You may have finally taken the plunge for a tummy-tucking surgery but getting nervous about the repercussions? Keep reading to get a picture of the post-surgery weeks.
But firstly, what does tummy tucking mean?
Tummy Tucking Surgery is a cosmetic procedure to remove the belly pouch that won't go away naturally. After the surgery, the area looks toned and contoured. The loose skin is also removed, so the tight muscles show up. The fancy name for this procedure is Abdominoplasty. It is different from liposuction. A tummy tuck reconstructs the abdomen muscles and eliminates superfluous skin, whereas lipo removes excess fat. However, both are good options for body sculpting.
Get a flatter tummy with tummy tuck surgery
The procedure may not be the same for every individual. Some people may need a tummy tuck on a small area below the navel(Mini tucking). Some may require a little tucking but from a larger area after naturally losing a lot of weight (Extended tucking).
Circumferential tummy tuck: Also known as a 360°lift, this form of tummy tuck targets fat accumulation on both the front and on the back. If you have decided on a circumferential tummy tuck, you have to plan your schedule for work and other things carefully, as this one takes the most time to recover.
What Exactly Happens In The Circumferential Tummy Tuck Surgery?
While a lengthy recovery period may be frustrating, you need to understand why it would take so much time to heal compared to a mini or partial tummy tuck.
A circumferential tummy tuck involves making an incision across your hips, around your entire waistline, between your pubic area and navel. The surgeon can reconstruct the muscles by drawing them together and sewing them with medical-grade nylon through this incision.
After the muscles heal, the extra skin is removed, and the remaining skin gets bound together.
What are the results?
The stomach flattens. The outer thighs and buttocks are tightened and uplifted, and a new navel will grow.
The surgery may take 2 to 5 hours, depending on the area and type of tummy tucking. However, one may need at least eight weeks to recover completely. The surgery will be done after injecting anesthesia, and other medications will be given to reduce pain post-surgery and once you are completely conscious. One thing that your surgeon may encourage is to move or start walking right after the surgery.
Recovery Timeline
The next and the bigger challenge after the surgery is recovery. Your surgeon will provide the necessary instructions. But let us walk you through the timeline of your recovery journey post-surgery so that you are better prepared.
1-2 Days Post Surgery
You will not experience any pain on the day of the surgery due to the medications. An abdominal binder will be applied to the stitched area. After a day, the binder is replaced with a mesh strip surgical bandage. Body fluids tend to build up over the stitched area, so a small tube may be placed to drain the accumulated fluid.
1 Week Post Surgery
The pain gradually increases. You will start feeling uncomfortable moving around. You'll have trouble kneeling, lifting, and standing upright for extended periods. Have someone around for assistance. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics and a strict high-fiber, low-sodium diet.
3 Weeks Post Surgery
You will be able to remove the mesh bandage. At this point, you should notice a substantial alteration in the shape of your tummy. The swelling will also reduce to some extent.
Following the checkup, you should continue to wear your support garment. Your doctor will advise you to avoid labour-intensive jobs or exercise. If you only have a desk job, you may resume work.
2 Months Post Surgery
This is the final and the happy stage. The area will completely heal though there may be red scar marking. It will fade over time. You can hop back to the gym or join your physically demanding job. However, it would be best to wait for your doctor's decision.
Are There Any Precautions?
You may have to do away with some compromises for getting that chiseled figure that's worth showing off. Your doctor may tell you to stop smoking and drinking long before your surgery date. Even after the surgery, you will have to maintain a healthy lifestyle as gaining weight may affect the shape of that area. Also, if you are anywhere close to pregnancy or planning, you should postpone the surgery till you have the baby.
Are you ready for this long commitment period? Do you think circumferential tummy tuck is right for you? Or would you instead opt for liposuction treatment in Gurgaon? Let us know in the comments.
Tummy Tucking Surgery is a cosmetic procedure to remove the belly pouch that won't go away naturally. After the surgery, the area looks toned and contoured. The loose skin is also removed, so the tight muscles show up. The fancy name for this procedure is Abdominoplasty. It is different from liposuction. A tummy tuck reconstructs the abdomen muscles and eliminates superfluous skin, whereas lipo removes excess fat. However, both are good options for body sculpting.
