What is a tummy tuck? A tummy tuck is a reconstructive surgery that is also a selective type of surgery commonly known as abdominoplasty. It corrects and reconstructs the abnormal misshapen abdomen of a woman or a man. This procedure however is commonly seen and done in women nowadays. A tummy tuck procedure is usually done by making a small incision in the abdominal area, just below the pubic area or the bikini line. Now all tummy tuck procedures are risk free. There are tummy tucks gone wrong cases that you should be aware of.
Risks and Complications
Surgical procedures especially invasive ones are expected to have risks and complications that would likely arise. Though there are certain measures to avoid incurring these mishaps, there is still the inevitable factor of not knowing what might happen.
Risks in a tummy tuck procedure include fluid accumulation, fluid retention in the surgical site, pain in the area, loss of sensation, and loss of skin. Complications such as delayed wound healing, foul smelling discharges from the wound, bleeding, and dehiscence in the incision would suggest immediate medical attention.
Normal Wound Healing
A tummy tuck procedure is usually common and a popular type of surgery being performed nowadays. With this, it is usually commonly done and with ease, especially to certain plastic surgeons who have encountered this procedure numerous of times.
A tummy tuck healing would usually run for about 2 to 3 weeks. The individual is also advised to not perform daily routine activities within such period. Do not perform strenuous activities to avoid complications and promote proper healing.
Promoting Faster Tummy Tuck Healing
There have been numerous significant studies that relate the food an individual takes in would promote faster wound healing and preventing complications. These certain food groups include food high in protein that help in tissue healing, food rich in vitamin C such as citrus foods that can prevent infection as it boosts the immune system, proper hydration by drinking water, and fruit juices.
Tummy tuck healing would differ depending on an individual. There are those that are keloid formers. There are those that have decrease or poor wound healing. There are also individuals who have fast wound healing and surprisingly don’t have a scar. There are certain circumstances wherein there would be an increased fear of having your insides go out after the surgery. This is pretty much normal. One way to help alleviate this fear is to ask the client to place a pillow over the abdominal area as support especially when there is a need to cough and to exert pressure.
The key to have a normal and successful tummy tuck healing relies on the pre-operative procedure being done. Proper education and explanation of the procedure lessens the stressful tension of the unknown.
A tummy tuck procedure is also known and referred to as an abdominoplasty. This selective surgery entails making an incision in the abdominal area, below the navel in line the bikini area. Depending on one’s preference and the degree of fat deposits in the area, the incision would likely matter, whether it is transverse or not.
The plastic surgeon would then have to stretch and pull up the muscles and skin in the area and tucking it in the incision made to give the body a smoother and sagging free tone/look.
The success and positive outcome of the tummy tuck procedure would depend upon the condition of the client itself and the proper knowledge and preparation one has made before the procedure is done.
Recovery After Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
- The key to a faster recovery after the tummy tuck relies on the preparation of an individual before he/she submitted herself to such procedure.
- A tummy tuck surgery may be painful and discomfort may be present after the procedure. However, the doctor would have prescribed the client with analgesics to relieve pain.
- A tummy tuck recovery would usually range with 2-3 weeks depending on the condition and health of the individual who have gone through the process. Usually those that are much of young age have higher and faster wound healing process, thus tummy tuck recovery is achieved in a short span of time. However, those that have underlying condition, and are of old age are likely to have much longer span of recovery after the tummy tuck procedure.
- It is usually advised not to perform strenuous exercises and activities for a while to facilitate the recovery process. Those individuals who are planning to get pregnant are also not advised to undergo through such surgical corrective treatment as it may cause a higher risk of complications during the pregnancy and to one’s health. Sudden loss of weight can also delay the tummy tuck recovery, hence these all should be avoided.
How to Promote Faster Tummy Tuck Recovery
There are certain measures one can observe to help facilitate and improve the recuperation process after the tummy tuck procedure.
- Diet and proper incision and wound care would help prevent certain complications to arise, and at the same time it will likely promote faster tummy tuck recovery.
- Foods high in protein helps facilitate in tissue regeneration. Fruits and vegetables rich in iron and vitamin C can help improve wound healing and at the same time prevent secondary complications such as infection and inflammation to arise.
- Proper wound care in the incision area plays a crucial role to the success of the procedure and at the same time the recovery period after the tummy tuck surgery.