5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Tummy Tuck

Each year, approximately 100,000 tummy tucks are performed in the United States. In fact, it has been one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the country for many years.

And why?

The simple answer is because it is so effective. Certainly, liposuction can slim the entire body overall, and breast augmentation or a breast lift can make that one single feature — your breasts — larger and perkier. And sure, rhinoplasty can make your nose slimmer, or smoother, or wider.

But a tummy tuck in Houston targets the number one most troublesome area on nearly everyone’s body — the abdomen.

Almost everyone has something to say about their abdomen. Most of the time, people wish theirs was flatter, slimmer, smoother, or tighter. Achieving these qualities is exactly what a tummy tuck surgery can do.

If you’ve been thinking about getting a tummy tuck surgery in Houston, you might be wondering what to know before a tummy tuck. Here are five things you should know before scheduling your appointment.

5 Things to Know About a Houston Tummy Tuck

1. It is more than just liposuction on your midsection.

While the term may make this surgical procedure seem like it’s simply a superficial slimming of the abdomen, there is much more that goes into this procedure than just this. That is, this surgery is not just liposuction.

Liposuction is the process of physically and permanently removing fat cells from a localized area of the body. The procedure only requires quite small incisions to be made — only small enough for a cannula to be inserted.

On the other hand, it is the removal of excess skin and tissue and the repair of the abdominal muscles. In some cases, tummy tuck procedures may incorporate liposuction to remove pockets of excess, unwanted fat, but this is not the primary goal of this procedure.

2. You won’t actually lose weight with a tummy tuck.

Because they do not actually reduce fat as their primary function, the surgical procedure won’t help you lose weight. In fact, it’s good if patients are actually within a close range of their optimal weight before they get this plastic surgery. Tummy tuck patients who are considering getting pregnant should also usually wait until they’re done having children to get this cosmetic surgery.

This isn’t because it would be dangerous to have children or gain weight after this procedure. However, if a significant amount of weight is gained from pregnancy after tummy tuck or otherwise — your results may be diminished.

Just remember that when it comes to your goals for a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck, you should have excess skin, tissue, and a small amount of fat that you would like to get rid of. It is not a weight loss procedure.

3. You can combine your tummy tuck with other procedures.

A tummy tuck is a major invasive surgery, so many patients opt just to have their tuck and no other procedures. However, if you are interested in improving other areas of your body, this surgery is often combined with other procedures. In fact, sometimes, it can be useful to combine procedures because it ends up being less expensive and can reduce your overall tummy tuck recovery time.

One way this is frequently done is through what’s called a mommy makeover. This is a catchall term for a collection of surgeries that aim to help women get their bodies back after having children. Mommy makeover surgeries are unique to each individual, but they primarily focus on improving the abdomen, breasts, and sometimes, the labia (labiaplasty).

For example, one woman might choose to have a breast lift as well while another woman might want liposuction on several parts of her body and breast augmentation. Some women actually prefer to reduce the size of their breasts after having children, so they may opt for a breast reduction surgery as part of their money makeover.

Of course, patients can also combine this cosmetic procedure with other procedures like a Brazilian butt lift or even chin liposuction. Depending on what a patient’s goals are, however, the entire surgical plan may need to be broken up into multiple procedures.

4. They are ideal after you’re done having children or after you’ve lost a significant amount of weight.

The main goal of this major surgical procedure is to reduce excess skin. So, when is loose skin most commonly a problem for patients? The answer is twofold: right after you’ve had a baby and right after you’ve lost a lot of weight.

In both of these situations, the skin on the abdomen is stretched out significantly and then retracted so that it no longer needs to be stretched. This can leave patients with dangling loose skin that is cumbersome and makes them feel uncomfortable and unattractive.

Even with vigorous exercise and dieting, this excess skin (sometimes in combination with excess tissue and fat) can be nearly impossible to get rid of. In these situations, it is only plastic surgery — and namely, a tummy tuck — that can help.

5. You’ve got to go “all in” during recovery.

In the end, if you want to see outstanding tummy tuck results from this major surgery, you’ve got to commit when it comes to your tummy tuck recovery.

A board certified plastic surgeon will tell you that this means planning ahead by taking time off work, preparing a recovery area in your home, taking care of your tummy tuck scar, taking your pain medication, following your pain management instructions, and having a close family member or friend ready to take you home after surgery — and possibly help you there for a few days as well.

Minimizing tummy tuck scars and ensuring proper healing are things that are at the top of mind for patients. Doing these things and following Dr. Steinberg’s recovery instructions closely will ensure optimal results from your surgery.

FAQS

What does no one tell you about a tummy tuck?

You’ll feel confident wearing tight clothing without worrying about hiding a tummy bulge. However, patience is essential; a full recovery takes about three to six months. Tummy tuck scars will begin to fade around the six-month mark, but it may take up to a year for them to become less visible.

What not to do before a tummy tuck?

Stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, and similar anti-inflammatory medications, as they increase bleeding. You MAY take Tylenol for pain until the day before surgery. Discontinue all herbal medications, supplements, teas, and diet pills, as they can also increase bleeding.

What are the disadvantages of tummy tuck?

Fluid accumulation beneath the skin (seroma): Drainage tubes left in place after surgery can help reduce this risk.
Poor wound healing.
Unexpected scarring.
Tissue damage.
Changes in skin sensation.

Tummy Tuck Houston: Book Your Consultation Today

A tummy tuck procedure could be the confidence boost you need after going through the bodily changes of pregnancy and childbirth or dropping a significant amount of weight. If time and the aging process are your enemies, this could help you get your energy and self-esteem back.

To find out more about tummy tuck cost and other body contouring cosmetic surgeries, give us a call today and book your consultation appointment with Dr. Ashley Steinberg – Trouvaille Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery in Houston.