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Tummy Tuck Before and After Surgery

The decision to undergo tummy tuck in Beverly Hills is only the first step. There are many factors both before and after the actual procedure that lead to a comfortable recovery and a desirable result.

A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure performed to shape a thinner and more firm abdomen.  Many women experience loose skin, excess fat, and stretch marks following the birth of one or two children.  Diet and exercise alone might not get you back to where you want to be, but they will help you in the process of tummy tuck preparation for your abdominoplasty cosmetic surgery.

Here are some things to keep in mind to best prepare for your tummy tuck.

Before Tummy Tuck Surgery

QUIT SMOKING

Before undergoing any surgery, it’ll be recommended that you quit smoking at least four weeks prior. Smoking can be one of the most detrimental things you can do for your body’s recovery.

Not only will smoking and other tobacco use increase your chance of complications both during and after the operation (such as anesthesia risks, blood clotting, etc.), it can also impair your overall recovery as well as the healing of your scar.

Smoking decreases blood flow, which is the opposite of what you want to ensure a smooth and proper recovery. The decrease will slow down your healing process, weaken your immune system, and lead to a higher chance of more visible scarring.

LOSE WEIGHT

It is a common misconception that tummy tuck surgery will remove all of the excess fat in the abdomen, and it is not a substitute for weight loss. While there will be some fat removed during the procedure, it often only results in the loss of a couple of pounds.

The ideal candidate for a tummy tuck is the patient who is at or near their goal weight and has stubborn pockets of fat, excess skin, and weak or separated muscles that have resulted from pregnancies or weight loss.

Many overweight patients find that their tummy tuck results are less than ideal because they rushed into surgery before their body was ready. Be patient and make sure you are maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regularly to help maintain a good weight before considering tummy tuck surgery to ensure the best results.

PREPARE AHEAD

Once you come home from your procedure, you will feel wiped out for weeks. The night after is not the time to prepare your home for your recovery. The best way to ready yourself for your surgery is to assemble your home for easy recovery.

The more you have prepared before, such as a comfortable, stress-free space with lots of pillows and plenty of easy to prepare food, the better off you will be afterward.

Tummy Tuck Before and After
Tummy Tuck Case Before and After Photo

After Tummy Tuck Surgery

REST, REST, REST

Tummy tuck surgery is a big deal. If you think about it, every movement you make during the day is somehow intertwined with your core muscles, and after surgery, it’s your core that may feel like it’s out of commission.  The first few day after your procedure will be the worst days after tummy tuck surgery.

While it may not feel like it at the time, your body will heal, the pain will vanish, and you will eventually realize that all of the discomforts you experienced were well worth it for the results you will achieve.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Your recovery period is, unfortunately, something you just have to get through and the best way to do that is rest. Many patients feel like they are tough and will be able to get back to their routines sooner than their doctor says, but in reality, taking it easy is the best path to take to achieve your desired results.

Get plenty of sleep, don’t strain yourself, and take slow and comfortable walks around your house to keep your blood moving. Give yourself this time to relax and let others pamper and take care of you.  You will want to avoid strenuous exercise after tummy tuck surgery.  Follow your surgeons instructions carefully.

before and after tummy tuckHAVE REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

The tummy tuck surgery is one of the most extensive cosmetic procedures. For a full tummy tuck in Beverly Hills, an incision will be made from hip bone to hip bone where all of the muscles will be tightened and adjusted. Following your procedure, you will have a scar from hip bone to hip bone and will be uncomfortable for a little bit while you heal.

Your plastic surgeon will do their best to conceal the tummy tuck scar (either in a previously existing cesarean scar or in an easy to cover area beneath the bikini line); however, the scar will be visible to you. Having realistic expectations about your surgery and recovery will help the whole process go smoothly.

Beverly Hills Tummy tuck surgery will tighten, firm, and sculpt your entire midsection, and it can change the way you perceive yourself and increase your confidence.  It is a good idea to review some before and after pictures of previous results that were achieved.  Many pictures filter cases that will reflect the possibility of your outcome based on pre surgery comparisons with your similar body state and tummy tuck case.

Questions and Answers

What is the recovery time for a tummy tuck?

Abdominoplasty, commonly known as a tummy tuck, has a recovery period of typically around three months. Although post-operative swelling may persist for several weeks, it generally takes six weeks for a tummy tuck to fully heal and achieve a normal appearance. While it can take up to 6 months to fully recover from a tummy tuck, you will make good progress after 2 to 3 weeks.

Does your stomach go flat after a tummy tuck?

Patients can realistically anticipate improvement in the flatness of their stomach, but it’s important not to assume an immediate achievement of a completely flat lower abdomen. Each patient has a unique anatomy, and the most suitable procedure for an individual is thoroughly discussed during the initial consultation.

Can your stomach get fat again after a tummy tuck?

Occasionally, weight gain may occur, and if a substantial amount of weight is gained or if a pregnancy follows the surgery, it can impact the results of your tummy tuck. The skin on your lower abdomen may stretch, and the underlying muscles could separate once more. In such cases, undergoing another tummy tuck can address these changes.

Will insurance cover an abdominoplasty?

Regardless of age provider coverage is hard to obtain.  However, if you’re experiencing chronic back pain, obtaining clearance from your doctor may make you eligible for a medically authorized tummy tuck. In such cases, many major insurance providers are likely to acknowledge the medical necessity of the procedure and provide coverage.

Book Your Tummy Tuck Consultation

Booking a plastic surgery consultation is the first step towards realizing your aesthetic goals. This personalized interaction allows you to ask questions, address any apprehensions, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the proposed treatment plan.

Imagine Yourself at Galanis Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills Today!

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10358790/