Five Things to Consider Before Getting a Tummy Tuck
Dr. Paul Angelchik is a Phoenix plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Angelchik is well-trained and experienced in all forms of plastic surgery, namely breast enhancement and facial rejuvenation. He has been serving patients for over 20 years. Dr. Angelchik brings his surgical experience, expertise, and quality care to patients in and around Phoenix, Arizona.
A tummy tuck is a popular cosmetic procedure. The surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, serves to reduce excess skin and fat and repair the abdominal muscles for a tight and toned appearance. Before you decide to move forward with a tummy tuck, there are some things you should know so you can be prepared. Here are five considerations before you choose a tummy tuck.
Is Your Weight Stable?
Tummy tucks are an effective way to create a sculpted abdominal region, but remember that it is not a weight loss procedure. Some liposuction is used during a tummy tuck to remove stubborn, unwanted fat, but liposuction is simply used to change the body contour, not as an alternative to diet and exercise. Dr. Angelchik generally recommends that before having a tummy tuck, your Body Mass Index, or BMI, is 30 or less. If you are a massive weight loss patient, it may be slightly higher. . If you are at an unhealthy or unstable weight, it’s best to wait before having a tummy tuck. First, make sure that you are eating a healthy and balanced diet and exercising regularly, and work with your doctor if you’re having trouble reaching a healthy weight.
Can You Take 2-3 Weeks Away from Your Routine?
A tummy tuck is a major surgery, and you will require two to three weeks of downtime to rest as you heal. Most patients can expect to feel fatigue, soreness, and swelling. Pain can be treated with medication, and most patients find it improves within the first several days. Use of Exparel timed release local anesthesia and muscle relaxants like Robaxin help to alleviate discomfort after surgery. In addition to taking time off work, patients should arrange for help from trusted family or friends with regular household routines, including childcare. They should also avoid resistance exercises or lifting weights six weeks after their surgery. Low impact aerobic exercise can be started at 2 weeks time.
Are You Comfortable with Scarring?
Tummy tucks result in a horizontal scar along the lower abdomen, which can be concealed under a bathing suit. This scar is permanent, though it will fade over time. Dr. Angelchik understands the proper surgical techniques necessary for the most inconspicuous scar possible, but patients should understand that some scarring is inevitable.
Can You Care for Surgical Drains?
During the first week or two after a tummy tuck, patients will have surgical drains in place to avoid a buildup of fluids or blood and reduce swelling. Dr. Angelchik will help teach you to care for these drains, including any limitations on bathing you may have while the drains are in place. When drains are no longer necessary, they will be removed painlessly by Dr. Angelchik.
Are You Prepared for the Healing Process?
While patients only require one to two weeks of rest away from work, it can take up to a year for the healing process to be totally complete. Redness, stiffness, or swelling can last for several weeks, and gradually diminishing swelling can last for six months or more. Final results of a tummy tuck are typically not seen until after 6months, with healing completely resolved after about a year.
Schedule a Consultation
To schedule a consultation for a tummy tuck, call Dr. Angelchik’s Glendale, Arizona office at (602) 375-8888. You may also request your consultation appointment online.
