Questions about Tummy Tucks

What type of anesthesia is used for tummy tucks?

General anesthesia is the preferred anesthetic for most abdominoplasty / tummy tuck procedures.

What will my tummy tuck scar look like?

Exact scar appearance is not entirely predictable and varies from patient to patient.  It usually takes six to twelve months before the final appearance.  The good news is that the primary scar is easy to hide under all types of underwear and most one and two piece bathing suits.

Can a tummy tuck get rid of stretch marks?

Yes it can but it all depends on their location.  All stretch marks and scars below the belly button will be completely removed after surgery.  Any stretch marks located above the belly button will be transferred to a much lower position on the abdomen.

How long will my tummy tuck results last?

In the absence of significant weight gain and loss, or pregnancy, the necessity of a second tummy tuck procedure would be unlikely.

Will my waist size be smaller after a tummy tuck?

Most tummy tuck patients will lose several inches from their waistline.

Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

Candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise.  The tummy tuck surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal.  Loss of skin elasticity in older patients can also be improved.

Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery until they have reached their final weight.  Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy.  Occasionally, scars from previous abdominal surgery may preclude the abdominoplasty procedure.

What are the risks associated with tummy tucks?

Risks and complications may include but are not limited to unfavorable scarring, excess bleeding or hematoma, infection, change in skin sensation, contour irregularities, delay in healing, asymmetry, fluid accumulations under the skin and pulmonary complications. Dr. Bottger will discuss the potential complications with you in detail at the time of your consultation.

It is important to remember that although significant complications can occur, they are uncommon.

How much recovery time do I need for a tummy tuck?

Abdominoplasty is one of the more involved plastic surgery procedures and frequently requires an overnight stay in the hospital.  A return to light, non-strenuous work is permitted usually within two to three weeks following tummy tuck surgery.  In six to eight weeks, patients may return to aerobic workouts and weight lifting.

All sutures are dissolvable and under the skin.  You will have small tapes on the skin incisions.

Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?

You can get pregnant after a tummy tuck without injury to yourself or the baby.  The pregnancy will, however, stretch the abdominal wall muscles and overlying skin and potentially reverse some of the improvement.  It is therefore recommended in most cases to wait until after child bearing before getting a tummy tuck.

If you have any additional questions about the tummy tuck procedure, contact us or schedule an initial consultation to speak directly Dr. Bottger.

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