Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, removes excess, loose skin and fat from the abdominal area. Tummy tuck surgery is considered to be a major medical procedure. The need for a tummy tuck surgery usually arises after a substantial weight loss, due to a successful diet, or in different post-birth stages.  It is popular with women who gave birth due to the fact the tummy tuck surgery can help hide stretch marks. Sometimes, though not always, a tummy tuck surgery is the only way to tighten stretched skin.

How to prepare for a tummy tuck surgery?

Both emotional and physical preparations are required before a tummy tuck surgery. Smokers must stop smoking a couple of weeks before the surgery, and not smoke throughout the recovery period. Consult your doctor regarding all the medications that you take on regular basis or occasionally, so you will know what not to take in the few days prior to the tummy tuck surgery.
In order to be emotionally prepared for your tummy tuck surgery, it will do you good to visualize the surgery going well, accept the fact that you will suffer pain during the recovery period, and that positive results will not be immediate.

How long does a tummy tuck surgery take?

This procedure usually lasts 2 to 5 hours if the tummy tuck surgery is an extensive one. A partial tummy tuck surgery is shorter and lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

Tummy tuck surgery procedure

A horizontal incision will be made in proximity to the pubic area. Sometimes additional incisions will be made to remove excess skin.

After the tummy tuck surgery

You cannot strain yourself: avoid bending over or lifting things. Swelling of the abdominal area and bruising are normal and will usually disappear within a couple of weeks. You will require a lot of bed rest and somebody to help you.