Why have a Tummy Tuck? (Abdominoplasty)

Multiple pregnancies, significant weight loss, stretch marks and loss of muscular and skin tone leave the abdomen or lower belly soft, floppy and wrinkled. Despite vigorous exercise, including numerous sit-ups, most women can never tone their lax abdominal muscles because the muscles have either been stretched during pregnancy or altered after a C-section. Dieting and exercise will not significantly improve these areas, but a tummy tuck can. The objective is to produce a firmer, flatter and better shaped abdomen.

Extra fat and sagging skin are removed along with tightening the underlying loose muscles from below the ribs to the pubic area. Stretch marks along the lower front of the abdomen are removed as the abdomen is toned slenderized. The belly button is also contoured to fit your new appearance.

Abdominoplasty surgery is usually preformed in Bridgeport Hospital using a light general anesthesia along with a local anesthetic to assure your complete comfort. I often recommend staying in the hospital overnight to ensure that you are well taken care of and so you can rest up after the procedure.  

Activities after this surgery are limited to prevent swelling or other harmful side effects. This includes such mundane activities as house cleaning and any sport or activity that would increase your heart rate and blood pressure for 3-6 weeks. During this time you will be wearing an elastic binder to aide in comfort and decrease swelling. Also, you can plan on being out of work for 1-2 weeks, depending upon the work activity.  

What we eat is who we become, so a diet rich in healthy foods will improve your results and aide in healing. Stay away from products that increase bleeding, such as aspirin, Motrin, Advil and Vitamin E. Refrain from eating salty foods which will cause swelling; therefore they are limited for 3 weeks after surgery: pizza, Chinese food, pretzels and potato chips, to name a few.

All your instructions on how to prepare for and to best take care of yourself before and after surgery, along with prescriptions, will be given to you. It is as easy as following the guidelines.

No one likes pain; therefore, you will be given medications in the hospital and when at home to keep you comfortable. Moderate discomfort lasting the first week is treated with medicines that you choose depending upon your needs.

When home you will have some drains or tubes that remove unwanted liquid for 5-10 days. These are easy to care for.

Why have an Abdominoplasty? You probably already know the answer. Your body is proportioned once again, posture is corrected and a new wardrobe is attainable! And most of all the extra lower belly skin is no long hanging. Although swelling and healing takes a full year to complete you will note in a few weeks how well you look and feel. It is nice to have your body toned again or anew.