Health Issues Common In Women

Understanding The Extended Tummy Tuck Procedure And The Healing Process

26 June 2018 by admin

If you have lost a great deal of weight, you may require a tummy tuck procedure to remove the excess skin. This helps to restore the shape and tone of the body, and the procedure also reduces weight by removing the heavy leftover skin. A traditional tummy tuck is often not enough to restore the body's shape. An extended tummy tuck is necessary instead. Keep reading to learn about the tummy tuck and also about the healing process afterward.

What Is An Extended Tummy Tuck?

An extended tummy tuck surgery is one that removes a large amount of excess skin from the body. Since so much skin is removed, incisions are often quite wide and extend across the entire abdomen and along the back of the hip bones. This does mean that surgical scars will be visible from the front and back, but your surgeon will try to place the incision as low on the abdomen as possible to reduce visibility. 

Also, the procedure involves the repositioning of the navel at a higher position on the abdomen. A circular incision is required for this. Before the navel is repositioned, the abdominal muscles are often tightened. 

If pockets of unnaturally looking fat are seen around the abdomen and back, then liposuction may be completed to assist with contouring. Thigh and arm lift procedures may be completed at the same time as the tummy tuck. However, this depends on the amount of skin removed from the abdomen, since your surgeon will want to ensure that your body is not stressed during the surgical process. 

How Do You Heal After The Procedure?

Unlike other types of tummy tucks and cosmetic procedures, you will be unable to go home directly afterward. A one-day stay in the hospital is often suggested and you may have drainage tubes connected to the surgical area. Drainage tubes will remain in place for a week or two, so you will need to limit movement while at home. Asking a friend or family member to help you with daily tasks is a good idea.

You will be in some pain after the tummy tuck and pain medications will be prescribed along with antibiotics. You will see some significant swelling, but it will start to subside after a few days. The vast majority of the inflammation will be gone after about six weeks. You can often return to light activity after the drainage tubes are removed.

Keep in mind that sutures are needed to close the incision after the procedure, and they will need to be removed by the surgeon, so make sure to schedule an appointment to have this done.     

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