Tummy Tuck Recovery

The Tummy tuck or the abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure which is used to remove loose sagging and soft skin and fat from the lower stomach. It may be performed in conjunction with repositioning of the umbilicus and tightening of the deeper muscles of the abdomen, called the rectus.

Dr Lanzer uses a technique called the lipo-tuck, which is based on various studies executed over the years. He trained in this technique in America and finds that combining the method of liposuction, which he has used for over 20 years, with the tuck improves the recovery.

The recovery of a tummy tuck is firstly determined by which method is used. A tuck may involve the suturing of the muscles and transposition of the umbilicus, in which case more elevation and invasion has occurred. At the other extreme, the tuck may just be the simple excision of skin. In the latter case, the recovery would be much quicker and there would be fewer risks of swelling and bruising.

During the recovery period, there may be some pain and therefore appropriate pain killers, including morphine derivatives, are given to the patients. Patients should take it easy during the recovery period and not run or do strenuous exercise for 2-3 weeks.

When Do Patients Choose A Tummy Tuck?

The large majority of patients choose a tummy tuck when they have lost a lot of weight. Because of this weight loss, they are often left with lots of excess skin, but also some persistent excess fats that they cannot seem to shift despite a healthy diet and exercise routine. In some cases, the patient also has separated abdominal muscles, which can cause general health issues such as lower back pain. A tummy tuck can use a reconstructive technique to restore those muscles, but also remove the excess skin, fat, and in some cases reposition the belly button.

There are different types of tummy tucks currently executed in Australia. There is the mini tummy tuck, which involves removal of skin and fat underneath the lower abdomen. However, there is also the extended tummy tuck, which focuses on the entire abdomen. 

Can You Provide Me with Additional Tips for My Recovery?

Patients can experience some side-effects after their procedure, this includes bruising, swelling and general discomfort. Fortunately, there are numerous guidelines that tell patients more about their recovery and how to cope with these side-effects.

Generally, it is advisable to avoid hot showers that may cause vasodilatation and enhance bruising. Sometimes, patients do take Arnica tablets which are supplied by Dr Lanzer to help reduce the swelling.

It is also important to wear a firm compression garment. Most surgeons perform the tummy tuck surgery in the hospital, in which case patients do require an in-patient hospital stay following a tummy tuck. The lipo-tuck performed by Dr Lanzer is designed to be an outpatient procedure and can be done under local anaesthetic. Dr Lanzer would be happy to discuss alternatives with you at any time.

During the recovery period of tummy tuck, Dr Lanzer does give patients oral antibiotics to take. It is better to be on antibiotics as prophylaxis prevention, than to have to take it afterwards when infection may start. It is advisable to keep active and move one’s legs as well to prevent deep clot formation.

Dr Lanzer does apply a cuff stimulator to the legs to reduce the risk of blood clots. The majority of patients would take 2 weeks off from work and tend to take it easy and sit around. During this recovery period, Dr Lanzer does like to monitor and see his patients; this will be covered by the initial costs for the procedure.

Patients can experience some discomfort during the healing process. Most discomfort can be managed perfectly with over-the-counter pain medication. However, if this proves difficult after your tummy tuck procedure, you can always contact your clinic for a prescription more suitable to your needs.

As with all body contouring procedures, and especially the removal of excess skin, it is important for patients to follow the guidelines during their recovery time. Evidently, patients must take good care of the abdominal area after surgery and keep attending the follow-up appointments with their cosmetic surgeon.

Special care must be taken during the first week after the procedure, which is the time when complications around the incision site and treatment site are the most common. This stays the same in spite of the type of tummy tuck you are having, e.g. mini tummy tuck or full tummy tuck.

During your recovery, patients should avoid all types of strenuous activities. Patients should specifically avoid activities such as sit-ups, as these could cause problems with the incision site. However, patients do need to remember that the chance of blood clots is increased after major surgery. Therefore, patients should do some light walking until they can resume their normal activities and exercise routine. 

If you have additional questions about your recovery, be sure to ask a surgeon for more information. It is always best to know your recovery guidelines before a procedure, especially since you can be a little confused from the anaesthetic for a couple of days.

Does a Tummy Tuck Get Rid Of Stretch Marks?

No. Even though skin is removed during a tummy tuck, the remaining skin will still show signs of stretch marks. If stretch marks remain after the surgery and you want to get them removed, then there are other cosmetic procedures at The Dr Lanzer Clinic that can achieve this result. 

How Has the Evolution of Liposuction Influenced Recovery?

Dr Lanzer has seen many major breakthroughs in cosmetic surgery. One of those is tumescent anaesthesia, which involves placing a very dilute local aesthetic fluid in the skin which seals blood vessels, numbs the skin and is probably antibacterial. It has improved procedures including liposculpture, Hi Definition liposuction, mega liposuction, lipo-tummy tuck, breast implant procedures, lipo face lifts and breast augmentation.

Liposuction remains the most common procedure performed. Dr Lanzer works on two aspects whilst performing liposuction. The first, is to remove the bulk of fat, so the person is slimmer. The second is to shape and refine the body shape of the patient, particularly on the stomach for an athletic shape, the neck, the silhouette and the pecs. A new interest is the Brazilian Buttock which is aimed at developing more curvature to the buttock.

In patients with very loose skin on the stomach, such as after pregnancy or with significant weight loss, Dr Lanzer performs the lipo-tummy tuck. He has found that performing a full liposuction and then immediately removing the loose skin offers the best result.

The aim is to achieve a flatter stomach but there will be a long scar below the bikini line. Often the deep abdominal muscle splits during pregnancy and this muscle is reinforced if needed.

View more Liposuction information here.