Your Guide to a Tummy Tuck – Before, During and After

Significant weight gains, weight loss, and pregnancies can all take their toll on your tummy area. Sagging skin, separated abdominal muscles, and excess fat can all make your tummy area look less attractive than you would prefer.

If you are looking for a way to improve your waistline and confidence, Tucson Plastic Surgery has the answer. Tummy tuck procedures, formally known as abdominoplasty, can give you that flat, toned stomach you have always wanted.

But what exactly happens before, during, and after a tummy tuck, and is it the correct cosmetic procedure for you? Let’s take a look!

What Happens Before a Tummy Tuck?

Before you decide on the tummy tuck procedure, you need to know what to expect. It is especially essential to find the right surgeon to perform the surgery so you will have peace of mind knowing you made the right decision.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure. Your surgeon will make an incision near the pubic bone, correct any weakened muscles, and remove excess skin and fat, effectively tightening and sculpting the abdomen.

Are You a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

Tummy tucks offer dramatic results, but they are not effective for everyone. For the best results, you should be at or as close as possible to your ideal body weight. Significant weight gains or losses after surgery can undo the results.

You should also be in good overall health, be a nonsmoker, and have realistic expectations.

Surgeons, Cost, and Preparation

Finding the right plastic surgeon in Tucson, AZ is critical for success. Our surgeons, Dr. Mahabir and Dr. Kurtovic, are very experienced in their fields and have helped hundreds of men and women achieve their goals.

Tummy tucks typically cost between $10,000 and $20,000, but the exact costs can differ depending on a number of factors. Because this surgery is cosmetic, it is considered elective, and most insurance policies will not cover it. Financing options are available at Tucson Plastic Surgery, and Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir will be happy to answer your questions.

At the consultation, you will learn about the specific instructions, including ceasing smoking if you’re a smoker, stopping NSAIDs and aspirin, and taking time off work. Following the pre and post-instructions will make the healing process easier for you.

What Happens During Your Tummy Tuck?

Tummy tuck procedures are performed under general anesthesia.  During the procedure, your surgeon will make incisions around your belly button and pubic bone. They will then expose the muscles underneath, tighten those muscles, remove excess fat, and then excise excess skin. Finally, they will use sutures to close the incisions. The surgery takes two to four hours, and you will be taken to the recovery area afterward.

What Happens After Your Tummy Tuck?

The recovery from your tummy tuck typically looks like the following:

• Week One – It is normal to feel discomfort and soreness at this point. Take your pain medications as instructed.
• Week Two to Three – The pain should begin to improve, and you will feel like moving around more.
• Week Four and Five- You can normally return to your usual activities, but it will depend on the doctor’s instructions.
• Week Six – Follow up with your doctor at Tucson Plastic Surgery to check your results and healing process.

You will not notice the full results of your tummy tuck right away. It can take months for the swelling to subside and to see your final results. To maintain your tummy tuck results, avoid too much weight gain, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are struggling with your tummy area, a tummy tuck may be the perfect answer. Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Mahabir or Dr. Kurtovic is a great first step. Call our Tucson, AZ office at 520-415-2420 or use our online contact form.

Dr. Kurtovic and Dr. Mahabir at Tucson Plastic Surgery are here to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.