(262) 588-4186
If you’re looking for a way to boost your self-confidence and transform your appearance, a tummy tuck procedure may provide amazing results. Innovative technology and rapid surgical advancements make a tummy tuck a relatively easy procedure with a quick recovery time.
After pregnancy and a well-lived life, stubborn fat and excess skin can hang onto your figure — your physique might no longer reflect your inner self. A consultation with a tummy tuck surgeon can help you to discern whether or not this procedure is for you. However, it’s important to understand what tummy tucks entail before you choose to undergo surgery.
Let’s take a look at what a tummy tuck procedure is, and the benefits, recovery time, and costs you can expect if you schedule this surgery.
What is a tummy tuck?
Medically known as an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck can transform and rejuvenate the appearance of your waist and stomach. A tummy tuck procedure targets multiple sections of your abdomen in a single surgery, including stretch marks from pregnancy or weight fluctuation, loose skin, excess fat, and abdominal fullness (bloating or swelling caused by excess gas).
A tummy tuck surgeon in the U.S. might regularly perform the procedure, with several scheduled weekly. In 2022 alone, 162,000 tummy tucks were performed, and the surgery ranked as the third-most popular cosmetic procedure.
Reasons for a tummy tuck
The reasons for a tummy tuck can vary, but the decision to undergo this surgery should be a personal choice. A plastic surgeon or a loved one should not make this decision for you. Although the tummy tuck is considered a cosmetic procedure, there may be medical reasons to consider the surgery as well.
Some of the reasons a patient may choose a tummy tuck procedure include:
- Aged abdominal appearance: The natural aging process can cause stomach muscles to loosen and abdominal skin to sag. A tummy tuck can help to slow down your stomach’s aging process.
- Correction of previous surgeries: If you’ve had an abdominal surgery in the past and were left with scar tissue or other issues, a tummy tuck can help to rectify those problems.
- Incontinence issues: Weakened abdominal muscles can cause incontinence issues, especially after pregnancy. A tummy tuck surgeon may help to reduce embarrassing incontinence.
- Increased self confidence: When your appearance fades and you can’t improve it on your own, your self confidence may decrease. A tummy tuck can help to boost your confidence.
- Posture improvement: A tummy tuck tightens your stomach muscles, which can help to improve your posture and reduce body aches such as back and shoulder pain.
- Pregnancy: Pregnancy can cause stretch marks and loose or separated stomach muscles that may be difficult to reduce on your own. A tummy tuck can erase stretch marks and restore stomach muscles.
- Weak abdominal muscles: Pregnancy and other experiences can weaken your abdominal wall and stomach muscles, increasing your risk of hernia and other health challenges. A tummy tuck strengthens these muscles and reinforces the abdominal wall.
What does a tummy tuck procedure entail?
A tummy tuck procedure typically lasts for two to three hours, and is considered an outpatient surgery. However, it does require general anesthesia and you’ll feel some soreness and pain — it’s important that you have someone who can drive to your surgery and take you home afterward.
During your procedure, a tummy tuck surgeon will carefully place a horizontal incision below your belly button (on your lower abdomen). Tummy tucks often include liposuction, which is used to remove excess skin and fat. Your abdominal muscles are then tightened and stitched, and your plastic surgeon sculpts and flattens your abdominal contours.
Some premier plastic surgery centers, including all Quintessa locations in Wisconsin, use a drainless tummy tuck technique to reduce the risk of post-op infections and avoid the need for post-surgical drains.
Questions for a tummy tuck surgeon
In your initial consultation with a tummy tuck surgeon, you should come prepared with a checklist of questions to help you to set realistic expectations and determine whether or not the procedure is right for you.
Here are some of the questions to ask your surgeon and that can help you to make an informed decision:
- What is a tummy tuck? (Although this article answers the question, it may be helpful to hear your surgeon describe their process and the specific techniques they use)
- What results can I expect?
- Will there be scarring?
- Will I need to take time off of work?
- How much pain and discomfort can I anticipate during my recovery?
- How many tummy tucks have you performed?
- How long have you worked with your anesthesiologist?
- Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?
- Do you have any patient testimonials that I can read?
Benefits of a tummy tuck
A tummy tuck can offer patients a wide range of benefits that leave them feeling and looking great. Some of these benefits include:
- Better posture
- Flat tummy
- Incontinence relief
- Increased self-confidence
- Reduced back pain
- Reduced stretch marks
- Rejuvenated physical appearance
- Slimmer waistline
- Strengthened stomach muscles
Tummy tuck recovery process
The first few days are usually the worst days after a tummy tuck. Any type of surgery may leave you feeling fatigued and sore, and your body needs a chance to heal. However, you may feel some level of discomfort and swelling for several weeks or even months after a tummy tuck.
It’s important to refrain from heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for at least two weeks after your surgery, and avoid core strengthening exercises like sit-ups or stomach crunches for at least six weeks. Many tummy tuck patients also take two weeks off of work to speed up their recovery time. However, physical movement is also key to the recovery process and light physical movement should be incorporated into each day after surgery.
You should also expect recovery to include:
- 6-8 weeks in a compression garment to reduce swelling
- Abdominal pulling
- Bruising
- Mild discomfort
- Moderate numbness
- Tightness
The tummy tuck recovery process shouldn’t include intense pain, fever, significant leakage, bleeding, or redness. Patients who experience these symptoms should immediately seek emergency medical care as they may be signs of an infection.
Although you’ll notice the results of your tummy tuck in the first days and months following your procedure, optimal results may take several months and it may take up to a year for your scar to fade.
Tummy tuck costs
Typically, the cost of a tummy tuck ranges from $11,000 to $16,000. Tummy tuck costs may vary based on numerous factors, including:
- Complications that may arise
- Duration of surgery
- Expertise and experience of both the surgeon and anesthesiologist
- Techniques and technology used in the procedure
- Medical center or hospital location
