Preparation is a vital part of any major procedure such as tummy tuck cosmetic surgery. Fantastic preparation will ensure that the patient goes through the surgical journey smoothly and with minimal risk of complications. Post-operative recovery period should also be covered as a part of the preparation process.
The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery, led by award winning and board certified plastic surgeons, provides cutting edge procedures, including tummy tuck. The ACPS provides these procedures in a state of the art surgical environment to patients in Houston, Texas, TX, and surrounding locations.
Balanced Diet
A healthy and balanced diet is a primary part of the tummy tuck plastic surgery preparation process. Nutrition will help fortify the immune system and cut down the risk of infections during or after surgery. Lean proteins should be an important component in the diet because these will promote faster post-operative healing. Chicken, fish, eggs, yogurt, and light cheese should be a part of the diet to increase protein intake.
A vitamin rich diet is generally good for the candidate’s health, but the use of vitamin E should be avoided for some time before and after tummy tuck surgery as it can aggravate complications. When a patient follows a balanced diet prior to the surgery, it will also help instill the habit of healthy eating. Patients can continue to maintain that habit after the surgery, which will help preserve the results of tummy tuck surgery for years to come.
Regular Fitness Regimen
For a few weeks prior to tummy tuck surgery, the patient should start following a regular fitness and exercise program. This will help to improve the body’s metabolism and increase the muscle mass. Patients who are able to maintain high fitness levels will typically have a smoother and faster recovery after tummy tuck. Exercise will also allow them to maintain a leaner and more efficiently functioning body.
The patient will be able to minimize natural weight gain in the days and weeks following the surgery when they must refrain from strenuous activities. Regular exercise routine will also help the patient maintain healthy habits, which will contribute to the sustainability of tummy tuck outcomes. Leading cosmetic surgeons at ACPS receive patients from Houston, Texas, TX, and nearby areas.
Things to Avoid
The patient will be required to avoid smoking for at least two to four weeks prior to the tummy tuck surgery, and continue with that restriction well into the post-op recovery period. Smoking causes reduction of the oxygen flow in the blood, leading to a higher risk of complications and a slower recovery.
Blood thinning medications such as aspirin, herbal supplements and vitamins may have to be stopped at least two weeks prior to the tummy tuck surgery. These can increase the risk of bleeding as well as clotting.
Before the surgery, the patient can make advance preparations for the recovery phase. They can arrange for someone to drive them back home from the surgery, keep essential supplies at home, and preferably arrange for someone to help for the first 48 hours after the surgery.
For more information about The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) physicians and the cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures they perform please click here or call us at 713.799.9999. We have offices in and around Houston, Texas.
Some amount of risk is involved in any cosmetic surgery procedure, including tummy tuck. The surgeon will inform the patient about the potential risks during the initial consultation to help them make an informed decision. A skilled surgeon will be able to minimize risk by adhering to the most remarkable safety protocols.
Highly experienced, sensational, and board certified plastic surgeons at the Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery provide tummy tuck and various other procedures using advanced surgical techniques. The ACPS provides tummy tuck to patients in Houston, Texas, TX, and surrounding locations.
Tummy Tuck Risks
Some of the common risks that are associated with abdominoplasty include:
Poor Anesthesia Reaction
Tummy tuck will usually be performed with the patient under general anesthesia, which entails a higher risk than local anesthesia. Adverse reaction to general anesthesia may occur in rare situations. An experienced anesthesiologist will be able to detect the problem early before it complicates, and minimize the risk.
Blood Clot Formation
Following tummy tuck plastic surgery, blood clots may form inside a blood vessel. This is a rare occurrence, but it can complicate the blood flow. Patients who follow the surgeon’s pre- and post-operative care instructions diligently will be able to minimize this risk. Compression garment around the waist and mild post-operative exercises can improve blood flow and cut the risk of clotting.
Infection
Infection risks are the highest during and immediately after the tummy tuck procedure. The operating room should be completely clean and sterile to reduce the risk. Proper wound care is required after the surgery in order to mitigate post-operative infection risk. The patient should carefully follow the surgeon’s advice regarding wetting the wound or removing and changing bandages.
Seroma
Seroma formation or collection of fluid between the skin flap and the muscle layer may occur after tummy tuck surgery. This can lead to infection. The surgeon will minimize this risk by placing drains below the incision areas. The patient will have to following instructions regarding measuring and emptying the drain every day until they are removed.
Delayed Healing
It can take up to four to six weeks until the bruising, swell and pain in the treated areas subside completely. However, if the patient continues to experience these symptoms beyond this stage, it may be termed delayed healing. Irregular healing may sometimes cause skin loss. Scarring in such patients is likely to be higher. The ACPS cosmetic surgeons receive patients from Houston, Texas, TX, and nearby areas for tummy tuck surgery.
Temporary Side Effects
The patient should expect certain mild side effects following tummy tuck, but these are not serious complications. These effects usually disappear by themselves in a few days. A common side effect is swelling, which can be improved with an abdominal binder or a compression garment.
Pain meds can be used to manage post-surgical pain in the first few days as prescribed by the surgeon. Bruising will usually subside in about two weeks after surgery. If the patient notices abnormal, severe, or persisting symptoms, they should get in touch with the surgeon for medical attention.
For more information about The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) physicians and the cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures they perform please click here or call us at 713.799.9999. We have offices in and around Houston, Texas.
Tummy tuck is a major cosmetic surgery procedure involving a number of steps. Some of the steps may differ according to the extent of surgery required and the type of surgical technique applied. The surgeon will discuss an overview of these steps during the initial consultation.
When the patient knows what to expect during tummy tuck surgery, their anxiety levels will be reduced and they will be better prepared to handle the surgery. The award winning, board certified plastic surgeons at ACPS provide tummy tuck and other procedures to patients in Houston, Texas, TX, and surrounding locations.
Placing the Incisions
After the anesthesia has been administered, the surgeon will place discreetly located incisions in the abdominal area. The length and number of incisions will depend on the type of technique applied. A mini abdominoplasty may only involve a small incision made below the navel, while a circumferential abdominoplasty can involve an incision around the complete waist line, including the back.
Navel Repositioning
Navel repositioning may be required in many tummy tuck plastic surgery cases. It becomes critical to make the tightened and lifted abdomen appear more natural. The surgeon may detach the original navel and place it in a more youthful location. Sometimes the old navel may not be reattached, but a new navel may be artificially sculpted. Such an artistic surgical procedure should only be performed by an experienced cosmetic surgeon.
Tightening Weak Muscles
The underlying muscles in the abdomen may become loose or separated over time. During tummy tuck procedure, the surgeon can tighten these sagging muscles. Through the incisions, the abdominal skin will be separated from the abdominal walls. The muscles will be pulled closer together and stitched into a position to provide them a more toned look. Abdominal muscle tightening will make the waistline appear narrower.
Excising Loose Skin
After the tightening of abdominal muscles, the surgeon will pull the skin downward to make it tight and smooth. Loose skin will then be trimmed away. In some cases, liposuction may be performed at this point to remove excess fat before the skin is pulled taut. The ACPS receives patients from Houston, Texas, TX, and nearby areas for tummy tuck and various other procedures.
Reducing Stretch Marks
Stretch mark removal is not one of the specific goals in tummy tuck surgery. But it is often possible to mitigate the impact of stretch marks, depending on where the incision is located. If the stretch marks are present below the navel, they are usually removed along with loose skin. Even other stretch marks may sometimes become less obvious after tummy tuck surgery.
Closing the Incisions
After the surgery is over, the skin will be sutured together with surgical stitches. This will allow the wounds to close naturally over time. The surgeon will insert a surgical drain below the skin at the site of incisions to collect excess fluid and minimize the risk of infection. At the time the stiches are supposed to be removed, the surgical drain may also be removed, or sometimes before the stitches are taken out.
For more information about The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) physicians and the cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures they perform please click here or call us at 713.799.9999. We have offices in and around Houston, Texas.
Recovery is an important part of tummy tuck cosmetic surgery procedure, and careful post-surgical care will contribute significantly to its overall success. Patients should follow the surgeon’s instructions diligently during the post-op phase to achieve faster healing with minimal risk and sustainable results.
The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) is a state of the art surgical practice providing tummy tuck and various other procedures. The practice is led by a team of renowned plastic surgeons, who will support the patient throughout the surgical process from pre-op preparation to post-surgical recovery. The practice provides tummy tuck to patients in Houston TX, and surrounding locations.
Downtime
Following a traditional tummy tuck plastic surgery, the patient should be prepared to rest for about 10 to 14 days on average. They should plan to take time off from work accordingly. If the patient has young children to look after, they should arrange for temporary childcare.
Moderate walking during this initial period is encouraged to support the healing process, but vigorous activities should be avoided for at least three to four weeks. Healthy and protein-rich diet should be maintained during this period to supply the nutrients required for faster healing.
Post-Surgical Care
Following tummy tuck, the cosmetic surgeon will usually place drainage tubes underneath the skin. The patient should empty the drainage two to three times a day, monitor discharge and alert the surgeon in case of excessive discharge or an unpleasant odor. In most cases, the patient will be required to wear a compression garment around the abdomen, which should be worn at all times.
Medications for pain relief, constipation and antibiotics for a few days may be prescribed by the surgeon. Topical ointment may also be recommended to minimize irritation around the incision areas. The ACPS receives patients from Houston TX, and nearby areas for tummy tuck surgery.
Reduced Scarring
Some amount of scarring is unavoidable in a tummy tuck surgery, but an experienced surgeon will be able to minimize the visibility of scars. To further ensure a minimal impact of scarring, the patient should avoid direct sun exposure on the incision sites. Silicone cream, silicone sheets, or petroleum jelly may also be used to reduce the appearance of scar tissue.
Smoking
The surgeon will advise the patient to refrain from using tobacco products in any form for at least two weeks following the tummy tuck procedure. Patients who smoke during this period are more likely to develop infections, complications, and unsightly scarring. If the patient can avoid smoking for a longer period or quit completely, it will improve healing even further.
Sustainability of Results
With a successful tummy tuck surgery and appropriate post-operative care, the outcome of the procedure can be sustained for many years. The long-term success of the results will depend on how well the patient looks after their body following the surgery. Pursuing an active and healthy lifestyle will extend the tummy tuck benefits such as a flatter, more toned abdominal area for at least a decade and probably more.
For more information about The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) physicians and the cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures they perform please click here or call us at 713.799.9999. We have offices in and around Houston, Texas.
During the pre-operative consultation for tummy tuck cosmetic surgery, the patient should be prepared to share the details of their medical history frankly, and talk about their current medication and supplement regimen. The preparation process of tummy tuck will begin from the moment the patient has decided to go ahead with the surgery.
The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) is a premier practice led by well-known plastic surgeons providing tummy tuck and other procedures for the breast, body, and face. The surgeons at ACPS will pay careful attention to the preparation aspects of tummy tuck before proceeding with the procedure. The practice provides tummy tuck to patients in Houston TX, and surrounding locations.
Pre-operative Evaluation
Prior to tummy tuck plastic surgery procedure the surgeon will perform a detail assessment of the patient’s risk of thrombosis or formation of blood clots in the blood vessels. To minimize the risk of blood clots, the surgeon will require the patient to stop taking birth control pills, aspirin, hormonal supplements, or vitamin E supplements. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons mandates that patients should sign a consent form confirming the stoppage of all supplements before the surgery.
Eating a Healthy Diet
The patient will benefit if they adopt a healthy diet well before the tummy tuck surgery. Good nutrition will support faster recovery and boost the immune system to reduce the risk of infections. The diet should be rich in lean protein, which is an important nutrient for healing. Healthy eating habit will also help the patient maintain the results of tummy tuck for a long time.
Fitness Routine
In the weeks leading to the tummy tuck surgery, the patient should begin a regular exercise and fitness routine. A faster metabolism and an increased muscle mass will support an easier and quicker recovery. If the body is leaner and operating at high efficiency, it will help to prevent weight gain in the days following the tummy tuck surgery when the patient will be required to avoid vigorous exercises.
Quitting the Habit of Smoking
Candidates for tummy tuck surgery will be required to quit smoking at least two prior to the procedure. However, even with this cessation period, a smoker will still have a higher risk of complications. ACPS encourages its patients in Houston TX, and other areas to stop smoking entirely before their scheduled tummy tuck surgery.
Adjusting Medications
Certain types of drugs, nutrition or herbal supplements, and vitamins may increase the risk of complications during or after tummy tuck. The surgeon may advise the patient to stop taking birth control, hormonal replacement therapy, NSAIDS, or post-cancer treatments. Aspirin and blood thinners should not be taken at least five days prior to the surgery.
Recovery Preparation
The patient can do some preparations in advance for the recovery period that will follow tummy tuck. They should apply for about 10 days off from work, arrange someone to drive them back home after the surgery, and assemble all the supplies that may be required during the recovery.
For more information about The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) physicians and the cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures they perform please click here or call us at 713.799.9999. We have offices in and around Houston, Texas.