Because cosmetic surgical procedures are elective (rather than medically necessary), it can be all too easy for prospective patients not to take cosmetic procedures as seriously as other surgery types. This can be particularly true in tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedures, which tighten up excess loose skin, tissue, and underlying muscle following dramatic weight loss from the abdominal areas. Patients may look at a tummy tuck as nothing more than just a quick way to get a flatter stomach without considering the procedure’s potential side effects.
The truth is that a tummy tuck procedure is every bit as much a major surgery as those performed for medical reasons. Dr. Vincent Marin will explain to prospective patients the benefits of a tummy tuck procedure and its side effects.
Bruising and Swelling
Bruising and swelling in the first week following a tummy tuck procedure is perhaps the most common side effect. This is actually a natural part of the body’s healing process, as it seeks to isolate the areas that have been injured or incised. Dr. Marin will give patients a special compression garment to wear for the first one to two weeks following the surgery. This tightly-woven elastic garment is somewhat like a girdle and will help to reduce both the amount and duration of bruising and swelling. Taking the herb “Arnica montana” and using ice and cold compresses will also help reduce bruising and swelling.
Scarring
Any surgical procedure will result in some amount of scarring. Depending on the type of tummy tuck, there will be at the very least, a scar running from one hip bone across to the other, just below the bikini line. Fortunately, Dr. Marin will place these scars so that they will be hidden underneath clothing. Silicone sheeting can be applied once the incisions have fully healed. Although the sheeting will not make scars completely invisible, it will help flatten them and make their color blend more into the natural surrounding skin tone.
Pain
Pain is also to be expected following any surgical procedure. It is the body’s reaction to having the nerves in the skin and underlying structures severed when an incision is made. Dr. Marin will prescribe painkillers for patients to take when they return home on the day of their surgery. He recommends that patients fill the prescription before the day of surgery so that they will not have to worry about it during their recuperation period.
Tightness
Patients may experience some tightness of the abdominal muscles and skin. Because the muscles are sutured and excess skin removed, patients are likely to experience some tightness a few weeks after surgery.
Itching or Numbness of the Incision Site
Many patients experience an itchy, tingling, or numb feeling at the incision site. The severing of the nerves causes this. As the nerves heal, these sensations should subside.
A tummy tuck procedure can be the finishing touch to allow patients to show off the results of all of their efforts to lose weight. If patients know what to expect following the procedure, it will make their recovery go much more smoothly.
*The content in this blog is developed to spread the awareness towards plastic surgery. Our blog is not intended to serve as a replacement for an actual in-office consultation with Dr. Marin. As such, the information within this blog reflects the unique cases of our individual patients.
Comments are closed here.