Tummy Tuck

General Questions & Concerns about Tummy Tuck procedures

1. What kind of anesthesia is used for a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is typically performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be completely asleep during the procedure and will not feel any pain. Your anesthesiologist will discuss the anesthesia process and address any concerns you may have before your surgery.

2. How often should I take my pain medication?

While we usually like to recommend that you listen to your body, for this particular question, you should take your pain medication exactly as prescribed by your surgeon. This will include the specific medication, the dosage, and the frequency (e.g., every 4 hours, every 6 hours, as needed– which covers the “listen to your body” part as well). It’s generally recommended to take your pain medication regularly, especially in the initial days after surgery, to stay ahead of the pain. You don’t have to try to muscle through the pain or discomfort– if you need some assistance, take what has been prescribed to you. Don’t abuse it, but use it during your recovery. Don’t wait until your pain becomes severe before taking a dose. Setting alarms can be helpful to maintain a consistent schedule. As your pain subsides, you may be able to decrease the frequency or switch to over-the-counter pain relievers, but always follow your surgeon’s specific instructions regarding your medication regimen.

3. Who should I contact if my pain is uncontrolled or I begin to experience complications?

If your pain is not adequately controlled by your prescribed medication, or if you begin to experience any signs or symptoms of a potential complication, you should immediately contact your surgeon’s office. This is the primary point of contact for any post-operative concerns. Their contact information will be provided in your post-operative instructions. Signs of complications can include (but are not limited to):

• Increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pain at the incision site.
• Pus or drainage from the incision.
• Fever (a temperature above 100.4°F or 38°C).   
• Sudden or severe pain that is not relieved medication.
• Shortness of breath or chest pain.
• Calf pain, swelling, or redness (signs of a potential blood clot).   
• Any other concerning symptoms that feel unusual for your recovery.

4. What information should I have readily available when I call?

When you call your surgeon’s office with a concern, be prepared to provide the following information:

• Your full name and date of birth.
• The date of your surgery and the type of procedure you had (tummy tuck).
• A clear and concise description of your symptoms or concern, including when they started and how severe they are.
• Your current temperature (if you have a fever).
• The names and dosages of any medications you have taken, including when you last took your pain medication.
• Any relevant observations, such as the appearance of your incisions or drainage.
• Your preferred phone number where you can be reached.

Having this information organized will help the medical staff assess your situation quickly and provide you with the most appropriate guidance.

5. Are there any local support groups for people recovering from plastic surgery?

Finding local support groups specifically for those recovering from plastic surgery can vary depending on your location. Explore potential resources:

• Our recommendation: Body Altering Aesthetics Community
• Ask Your Surgeon’s Office: Your surgeon’s office or their patient coordinator may be aware of local support groups or networks for plastic surgery patients. They might have recommendations or connections within the community.
• Online Forums and Communities: While not local in person, online forums and social media groups dedicated to plastic surgery recovery can provide a sense of community and peer support. Facebook groups can connect you with others who have undergone similar procedures. Be sure to vet these online resources carefully and use them more for support than reliable information.   
• National Organizations: Some national organizations related to plastic surgery or mental health may have local chapters or resources. You can check websites for organizations like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) or mental health support organizations.
• General Support Groups: General support groups focused on body image, self-esteem, or coping with medical procedures might also be beneficial, even if not specifically for plastic surgery. You can often find these resources through local hospitals or community centers.

6. How often should my dressings be changed?

The frequency for changing your dressings will depend entirely on the type of dressings you have, the amount of drainage from your incisions, and your surgeon’s specific instructions. You will receive detailed instructions on dressing changes before you leave the surgical facility and during your post-operative appointments. 

7. When will my drains be removed, and what is the process like?

Most full tummy tucks involve the placement of temporary drains to remove excess fluid and help prevent seromas. The duration the drains stay in varies but is typically a week or two. Drain removal is usually a quick process and generally not very painful, often described as a pulling sensation.  

8. How do I empty and track the output from my drains?

Be sure to ask your surgical team to show you how to empty your drain before leaving their office after your follow up postOp appointment.

9. When can I shower or bathe? What are the specific instructions?

You can typically shower around the 2nd or 3rd day after surgery, but always confirm this with your surgeon. Specific instructions include showering with lukewarm water, keeping your back to the showerhead to avoid direct spray on your incisions, turning the water off while lathering up, and then rinsing off gently until the incisional line is fully closed. Avoid baths and swimming pools (typically until your wounds have all fully closed) until your surgeon clears you, as soaking can increase the risk of infection.

10. What can I do to help reduce swelling faster (e.g., compression garments, elevation)?

Aside from the above mentioned items, you are on God’s schedule now and the body will heal at its own rate and pace. There isn’t too much post surgically you can do to heal faster than the average assumed rate. The things you will do will help to not delay your healing; but adjust your expectations… you will be on an up and down rollercoaster for healing for about 4-6 weeks after a tummy tuck. This is pretty standard for most clients. Getting rest throughout the day, sleeping throughout the night, drinking water, avoiding salt, not taking super hot showers, changing your dressing while keeping a good moisture balance on your wound and other tips previously mentioned can help you be closer to the 4 week mark than on the latter 6 week mark but even then so much of your healing journey is based on genetics.

11. I don’t keep my compression garment on to shower do I?

No, you typically do not keep your compression garment on to shower. The general recommendation is to remove it only for showering, once you’ve been cleared to shower by your surgeon (usually after 48-72 hours). This allows for proper hygiene of your incisions and the garment itself. The compression garment should be reapplied after showering and gently drying the area to continue its benefits in reducing swelling and supporting tissues 

12. How do I clean my compression garment?

Hand washing with a mild, fragrance-free detergent in cool or lukewarm water is generally the recommended method for cleaning your compression garment. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or fabric softeners. Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring or twist) and air dry the garment by laying it flat or hanging it away from direct heat or sunlight. Many surgeons advise having a second garment for continuous wear while the other is being cleaned. 

13. What if my compression garment feels too tight or too loose?

If your stage 2 is too tight, use a torso extender. If it’s too loose, then get it altered. Taking 2in off each side puts you back at the first row of eyelets. Don’t take in a stage 1 garment; it’s a waste of money as past the first week it won’t be able to properly compress you. 

14. When can I stand up straight?

You’ll want to gradually progress to standing fully straight after your tummy tuck. There’s no exact day, as it depends on your individual healing and the extent of your muscle repair.

Generally:

Week 1: You’ll likely be walking slightly bent at the hips. Trying to stand fully erect will likely cause discomfort and strain on your incisions.

Weeks 2-4: You’ll notice more comfort and be able to straighten up a little more each day. Listen to your body and don’t force it if you feel pulling or pain.

Around Week 4-6: Most individuals can begin to stand more upright and erect for longer periods as the initial healing progresses and internal tissues gain strength. However, continue to be mindful and avoid any posture that causes discomfort.

15. How often should I try to walk around the first few weeks after surgery?

You should aim to walk around gently several times a day, starting as soon as you feel able after surgery. Even short, slow walks within your home are beneficial. The goal is to promote circulation and prevent blood clots. Aim to take a step count calculated as 1000 steps per day multiplied by the number of weeks you are post-operative.

• Week 1: Aim for approximately 1000 steps spread throughout the day.
• Week 2: Aim for approximately 2000 steps spread throughout the day.
• Week 3: Aim for approximately 3000 steps spread throughout the day.
• And so on until 8 weeks

16. How far and for how long should my initial walks be?

Initial walks should be short and gentle, typically just around your home. Start with 2-3 minutes several times a day in the first few days after surgery. The goal is to promote circulation and prevent blood clots without straining your abdomen. Gradually, over the first week or two, you can slowly increase the duration and distance as tolerated, aiming for 5-10 minute walks a few times a day. Listen to your body and stop if you feel any pain or pulling at your incision sites.

17. What movements should I avoid in the early stages? 

In the early stages (first 4-6 weeks) after a tummy tuck, you should avoid any movements that put strain on your abdominal muscles and incisions. This includes:

• Bending at the waist: Keep your back straight and bend at your hips and knees if you need to reach down. 
• Twisting your torso: Avoid any movements that involve twisting your upper body independently of your hips 
• Lifting anything heavier than 5-10 pounds: This includes groceries, children, pets, and even heavy household items 
• Stretching your abdomen: Avoid reaching overhead or stretching your arms out wide, especially in the initial weeks. 
• Strenuous exercise: This includes running, jumping, weightlifting, and any other activity that engages your core muscles. 

18. How do I get in and out of bed or a chair safely?

Moving in and out of bed or a chair safely after a tummy tuck involves protecting your abdominal muscles and incisions. Use the “log roll” technique:  

• Getting out of bed: Roll onto your side, keeping your back straight and knees bent. Use your arms to push yourself up to a seated position, swinging your legs over the side of the bed. Avoid using your abdominal muscles to sit up directly.
• Getting into bed: Sit on the edge of the bed. Lower yourself onto your side, keeping your back straight and knees bent. Then, gently roll onto your back.  
• Getting out of a chair: Scoot to the edge of the chair. Keep your back straight and lean slightly forward, using your arms to push yourself up to a standing position. Avoid engaging your abdominal muscles to pull yourself forward.
• Getting into a chair: Back up to the chair until you feel it behind your legs. Keep your back straight and lower yourself gently using your arms and leg muscles

19. How much weight will I lose with a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck is primarily a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss surgery. While some fat and skin are removed, the amount of weight loss is usually not significant. The primary goal is to improve the shape and firmness of your abdomen.

20. Will my belly button look different after a full tummy tuck?

Yes, if you have a full tummy tuck, your original belly button is usually repositioned to fit your new abdominal contour. The surgeon will create a new opening for it in the skin. While they strive for a natural appearance, there will be a new incision around your belly button. In a mini tummy tuck, the belly button is typically not repositioned. 

21. Should I place anything inside of my belly button?

Generally, you should not place anything inside your belly button after a tummy tuck unless specifically instructed/guided to do so by your surgeon.

After a full tummy tuck, your belly button has been surgically repositioned, and there will be internal and external sutures involved in its healing. Placing items inside it can: 

• Introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
• Disrupt the healing process of the internal and external sutures.
• Cause irritation or damage to the delicate tissues.
• Potentially affect the final appearance of your belly button.

While we know a common trend is to try to place a marble or a belly button plug, these are not medically sound advised practices. At most, if you are worried about the belly button collapsing or turning into a “cat eye slit”, you can roll up a small piece of nonstick gauze around week 3 and gently place it on top of your belly button, securing it in place with paper tape.

22. Will a tummy tuck get rid of stretch marks?

A tummy tuck can remove stretch marks that are located on the excess skin being excised, typically in the lower abdomen.However, stretch marks above the incision line will likely remain. The procedure is not specifically a treatment for stretch marks. 

23. Are there any non-surgical alternatives to a tummy tuck that might help me achieve similar results?

Non-surgical treatments like CoolSculpting, radiofrequency skin tightening, wood therapy, or ultrasound can address small amounts of fat and mild skin laxity. However, they cannot achieve the same degree of skin removal and muscle tightening as a tummy tuck. Additionally, diastasis recti separations typically are unable to be corrected nonsurgically. The best option depends on your specific concerns and goals and should be reviewed with a surgeon.

24. Can I have liposuction done at the same time as my tummy tuck?

Yes, it is common to combine liposuction with a tummy tuck to further contour the abdomen, flanks, or hips. This can provide a more comprehensive improvement in your overall body shape. Your surgeon will discuss if combining procedures is appropriate for your goals.

25. I gained weight after my tummy tuck, how can I get my results back? Do I need to have surgery again?

Gaining weight after a tummy tuck can unfortunately impact your results. The skin and tissues that were tightened during the surgery can stretch again to accommodate the increased volume. Whether you need surgery again depends on the extent of your weight gain and how it has affected your abdominal contour. Do you need to have surgery again? Not necessarily. If the weight gain is minimal and you are still reasonably satisfied with your abdominal appearance, or if you are able to lose the weight and see improvement, surgery might not be required. However, if the changes are significant and bother you, revision surgery is the most effective way to restore the results achieved by your initial tummy tuck.

26. How soon after surgery can I schedule my round 2?

The timing for a revision tummy tuck depends on several factors, primarily allowing your body adequate time to heal fully from the initial surgery and for the final results to become apparent. There are some facilities that will conduct your next round (especially if it’s on a different body part/surgical field area) 3 months after your most recent round. But generally, most board-certified plastic surgeons recommend waiting at least 6 to 12 months before considering a revision or an additional round.

27. How soon can I schedule tummy tuck surgery after giving birth?

It is generally recommended to wait at least 6 months, and ideally closer to a year, after giving birth before scheduling a tummy tuck. This waiting period allows your body sufficient time to recover from the physiological changes of pregnancy and childbirth. 

• Hormonal Stabilization: Pregnancy causes significant hormonal fluctuations that can affect fluid retention, weight distribution, and skin elasticity. Waiting allows these hormone levels to return to a more stable baseline   
• Weight Stabilization: It takes time to lose pregnancy-related weight. Undergoing a tummy tuck before your weight stabilizes can compromise the results, as further weight loss or gain can affect skin laxity. 
• Uterine and Abdominal Muscle Recovery: The uterus needs time to return to its pre-pregnancy size, and the abdominal muscles, which may have separated (diastasis recti) during pregnancy, can sometimes improve naturally with time and exercise. Waiting allows for maximum natural recovery before surgical intervention 
• Breastfeeding: If you are breastfeeding, it is typically advised to wait until you have finished and for an additional 3 months to allow your hormone levels to stabilize further and for your breasts to settle if you are considering concurrent breast surgery. Additionally, you cannot breastfeed immediately after surgery due to anesthesia and pain medications. 
• Physical Demands of Newborn Care: Caring for a newborn is physically demanding, involving lifting, bending, and prolonged periods of carrying. You will be restricted from these activities during your tummy tuck recovery, so waiting until you are more recovered from childbirth and have a strong support system is advisable.