Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Overview.
A Tummy tuck surgery medically known as Abdominoplasty is done to remove excess skin and fat from the stomach area.
In most cases, the surgery is done to tighten sagging skin that has occurred due to pregnancy or weight loss.
A surgeon may perform other procedures such as Breast Augmentation, Liposuction alongside.
The combination of the three plastic surgery procedures above is called Mommy Makeover.
Tummy Tuck Cost.
How much does a tummy tuck cost?
According to a recent statistic conducted on realself, the average cost of a tummy tuck is $8,150. However, a typical tummy tuck surgery can range from $3350 – $12,875.
Tummy tuck surgery cost, however, varies from one place to another depending on a number of factors.
Some of the factors that influence the cost of a tummy tuck may include;
- Experience of the surgeon.
- Your region of the country.
- The extent of your surgery.
- Cost of any additional surgery.
- Extensive the surgery.
- Operating room costs and anesthesia.
In addition, the cost above covers different things. Depending on the surgeon, the costs cover consultation fees, pre-operative fees and after surgery.
What Happens During a Tummy Tuck Surgery.
During the consultation period, your surgeon takes you through the steps of the procedure that you are likely to undergo during your surgery.
Ask any question you may want to know during this time. The two of you will create a plan that will guide the surgery.
Your Doctor will use general anesthesia to make you sleep during the procedure.
The surgery does not last long, it takes between two to four hours depending on how big it is.
Your surgeon will cover the area with tape or an elastic bandage under a surgical binder. Also, small drain tubes will be placed through a small incision to help avoid a buildup of fluids.
You will then be taken in a recovery area or room whereby you will be closely monitored until you are safe to go home.
Often, your doctor will subscribe painkillers or injection to help relieve pain.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Time.
How long does a Tummy Tuck take to heal?
The recovery time of tummy tuck individuals varies from one person to another.
There are a number of factors that influence the time one takes to recover. Some of these factors include:
- The extent of your abdominoplasty.
- Your physical condition.
Abdominoplasty takes the longest recovery time. For about 1-2 weeks you will not be able to do any activities.
However, you will able to resume your normal duties after 1- 2 months if there will be no complication that arises.
This is because a lot of the energy from your body is dedicated to your recovery.
Your tummy Tuck Swelling will last for a few weeks. with fewer activities, your healing will be faster.
Surgeons, however, recommend restricting from smoking before and after surgery and avoiding activities after surgery for a quick recovery.
Tummy Tuck Risks and Safety.
Are there risks and complications of a tummy tuck?
Just like any other surgery, Tummy tuck does not come without risks and complications.
During consultations, your surgeon takes you through the benefits of a tummy tuck and risks as well.
Tummy Tuck Risks include;
- Bleeding
- Anesthesia risks
- Getting an Infection
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Persistent pain
- Seroma (Fluid accumulation).
- Poor wound healing and Skin loss.
- Suboptimal aesthetic result.
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation.
- Asymmetry.
- Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling.
- Unfavorable scarring.
- Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis).
- A possibility of revisional surgery.
Ask all the question during the time of appointment with your surgeon and get satisfied before you book for your surgery.
