Five Things To Consider Before Having a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a cosmetic surgery that removes extra skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens weakened muscles to create a flatter, smoother stomach. It is major surgery that works best when your weight is stable and you can commit to several weeks of recovery time. 

These key tummy tuck considerations can help you decide if the procedure fits your goals, lifestyle, and health needs.

Taking time for careful abdominoplasty preparation and asking questions in advance can improve your results and reduce the chance of complications.

Normal physical body changes such as weight fluctuations, childbirth, or simply the aging process can result in excess skin or fat around this area. For many, this stubborn area cannot be reclaimed even with exercising and a proper diet.

The tummy tuck procedure is an extremely successful option for tightening the abdominal muscles and smoothing and flattening the stomach. You may be considering a tummy tuck to solve your stomach issues, sculpt and slim the abdominal area, and repair weakened abdominal muscles so your stomach stays tight and flat over the long term.

Before you schedule your tummy tuck in Atlanta, we recommend you review these five things to consider and expect.

What Should I Know Before Getting a Tummy Tuck?

Before getting a tummy tuck, you should know that it is not a weight-loss procedure, you will have a scar that fades over time, and you will need help at home while you heal.

You should also understand that final results can take up to a year to appear as swelling goes down and tissues settle.

Here are a few simple things to know before surgery:

• You should be close to your goal weight and able to maintain it. 
• You will need several weeks of reduced activity while you recover. 
• You should plan for childcare, pet care, and household help in advance. 
• You will get detailed instructions from your surgeon about how to prepare and how to recover safely. 

1. Why is it important to maintain a stable weight before a tummy tuck?

Maintaining a stable weight before a tummy tuck helps you get better, longer-lasting results and reduces your risk of complications. It’s important to point out that an abdominoplasty is a sculpting and shaping procedure and will not help with weight loss.

Most surgeons recommend achieving your desired weight and maintaining that weight for about six to twelve months before your scheduled tummy tuck. Dr. Deutsch will recommend that you remain within 10-20 pounds of your ideal weight. He encourages a healthy lifestyle and proper diet, with an appropriate exercise regime, to maintain optimal results.

Having your weight stable and your body in good health will lessen the chances of complications after the surgery. If too much weight is lost or gained after the tummy tuck, it can alter or reverse the contouring achieved by the surgery.

For example, since a woman’s stomach tissues stretch during pregnancy, most surgeons recommend holding off on a tummy tuck if you are considering having more children. Of course, a tummy tuck will not affect pregnancy. However, having a child after the procedure will lessen the achieved results.

For many patients, staying within a healthy weight range and avoiding future major weight changes helps their tummy tuck results last longer.

2. How much downtime will you need for recovery, and will you need help?

You should plan on several weeks of recovery time after a tummy tuck and expect to need help with daily tasks. Abdominoplasty is considered major surgery and requires a healing period of several weeks. The average initial recovery takes about two to three weeks.

There will be moderate pain during the first few days, and it’s normal to be sore, tired, and swollen. Your condition will improve consistently with proper rest and care. When you start to feel better, you may be tempted to resume regular activities.

You will need a family member or friend to help with anything that requires bending or lifting for about two weeks. Every patient heals differently, and it could take up to two weeks before you will be able to stand upright fully. You’ll need to allow four to six weeks to resume normal activities. You will not be able to lift heavy items like groceries or children safely. Otherwise, you may strain the surgical incisions. It is essential that you follow Dr. Deutsch’s recovery instructions so your body can heal properly and as quickly as possible.

Planning this help ahead of time is a key step in abdominoplasty preparation and can make your recovery smoother and less stressful.

3. Will a scar be present after a tummy tuck, and how much will it fade?

Yes, there will be a scar after a tummy tuck, but it is usually placed low and tends to fade over time. Although a horizontal incision and scar are unavoidable, they will continue to fade over time.

Dr. Deutsch is a board-certified, experienced plastic surgeon and will carefully place the incision in an area concealed by clothing, underwear, and swimsuit bottoms. It’s possible you may need a smaller additional scar around your navel, and Dr. Deutsch will let you know in advance if this is required.

Most patients find that, with time and proper scar care, the incision softens and lightens and is easy to hide under most clothing.

4. Why are surgical drains needed after a tummy tuck?

Surgical drains help remove excess fluid and reduce swelling so your body can heal more smoothly after surgery. Drains are temporary but do help promote proper healing by assisting to eliminate fluid buildups as well as reduce swelling. Dr. Deutsch and his team will discuss the needs and care for surgical drains before your procedure. Most drains are removed within 7-10 days of the tummy tuck, but they may be needed for two weeks or more.

Many patients are nervous about drains at first, but they are usually easy to manage at home with clear instructions from your care team.

5. How long does healing take, and when will you see final results?

Healing after a tummy tuck happens in stages, and full results can take up to a year. A common misconception associated with tummy tucks is that you will wake up from surgery with a perfectly flat tummy. The truth is that you won’t immediately see the benefits as your body needs time to heal.

This is major surgery, and your body will initially react with swelling, bruising, redness, and stiffness. Some women continue to see lingering swelling for up to six months. It’s also normal for the incision site to experience numbness; this loss of sensation will slowly resolve itself.

The total benefits of a tummy tuck in Atlanta may take up to a full year to develop. That’s how long your stomach needs to finish healing and display the much-anticipated results. 

Most patients notice a smoother, flatter shape within a few weeks, even though swelling is still present, and the area continues to refine over several months.

What are the Risks Associated with Tummy Tuck Surgery?

Tummy tuck surgery is generally safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, but it still carries the same types of risks as other major operations. Like any major surgery, a tummy tuck has risks, including bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, fluid buildup, blood clots, and unfavorable scarring.

There are also anesthesia-related risks, as well as the possibility that you may not be fully satisfied with the cosmetic result.

The main risks of tummy tuck surgery include:

• Bleeding, infection, or delayed wound healing 
• Fluid collections under the skin (seromas) 
• Blood clots, especially if you are not moving enough after surgery 
• Scars that are wider, thicker, or darker than expected
  

Your surgeon will review your personal risk factors and give you specific instructions to help lower these risks before and after your procedure. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon and following all pre- and post-op instructions are two of the most important safety steps you can take. 

This is why an in-person consultation is essential before deciding on surgery.

The Best Tummy Tuck Surgeon in Atlanta

If you have exhausted your diet and exercise options and still can’t regain your flatter stomach, you may be a candidate for abdominoplasty with the best tummy tuck surgeon in Atlanta, Dr. Deutsch. Our patients are thrilled with their results. “I have patients who have lost a lot of weight on their own and come in to get rid of the extra, loose skin. After the surgery, they are ecstatic about their new look,” says Dr. Deutsch. “It can be very rewarding and even necessary for some people.”

Extreme weight loss, pregnancy, or natural aging changes the curve in your waist. A tummy tuck can bring back your sense of confidence in your body image. Explore your options for a firmer, flatter, and better-proportioned abdomen. Call our office today at 404-255-0886 or complete the online contact form to schedule a consultation. Atlanta plastic surgery, Dr. Deutsch will be happy to discuss your goals and concerns to determine if a tummy tuck is the right option.

A tummy tuck consultation is the best way to learn if you are a good candidate for surgery, what results you can expect, and how to plan your abdominoplasty preparation safely. 

This information is for general education only and does not replace a personal evaluation and medical advice from a qualified plastic surgeon.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tuck Preparation and Results

How can I get the best results from a tummy tuck?

You get the best results by reaching and maintaining a stable weight, not smoking, following your surgeon’s pre- and post-op instructions, wearing your compression garment, and giving your body enough time to heal.

What should I avoid before tummy tuck surgery?

Before a tummy tuck, avoid smoking or vaping, crash diets, and any medicines or supplements your surgeon tells you to stop, such as blood thinners. Also avoid sunburn on your abdomen and follow all pre-op fasting instructions.