Serving - atlanta, ga
Body Surgery
November 07, 2023 | 4 minute read
The answer is very subjective and varies from person to person. Have you lost weight but are unhappy with the crepey tummy flab? Have you had children and just can’t seem to get rid of that pooch around your middle area no matter how many crunches you do? What is your “why?” Maybe you just want the outside of you to reflect how you feel inside – how you deserve to look!.
Once you’ve made the decision to move forward, do your homework. Research the procedure and surgeons who are experienced in abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). Make sure the surgeon is board certified in plastic surgery. Board-certified plastic surgeons go through rigorous training and are highly skilled in their field. Very important.
Make an appointment for a consultation with the plastic surgeon you choose. Or make three appointments with three different surgeons. Why? You will gain a lot of knowledge about the procedure, but also decide which personality you most relate to. The surgeon(s) will assess your body type and what surgical plan is right for you. Pesky love handles? Add some liposuction. Bulge when you do a situp? Tightening the overlying fascia above the rectus muscles will lead to a flatter belly. It’s important to be comfortable with your surgeon and feel you can ask questions and receive honest feedback. Discussing your goals and hearing what is achievable can also help you set realistic expectations.
Now you’ve made the decision to move forward with the procedure. You’re excited…and nervous. That’s perfectly normal. The feedback we receive most often after the procedure is “I should’ve done it sooner!”
Keep in mind that a tummy tuck is real surgery. Believe it or not, there are people who think because they choose to have elective surgery it won’t be painful. Wouldn’t that be nice! As with any surgery, it is normal to have moderate pain during the first several days, but this will steadily improve. Your abdominal muscles are central to everything you do and it’s impossible not to use them, even with the slightest movement. Your surgeon will prescribe medication to help manage the pain. You will also receive a compression garment which will help with swelling and healing. Don’t be alarmed when you feel like your skin is being pulled and you can’t stand up straight immediately. It takes a week or so for everything to settle. But it will. Try to be patient. You will most likely have drains, too. Drains are necessary to avoid fluid build-up. You will have to empty these drains, recording the fluid output. This will help determine when the drains can be removed, however, it is typically 1-2 weeks post-surgery.
If you have small children, it is recommended that you have help from a friend or family member for the first two weeks. You will be sore, bent over at the waist, and moving slowly. You will need rest for your body to heal. As a mom you feel you must do it all, but don’t take on too much as it will delay the recovery time. Stay hydrated! Extra fluid intake will help flush out your lymphatic system which helps with swelling. Coughing, sneezing, and laughing can cause pain across your midsection so keep a pillow handy. Supporting this area can help relieve the extra pressure.
Exercise is important to achieve the optimal results from a tummy tuck, but make sure your surgeon has given you the green light before you start. You will need to proceed gradually; cardio first and adding weight per your surgeon’s instructions. Patience is key to a complete recovery.
Every day gets better. Hang in there. It will be so worth it!
Contact Dr. Lindsey Webb by calling (404) 661-6865 or filling out our online contact form.