What Is Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty targets excess skin and fat and repairs weakened or damaged abdominal muscles to deliver a flatter, tighter, slimmer waistline. This procedure is ideal for patients with loose skin and stubborn fatty deposits after significant weight loss, pregnancy, or due to the natural process of aging. With an incision made just above the pubic line, your plastic surgeon will repair stomach muscles and remove the unwanted skin and fat creating a streamlined, natural-looking contour.
Healing From Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty is a major surgery and you will need some time to heal. Most patients can resume normal activities like driving, work, and moderate exercise 3-4 weeks post-op. Tenderness, swelling, and redness generally last for up to four weeks, but for some patients it can be a little longer. After four weeks, most patients report that they feel almost fully recovered, but minor swelling can linger for weeks and months to come.
Swelling After Abdominoplasty Is Normal
It is normal and expected that patients will experience swelling after a tummy tuck. This area is rich with blood vessels and lymphatic vessels (the body’s drainage system), but abdominoplasty surgery will impair the regular functions of these systems, slowing down the drainage and resulting in a fluid buildup, or swelling.
The amount of swelling is dependent on the patient’s natural healing patterns as well as the extent of the surgery. A mini tummy tuck will likely result in less swelling, but adding liposuction to achieve optimal results will increase the likelihood of swelling and more areas of your torso will be affected.
Swelling May Come And Go
The majority of swelling will resolve in the first couple of weeks after your surgery. But it is important to note that healing and recovery is a process and you will likely experience fluctuations in the amount of swelling day to day, or even throughout one day. Diet and activity can affect swelling. For instance, standing for a long period of time can cause fluids to pool and increase swelling, and drinking plenty of water and a healthy diet including plenty of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables can speed up healing and reduce swelling.
When Will Swelling Go Away?
You will absolutely be able to see a difference in your waistline in the first few days following a tummy tuck, but you should expect to experience some pain, swelling, bruising, and redness for several weeks. The majority of bruising and swelling will resolve in 4-6 weeks, but it could take up to one full year for all swelling to disappear and for you to be able to fully appreciate the final results of your abdominoplasty.
Tips For Faster Healing And To Minimize Swelling
Swelling is unavoidable after a tummy tuck, but these tips will help you minimize swelling and speed up your recovery:
- Get plenty of rest and elevate your legs when possible
- Follow your surgeon's instructions
- Wear your compression garment
- Stay hydrated
- Move a bit each day (avoid rigorous activity, but gentle walking when cleared by your surgeon will promote healing)
- Eat a nutrient-rich, low sodium diet
A Flatter, Firmer, Slimmer Waistline With Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty will target the excess skin and fat that remains even after your best efforts with exercise and healthy eating. Excellent results can be achieved with a mini or a full tummy tuck and by combining your abdominoplasty with liposuction. Abdominoplasty will repair damaged abdominal muscles and flatten and tighten your belly, but it is a major surgical procedure and bruising and swelling are expected. You will notice a change immediately following surgery, but if you still have a small belly in the weeks after surgery, do not worry. Swelling can take several weeks and up to one year to fully resolve. You will have the waistline you desire, in no time at all.
Dr. Adil Ladak is a board-certified and top surgeon in Edmonton, Alberta, and is highly skilled in abdominoplasty and other body contouring surgical procedures. Dr. Ladak is a fully qualified Fellow of the Royal Canadian College of Physicians and Surgeons and his team is committed to providing patients with the facts and education to make the most informed decisions about their appearance and health. To explore all of your options for tummy tuck surgery and for other surgical and non-surgical treatments to help you feel and look your best, visit Alberta Plastic Surgery in Edmonton by booking your complimentary consultation. Call us at 1-780-407-6691 or fill out the form below.
FAQ
Q: Does a tummy tuck require anaesthetic?
A: Yes. Abdominoplasty is performed as a day surgery under general anaesthetic. You will need to be driven home after your procedure and will require assistance and care for your first week or so post-surgery.
Q: Will I have a scar after abdominoplasty?
A: Your surgeon will make an incision horizontally just above your pubic line to remove unwanted fat and skin and repair abdominal muscles. This incision will be closed with sutures and will require some special care. Follow your doctor’s post-surgical instructions to facilitate healing and minimize scarring. Once healed your scar will be easily hidden by your underwear or bathing suit.
Q: How much weight should I lose before having a tummy tuck?
A: It is ideal to be within 10 pounds of your desired goal weight and to maintain a stable weight for at least 6 months to achieve optimal results from a tummy tuck procedure.
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