All tummy tuck procedures performed at a plastic surgery center are performed with the latest techniques and utmost care. Tummy tuck surgery generally takes between two and three hours, also additional time may be needed for liposuction, if you choose to have it performed. The plastic surgeon will outline the line of incision and areas for liposuction. The patient is brought to the operating room after speaking with the anesthetist or anesthesiologist. Once the patient is asleep, medication is administered to reduce bleeding.

Tummy tuck surgery always results in a transverse scar that runs across the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. The precise location of the incision will depend upon several factors which include each person’s requirements, as well as the “bikini” line (French cut or high waist vs. the traditional cut).

Tummy tuck surgery also results in a scar around the umbilicus or belly button, as this is made free to permit the removal of the loose and excess skin. While the procedure is being performed, fat and skin are separated from the abdominal wall, by transverse incision across the lower abdomen to the lower portion of the rib cage. The underlying abdominal wall and it’s muscles are tightened with stitches, which provide a flatter, firmer abdominal wall as well as a smaller waistline. The elevated skin, after that, is lowered and the excess skin is removed. After that the belly button is repositioned to its normal location.

Before the closure, a long-acting anesthetic is injected along the incision and muscle wall. This dramatically reduces post-operative discomfort. The tummy tuck incision is closed with stitches predominantly below the level of the skin to avoid suture and cross-hatching marks. An elastic binder and light dressing is then applied.

After you receive the procedure at your plastic surgeon’s surgery center, you will experience a minimum amount of soreness and swelling in the lower and upper abdomen region. Your cosmetic surgeon will then prescribe a medication to deal with pain and relieve the discomfort. It will also ensure the most pleasant recovery possible. Recovering from a tummy tuck is very similar to that of a hysterectomy or C-section for those who have had these types of procedures.

Even though a patient will be able to move, the first week after a tummy tuck is usually limited to bed rest. This is because your body will be healing and causing you to feel much, much weaker than normal. You will likely have your knees bent and your back elevated as well. Typically, it takes two to three weeks before a patient can do more strenuous activity. The patient can generally resume exercise between four to six weeks after the surgery. The patient will continue wearing an abdominal binder for up to four weeks following the procedure.