Common Tummy Tuck Surgery FAQs

Weight gain can happen for many reasons, and often results from age, pregnancy, and genetics. However, you may find the weight won’t come off no matter how much you diet and exercise. Tummy tuck surgery from the Institute of Aesthetic Surgery is an effective means of removing fat and reconstructing the midsection. Before you undergo tummy tuck surgery, you should learn all you can about it. Here are some common questions you may have about the procedure.
How Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?
Tummy tucks are commonly administered with general anesthesia, so you’ll be asleep during the procedure. However, you could have the option of local anesthesia in combination with IV sedation in some cases. The incision starts along the pubic bone hairline and runs to the front hip, then another incision is made around the navel to help position it correctly. You should be able to hide the incisions under a bathing suit.
The doctor separates the skin and fat up to the bottom of the rib cage, which creates the taut look. The whole procedure commonly takes three to five hours, but it depends on how much fat needs to be removed. You will need to wear a drain tube for several days to collect fluid.
What Can I Expect after the Procedure?
Tummy tuck surgery is no reason to forgo a healthy lifestyle since weight gain is still possible. Follow all post-operative instructions to maintain the results and speed up recovery.
You should be able to walk immediately after the procedure, but you won’t be able to straighten the body completely. Avoid heavy exercise, but your doctor may encourage you to take short walks. You can commonly return to light sedentary activity after several days and heavier activity in four to six weeks.
How Do I Know if I Qualify for the Procedure?
Your doctor will give you an examination to ensure you qualify for the procedure and talk with you about your expectations or concerns. An ideal candidate is in good health, is within 20 to 30 pounds of their ideal weight and has sagging skin around the abdomen. They don’t have any skin or immune disorders that may interfere with the desired outcome.
You should be through with pregnancies and dieting because additional pregnancies and dieting will only stretch the muscles and make more loose skin. Your heart and lungs also need to be healthy to handle the anesthesia.
Tummy tuck surgery is often the answer to restoring your body confidence when all else fails. Institute of Aesthetic Surgery is conveniently located in Celebration, Altamonte Springs, and Orlando. We also serve residents in Lake Nona. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!