New Look This Spring: FAQ About Tummy Tuck

Spring is here, and soon it will be summer! As you prepare to be out in the sun, one of the things you may want is to lose weight and tone your body. Dieting and exercise may work to an extent, but sometimes it is not easy to tone and firm abdominal contours.

This can be frustrating, especially after childbirth, aging, and other physical changes. One way to reclaim the waist of your youth is by getting a tummy tuck.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that removes fat and extra skin from the abdomen. It smooths out the stomach and sculpts the waistline, giving you a firm abdominal contour. Tummy tucks also repair damage to abdominal muscles that causes them to weaken. It tightens the stomach and ensures long-term results.

Am I a Good Candidate for the Procedure?

Good candidates for tummy tucks should be close to their ideal weight. It means that you should be at least 10-15 pounds close to your goal. Your weight should also not fluctuate. It should be stable for about six to twelve months before the procedure. A tummy tuck is not a replacement for weight loss. It helps you shed the extra pounds and achieve the look you want.

Be careful not to lose or gain weight intermittently. The fluctuations can undo the contours you get through surgery and stretch the abdominal tissues. It creates the need for a revision procedure. Candidates should also not be smokers as it interferes with the healing process.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

Recovery can take a month to six weeks. However, you can walk on the day of surgery. Walking will be part of your daily exercise, at least three times a day. It will improve your blood circulation and reduce the risk of getting blood clots in the legs. After two weeks, you can get back to work, driving, and traveling.

However, avoid any strenuous activities for the first six weeks. These include sports or any other activities that involve running or lifting. Your body still has bruises and swelling, and you need to give it time to heal. After six weeks, the bruising and swelling will reduce and diminish after about three months.

What are the Risks?

All surgeries have risks. Some of the risks you may encounter during a tummy tuck include bleeding, infection, and blood clots. They are minimal if you have a good surgeon. The surgeon will take precautions to keep these risks to a minimum.

Make sure to do your due diligence before settling on a surgeon. Ask them questions and find out what other patients have to say. It will help you get comfortable with the person performing your procedure.

To reduce the risk of blood clots in the legs and lungs, you can wear compression socks or boots on your calves during surgery. They will help improve circulation. You also need to adequately hydrate to lower the risk of blood clots after surgery.

How Long will the Procedure Last?

Tummy tuck results last a long time. However, keep your weight stable. If you become pregnant or experience any fluctuations, it will interfere with the results.

For more information on tummy tucks, visit Gupta Plastic Surgery at our offices in San Diego and Encinitas, California. You can also call (858) 408-6100 to schedule an appointment today.