A tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Usually a small incision is made near the belly button, but sometimes a larger incision may be necessary if there is a lot of excess skin to remove or if there are other issues such as hernias that need repair at the same time. The surgeon will then remove any excess fat and skin from your abdomen, along with excess underlying tissue (adipose tissue) if necessary; they will also tighten the muscles underneath by removing some of the muscle tissue itself and reattaching it in a better position so that it lies flat against your back when relaxed (this process is called plication). The length of time spent in hospital depends on how much work needs.
Ultra-tight abdominal muscles make your tummy look hard and puffy. A tummy tuck can help you get rid of this problem. As the name implies, it is a procedure where fat and skin are removed from the abdomen to tighten the muscles underneath. It can also be used to remove excess skin that has resulted from weight loss or pregnancy. The procedure is often combined with liposuction, which can help make your waistline look slimmer and more toned.
Read on to learn more about Extreme Tummy Tuck Before And After Stages Of Swelling After Tummy Tuck and Extreme Swelling After Tummy Tuck
Extreme Tummy Tuck Before And After
For individuals in Baton Rouge, LA, struggling with their lower abdominal area, surgical contouring with a tummy tuck may be the next step. Both women and men can feel self-conscious about how their stomach area looks, especially after dramatic weight loss. An extended tummy tuck procedure is a customized approach to help individuals with excessive, loose skin in their lower abdomen. Patients who have lost a substantial amount of weight or women who have post-pregnancy issues with their midsection can have a flatter, more toned-looking stomach and feel great about how they look with this tummy tuck procedure.
Dr. Erick Sanchez is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with a private practice in Baton Rouge, LA. Sanchez Plastic Surgery is a state-of-the-art surgical and nonsurgical facility that aims to help both women and men with all areas of the body. Dr. Sanchez and his professional team customize each procedure so patients can achieve their desired aesthetic goal. When it comes to body contouring procedures, there are various tummy tuck options. After a thorough consultation, Dr. Sanchez will devise a surgical plan and determine which type of tummy tuck procedure is needed.
Differences between tummy tuck and extended tummy tuck
Both of these procedures target the lower abdominal area to remove loose, sagging skin. As the name implies, an extended tummy tuck extends further than a traditional tummy tuck to accommodate a larger target area in the lower abdomen. It goes hip to hip as well as outward to incorporate the lower back or flank area. It is more invasive and can remove more significant amounts of loose skin. If needed, excess fatty tissue can be removed with liposuction. Underlying abdominal muscles can also be tightened when necessary, and the belly button is repositioned, much like with a traditional tummy tuck. One other difference between these two surgical techniques is that an extended tummy tuck scar is longer.
Six things to consider before and after an extended tummy tuck
An extended tummy tuck may be an ideal option for individuals with large amounts of excess skin, generally due to significant weight loss or multiple pregnancies. Here are some things to know before and after an extended tummy tuck procedure.
Surgical care
The most important factor is finding the right, qualified plastic surgeon to perform your extended tummy tuck. Most extended tummy tuck procedures also involve liposuction to remove any unwanted pockets of stubborn fat. Dr. Sanchez is a board-certified plastic surgeon who offers a modern, state-of-the-art surgical facility to give each patient the results they want.
A healthy start
Being in good health before your surgery can help you have a smoother recovery. With an extended tummy tuck or any type of abdominoplasty procedure, it’s important to be at or close to your ideal weight before surgery. Be mindful of what you drink and eat before and after an extended tummy tuck procedure so your weight stays consistent.
Prepare for your recovery
Prepare for your recovery before your extended tummy tuck. Have your recovery space ready, medications filled, and the right help in place, so your recovery can be worry-free.
Follow your surgeon’s instructions
When undergoing a surgical procedure, your doctor is the expert. Follow their post-surgical care instructions and protocol to have a successful extended tummy tuck recovery. Take prescribed medications as instructed, follow their guidelines regarding light activity, and attend all follow-up appointments as scheduled.
Rest and recuperate
Listen to your body. Taking it slow and not overdoing it will aid in a quicker, smoother recovery. Even if you feel great, take the time to heal and rest.
Know what to expect
Your results won’t be completely visible until your body fully heals. An extended tummy tuck scar is more substantial than the scar from a traditional tummy tuck, but it will lessen over time. Scarring can typically be concealed by undergarments or a bathing suit when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Sanchez. Your body needs to heal, so remember to have realistic expectations when looking in the mirror. Before you know it, your full results will be visible, and you can enjoy your flatter, more fit abdominal area.
Good candidates for an extended tummy tuck
Surgical contouring procedures like an extended tummy tuck generally involve individuals who have experienced extreme weight fluctuations. Excessive amounts of weight can cause the skin in the stomach area to lose elasticity or become stretched out. This is a common occurrence with mothers of twins or triplets, as well as individuals who have undergone a significant weight loss. Dr. Sanchez’s patients at Sanchez Plastic Surgery are candidates who have maintained their ideal weight for more than six months but are struggling with heavy, loose skin in their lower abdominal area.
Many factors can affect a patient’s recovery before and after an extended tummy tuck procedure. Every person and situation is different, but these general guidelines can help you know how to prepare and what to expect from your surgical contouring procedure. If you are in the Baton Rouge area and are struggling with loose skin in your abdominal area, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Erick Sanchez of Sanchez Plastic Surgery. An extended tummy tuck can help you feel better and look better, so contact us today to get started.
Extreme Swelling After Tummy Tuck
Swelling is a normal side effect after a tummy tuck, no matter which incision type you have. Just like many other side effects, swelling will vary based on your individual immune system and healing process.
Swelling is temporary and will go away with time. Adhering to Dr. Small’s aftercare instructions following your tummy tuck in Long Island will help swelling go down. Infection or other complications can cause swelling to persist and prolong the recovery period. Controlling swelling will promote healing and help you see results faster.
Why Do Our Bodies Swell After A Tummy Tuck?
Once surgery is complete, your body sends white blood cells and other healing compounds to the surgery site to jumpstart the recovery process. Increased fluids will cause the area to grow larger during the initial stages of healing. Swelling is a completely normal response to an injury, which is why most swelling will be located near the incision site. A compression garment will be provided, which reduces swelling and yields better results.
Things To Avoid After Your Long Island Tummy Tuck
Being patient and letting your body heal will be the key to resolving swelling. Rushing your healing process or overexerting yourself can cause swelling to persist. Do not touch your stitches or the incision because your hands can introduce bacteria to the area and cause an infection.
Avoid activities that utilize your abdominal muscles in particular. Especially when your muscles are pulled tight during the procedure, the muscles need time to heal before being engaged.
Most importantly, listen carefully to all aftercare instructions. Dr. Small provides individualized instructions based on your medical history, current stage of healing, and other factors.
Ways To Decrease Swelling
Strenuous exercise and excessive movement will negatively impact your recovery. It is a good idea to go shopping before your surgery to ensure that you have everything you need during the initial stages of healing while your movement is limited. Buy food, water, and anything else you might want while you relax and heal at home.
Some tips for minimizing swelling include:
- Stay hydrated
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Refrain from smoking
- Avoid foods with a lot of sodium
- Keep the area clean
If you try reintroducing an activity and you experience pain or discomfort, stop and try again at another time. Listen to your body and don’t rush your recovery.
How Long Will I Need Compression Garments?
Patients typically wear a compression garment for about five to six weeks after their procedure. At first, the garment should be worn at all times, and Dr. Small will let you know when you can start taking it off or only wearing it for part of the day, and when you can stop wearing it altogether.
When Will My Swelling Go Down?
The majority of swelling resolves after approximately two months. About 80% of the swelling should subside, but many patients have minor swelling that can persist up to one year after surgery. At the two-month mark you will have a good idea of what your final results will look like and you will be able to resume most activities. Your follow-up visits will become less frequent, although Dr. Small is always willing to answer questions in between office visits.
Stages Of Swelling After Tummy Tuck
Swelling is a common side effect of any surgery and it can be a little hard to predict how much swelling will occur. The amount of swelling you experience depends on many factors. These include the type of anesthesia used, the number of procedures performed, your overall health and your activity level during recovery.
Your body will naturally produce fluid to help repair tissues after surgery. This fluid collects in your tissues causing swelling. Swelling usually begins 24 hours after surgery and peaks at 48 to 72 hours. It may take weeks for the swelling to completely go down.
After a tummy tuck, it is normal to have swelling around your incision site (which can last up to three months), as well as swelling below your tummy button and around the umbilicus (belly button) (which may last longer). You may also notice swelling in other areas such as the chest or underarms. This is normal and will subside over time.
If you have severe or persistent swelling after surgery, contact your doctor immediately so they can determine if there is an underlying cause for this condition
The swelling is the body’s normal response to surgery. It is caused by the trauma of surgery and the pressure from the internal tissues being moved around during surgery. The swelling will subside over time, but it can take up to 6 weeks for all of the swelling to completely dissipate.
Stage 1 – Immediately after surgery, you will be swollen and bruised. You may have difficulty walking or moving your arms and legs because of this.
Stage 2 – In a few days, your bruises will get worse as they start to turn blue and green or purple in color (depending on what type of bruising you had). This stage is also known as “honeymoon period” because there is no pain associated with it at all! You may feel tired at this point because of all the activity going on inside your body but overall you should feel pretty good!
Stage 3 – After this period, most patients begin to see some progress towards their final result. Some patients are able to return to work after only two weeks while others need more time before they can go back to work full time again or even part time depending on how much activity is required for their job position. Many patients also have a little bit more swelling than normal at this stage
The swelling should decrease gradually over the next few weeks. If you are concerned about the size of your incision, seek a second opinion from another plastic surgeon for comparison purposes. The appearance of your scar will improve significantly as well over time, so give yourself some time before making any decisions about revision surgery or dissatisfaction with your results.
I had liposuction on my back and waistline three weeks ago and now I have some lumps in my back where they took fat out from under the skin. They said it was normal, but what can I do about them now? I’m so self conscious about them because they hurt like hell when touched by anything!