What is Recovery Like After Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)?

If your body has experienced changes such as weight loss or pregnancy, you are most likely familiar with the lasting effects on your appearance. These effects include sagging skin, stretch marks, and pockets of stubborn abdominal fat. Abdominoplasty, more commonly called a tummy tuck, is the most effective way to address these concerns and achieve a flatter, tighter abdomen. 

What is a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?

A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure usually performed to correct the effects of weight changes, pregnancy, or aging in the abdominal area. At El Paso Cosmetic Surgery, each tummy tuck is customized to address your unique needs. This procedure uses an incision across the lowest part of the abdomen, easily concealed by most clothes or even bikinis, to tighten sagging skin, repair abdominal muscles that have separated, and remove resistant areas of fat. 

How is Abdominoplasty Performed?

Your procedure takes place under general anesthesia for your comfort, and the length depends on the details of your treatment plan. An incision is made along the lower abdomen in the crease of the bikini line, although the length of this incision varies depending on the type of tummy tuck. 

Loose skin is removed, and the remaining skin is lifted and tightened. The belly button may be repositioned for a natural appearance. Your core abdominal muscles, which can separate during pregnancy, can be repaired during the surgery, and excess fat is removed using liposuction to sculpt the area. 

What is Recovery Like After Abdominoplasty?

After your procedure, you will need someone to transport you home. You can expect to experience swelling, bruising, and soreness in the area. These effects are usually worse in the first few days, and you will be instructed to limit yourself to very light activities for those few days. Most people start feeling more comfortable within the first week. 

Depending on the details of their procedure, people with low-activity jobs may be able to return in one to three weeks. Your surgeon will monitor your progress and approve you to add more strenuous activities back into your routine after four to six weeks. Residual swelling can last six months or more, with your final results evolving over time. 

How Long Will My Tummy Tuck Results Last?

While the results of abdominoplasty are long-lasting, factors that affect your body can change how the area looks. If you plan to become pregnant in the future, you may want to wait to have a tummy tuck since pregnancy will re-stretch the skin. In the same way, people who gain weight may see more fat accumulate in the area. The best way to maintain your results is to lead a generally healthy lifestyle. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Abdominoplasty?

If you are in good health and have concerns about sagging abdominal skin or other issues, an abdominoplasty may be recommended. Good candidates for this procedure have reasonable expectations and understand the risks and benefits. Individuals who have experienced changes to their abdomen, breasts, and other areas as the result of pregnancy may be ideal candidates for a mommy makeover.  

Take the Next Step

Interested in learning more about our abdominoplasty for yourself? Schedule a consultation at El Paso Cosmetic Surgery in El Paso, TX today by calling or texting (915) 351-1116.