| Tummy Tuck, also known as Abdominoplasty is a | | | | removed. A support garment is given which is to be |
| surgical procedure used to flatten the abdominal wall | | | | worn for next 3-4 weeks. The garment helps to |
| or stomach area. The surgery is extremely helpful in | | | | control the swelling, support the newly shaped |
| removing large amount of skin and fat from the middle | | | | abdomen, and aids healing. It is very important that one |
| and lower part of the abdomen. | | | | wears the garment as long as the doctor advises. |
| The procedure removes excessive hanging skin, and | | | | - Most surgeons suggest that one should not bathe for |
| repairs loose or stretched muscle, thereby, improving | | | | at least two to three days following an |
| abdominal wall tone and structure. Skin that contains | | | | abdominoplasty. One should use the shower rather |
| stretch marks on the lower abdomen may be | | | | than bathing in a tub, as sitting in standing water of a |
| removed as well. | | | | bath tub or hot tub could lead to infection. Also, it is |
| One generally has a lot of pain and discomfort | | | | advisable to take someone’s help while taking the |
| immediately following the operation. One may also | | | | shower for the first time, to prevent any accidents. |
| experience numbness, bruising and overall tiredness for | | | | - One should regularly take the antibiotics and pain |
| the next few days. | | | | medication prescribed by the surgeon to avoid any |
| It is very important to follow the surgeon’s advice | | | | complications. |
| religiously for achieving the best results after the | | | | - Exercises that work the abdominal muscles should |
| tummy tuck surgery. The important precautions to be | | | | be avoided for at least three months. Low impact |
| taken care of after the tummy tuck procedure are: | | | | exercise can be resumed within 2-3 weeks. High |
| - For the first 2 days while resting and relaxing in bed, | | | | impact exercise should be avoided for at least 6-8 |
| the surgeon may advise to bend the legs at the hips to | | | | weeks. |
| reduce strain on the abdominal wall muscles. | | | | Once these precautions are taken care of, one can |
| - Within the first week the drainage tubes put in during | | | | expect excellent outcomes from the procedure and |
| surgery, to prevent fluids from accumulating are | | | | can achieve a slimmer, tauter tummy. |