The risk of the tummy tuck procedure

A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies may be advised to postpone a tummy tuck.

Also, a tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised, generally those treated areas below the belly button. The surgeon will make a long horizontal (across) cut across the lower abdomen. Skin and fat will be stripped off the muscles all the way from the pelvis to the rib cage. Skin is then pulled down and excess skin fat is removed. This will leave a long, low scar passing out from the centre above the pubic hair out sideways onto each hip. The navel (belly button) will be brought out through a separate opening leaving a small scar which will be as hidden as possible.

The risks of the procedure include small areas of the lungs may collapse, increasing the risk of chest infection. This may need antibiotics and physiotherapy, clots in the legs with pain and swelling. Rarely part of this clot may break off and go to the lungs which can be fatal. a heart attack, due to strain on the heart or a stroke, death is possible due to the procedure, increased risk in obese people of wound infection, chest infection, heart and lung complications, and thrombosis, increased risk in smokers of wound and chest infections, heart and lung complications and thrombosis.

You may go home several hours after surgery or spend a day or two in the hospital, depending on the extent of your procedure and the plan developed with your doctor. In general, you should walk around as soon as possible after surgery to reduce abdominal swelling. You may feel some pain and notice the swelling for the first few days after surgery; the pain will be controlled by medicine. Normally, your stitches will be removed within a week after surgery, though deeper sutures aren't removed until two or three weeks after. You may also wear a support garment for few weeks to reduce swelling. You should be able to go back to work between two and four weeks after surgery. The scars will take approximately 12-18 months before they can be assessed in their final form. During that time protection of the scars from the sun is essential. Although proper sun protection is essential on all exposed skin, high SPF sunscreens (SPF 45 0r 60) are essential over the surgical scars, for 12-18 months, to prevent permanent darkening of the scars. Residual abdominal wall numbness may occur. After the post-operative swelling has subsided, a marked change in abdominal contour and profile is often evident. Patient satisfaction with this procedure is usually high.

tummy tuck risk skin

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