When it comes to tummy tuck surgery, knowing what to expect and taking an active role in the process can make your experience that much more rewarding. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, I make it my goal not only to deliver exceptional results but also to make sure you feel informed and supported every step of the way. That includes setting you up with the right expectations and preventing any unanticipated bumps in the road.
In this blog post, I’ll share 5 things you need to know before your tummy tuck journey, from how the surgery may affect your weight to what your scars will look like. Read on to get all the details.
#1. It’s Best To Get a Tummy Tuck When You Are Finished Having Children.
A tummy tuck won’t affect your ability to have children, but future pregnancies may alter your new look. Tummy tucks tighten the loose abdominal skin and separated muscles (diastasis recti) that are common with pregnancy. Having another child after these changes have been made will likely cause some new skin laxity and stubborn fat, which can compromise your results.
Learn more about diastasis recti and how a tummy tuck is the best option to correct it in a related blog post.
#2. A Tummy Tuck Isn’t a Weight Loss Procedure.
If you’re currently on a weight loss journey and are considering a tummy tuck to help your efforts, you may want to hold off until you are at or near your goal weight. While the procedure does remove some fat, it works best near the end of a weight transformation to remove leftover loose skin and reveal the slim, sculpted abdomen you have been working for.
#3. Your Scar Will Be Hidden Even in a Bikini.
Tummy tuck incisions are placed very low on the abdomen, so they won’t be visible in most swimwear or undergarments. You will have a small incision around your bellybutton, which I take great care to disguise so that it doesn’t detract from your new look.
See real examples of what tummy tuck scars look like in my before-and-after photo gallery.
#4. Initial Recovery Takes 2 to 3 Weeks.
Plan for 2 weeks away from desk work and at least 3 if your job is physically strenuous. After 4 to 6 weeks, you can begin to gradually resume exercise, starting with light walks and working your way up to heavier lifting with your surgeon’s permission.
#5. Your Weight Will Fluctuate for the First Few Weeks.
Don’t feel distressed if you step on the scale after surgery and see a higher number than you were expecting. Swelling and water retention are par for the course during tummy tuck recovery, which may make you weigh more than you did before surgery.
You should see and feel a noticeable decrease within 3 or so months, especially if you stay dedicated to wearing your compression garment, eating a low-sodium diet, and staying hydrated.
If you would like to learn more about what to expect after a tummy tuck at my Staten Island practice, please request a consultation online or call (718) 720-9400. I look forward to answering your questions and helping you make your dream tummy a reality.
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