of stitches as the body itself will take care of, then the plastic surgeon removes the remaining stitches after 2 weeks. You will have swelling and bruising the next few days. It is common to have moderate pain. Discuss with your surgeon regarding pain-relieving medicine. Most patients stay a night at the clinic.

An operation always involves a risk of complications. Bleeding or infection can occur. It is known that smokers have higher risk of complications. For a tummy tuck, it is extremely important to have stopped smoking at least 1 month before and 1 month after the operation. Nicotine distorts blood vessels and then the operated area doesn’t have enough blood supply to heal. Healing can take several month extra.

Follow closely the instructions you receive from the doctor before and after the operation. Please let us know if you eat any medications. Avoid tanning and drinking alcohol for at least 2 weeks before the surgery.

After tummy tuck surgery you can usually stay in the clinic one or two days and then you must stay at home for at least a week. Anyone who has children and housework will need help during this week. After few more weeks you can start with the heavier work or exercise. The scar after tummy tuck surgery may be quite long, but it will fade with time and will usually be discreet.

You will get a strap to be used around the clock during the first month after a further extent during the day. Buy like any extra strap so you can change it in the laundry. You may shower after the first return visit.

Avoid swimming or exercise for a few month. Have 1-2 pillows under the knees when you are resting or sleeping in order to relieve the scar. You will not be able to straighten up properly the first two weeks which is completely normal. It is important that you are moving to increase blood circulation in the legs. You should not exercise the first month, or lift anything heavy (more than a kilo per arm) during the period. Drink lots of liquids, avoid tobacco and alcohol. Healing takes time. Be patient.

Most patients can return to work after 2-3 weeks. You will be sore and swollen for several month, sensibility of the skin will slowly come back, the scars will fade with time but it may take up to 1 year before it is completely healed.