Tummy Tuck

Most tummy tuck patients are moms who want to address extra skin, excess fat, and weakened abdominal muscles. Whether you have one or all of these concerns, a tummy tuck can be a life-changing solution. It’s not just for women, men can also benefit from this procedure.

It’s important to consider the factors that matter most. The procedure is significant, with potential discomfort, financial considerations, and a long recovery, However, the results are truly transformative. Each client must carefully weigh the risks and benefits before making a decision.

Determining whether you need a tummy tuck or abdominal liposuction depends on specific factors. A tummy tuck is typically recommended if you have loose or redundant skin, noticeable rolls of loose skin when sitting, or separation of your abdominal muscles. On the other hand, abdominal liposuction is suitable for cases where the skin is thick and tight, and the fat feels firm. Many clients desire liposuction to avoid the tummy tuck healed incision, but it’s essential to understand that liposuction may not fulfill all your desires.

A full tummy tuck can remove stretch marks below the belly button. Depending on the skin’s looseness, some stretch marks above the belly button may also be eliminated or significantly reduced. Even if not completely removed, the tightened skin from the tummy tuck can make stretch marks less visible.

It’s generally safe to get pregnant after a tummy tuck. The skin and muscles can accommodate the changes. Many women who have already had children undergo tummy tucks, especially if they’re unsure about the timing of future pregnancies. However, most women in a committed relationship typically wait until they’re certain they’re done having children before opting for a tummy tuck.

In most cases, a tummy tuck provides long-lasting results without the need for revisions. Even if a woman becomes pregnant again, the post-tummy tuck changes tend to be less significant. However, clients who have lost a significant amount of weight and have thin, less elastic skin may be more prone to future stretching.

Dr. Stephenson and his exceptional team of anesthesiologists typically use general anesthesia. Their extensive experience allows them to carefully coordinate the anesthesia with the surgery, ensuring the perfect balance of medications for a safe and comfortable procedure.

The incision is skillfully placed in a gentle arc just within the panty line. The length of the incision is determined by the amount of loose skin, and while patients often desire shorter scars, it’s important to consider that the skin tightening will only occur within the width of the incision. In a full tummy tuck, an incision is typically made around the belly button, but it is not necessary for a mini-tummy tuck.

It’s fascinating how healing can vary from person to person, even with the same surgical techniques. While Dr. Stephenson employs the best methods to minimize scarring, it’s crucial to acknowledge that some individuals may have more prominent healed incisions or hypertrophic scar (wide healed incisions with or without pigment). That’s why Dr. Stephenson focuses on concealing the healed incisions within the lines of a woman’s preferred underwear or bikini bottom style, ensuring they are as discreet as possible.

Dog ears are excess tissue that is located at the ends of your scar. This is a preventable occurrence with planning and skill of the surgeon. If you have dog ears after a tummy tuck, the only way to fix them is to remove them surgically. Dog ears happens when the surgeon does not excise enough skin during the tummy tuck, or because the surgeon does not take care to direct the excess skin from the edges into the middle. As with many undesirable outcomes, your surgeon’s attention to detail and commitment to the utmost of care are primary factors in preventing dog ears.

When you feel ready to do your job is highly individualized. So long as your work doesn’t involve straining and heavy lifting, you can expect to be back to work after no later than 2 weeks with some medically based activity restrictions.

You can drive when you are off all narcotic pain medication and feel totally unrestricted by your discomfort such that you could make any movement you might need to safely drive your car. The timeline is different for each client. Dr. Stephenson typically recommends 2 weeks after surgery.

Long air travel (greater than 1 and ½ hours) should be avoided during the first 4 weeks after surgery to reduce the rare possible of a blood forming in the legs during air travel. Other issues involved have to do with the difficulty of getting through airports these days, and whether you are going somewhere where there is a plastic surgeon to look after you or should you have questions or problems or just need to be looked at by an experienced doctor. These issues are usually very individualized, and you should discuss them with Dr. Stephenson.

Dr. Stephenson suggests you wait a minimum of 4 weeks to be sure that everything is healed. He recommends you wait 8 weeks before core exercises are started. There is always a chance of causing bleeding if you start much before that time. When you start, listen to your body. You will be a little out of condition and a bit sore but you will get back to where you were before surgery very quickly.

Sex can be resumed as you feel comfortable. Most often patients hit their level of comfort in 14 days. Again, respect the fact that you have undergone surgery and try to avoid the manipulation of the incisions.

This is tricky. Unfortunately, your child does not understand your restrictions. Your child still needs your love and attention. If you have support from a partner, family member and/ or friend then they can lift and place your child in your arms. If your child is cooperative and weighs up 10 to 35 pounds, Dr, Stephenson recommends waiting 10-14 days, if at all possible. Don’t try to pick up your child if he or she is upset.

Cigarettes pose a particular hazard to patients undergoing this operation. They shrink critical small blood vessels that are important for healing in breast reduction. Smoking cessation is the best choice for our clients overall health. You should cease smoking at least 4 weeks prior to surgery and wait a minimum of three weeks after surgery if you are compelled to resume. This is a very real and very important issue with this operation.

You can take a shower the day after surgery. You should wait about three weeks before taking a bath so that your incisions are somewhat healed.

Dr. Stephenson wants to see everyone 48 hours after surgery to be sure that everything is okay. We offer patients frequent visits thereafter, usually at one week, one month, six months, one year, and yearly thereafter. But some patients will come more frequently, some less frequently. We do not charge for these visits. Some people have little questions they want answered, and other people feel fine on their own. But he is always available for a patient who wants to come in. It is not uncommon for breast reduction patients to have a “spitting stitch” or a small area here or there of delayed healing that he will need to see. So, the visits are more on an “on or if-needed” basis than anything specific.

Swelling increases after surgery, usually peaking about 5-6 days after surgery. After that, the swelling will subside, rapidly at first, and then gradually. After one month, you’ll think the swelling is gone, but it will still go down more at three months, and even more at six months and even a year, though at that point changes are subtle.

Usually there is a little bit of bruising on and around the breast, but it is typically very mild and is all gone by ten days to two weeks. This duration of bruising can be shortened by using Arnica and Bromelain tablets starting 3 days prior to surgery and continuing for 5-7 days after surgery.

Initially, you will have surgical dressings and an abdominal binder that will be removed at your first appointment. Use of the abdominal binder will continue for 1-10 days to assure that your skin is not injured due to significant compression. Our team will give your compression garment that it is easy to take on and off after surgery, and it will provide a gentle amount of compression. All tummy tuck clients feel more comfortable with a garment. It is normal for the skin to ooze a bit for about four or five days after surgery. Dr. Stephenson recommends the use of gauze pads or pantie liners to tuck placed along the incision to absorb this.

– It is okay to shower 48 hours after surgery and get the incision wet.
– Gently wash your breasts with a soapy washcloth to remove any small crusting.
– After showering, blot the incisions dry and reapply fresh gauze or panty liners.
– Apply a rich moisturizer all over your breasts, but avoid putting it over the incisions.

For a standard tummy tuck, the stitches will dissolve on their own.

In the world of drain-less tummy tucks, Dr. Stephenson knows that drains are essential for a smooth recovery and to prevent complications like seroma. We understand that drains can be worrisome, but our team is here to help. We will guide you through the process of caring for your drains, making it easy and hassle-free. Rest assured, the drains are typically removed in our office after 7-10 days, and you can expect minimal to no discomfort. Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities.

At ESJ Aesthetics, we understand that the use of lymphatic massages after a tummy tuck can be a topic of debate. However, Dr. Stephenson firmly believes in the benefits of these treatments for our clients. Lymphatic massages have been proven to reduce prolonged swelling, soften the abdominal skin, and alleviate soreness. We typically recommend starting these treatments around 10 days after your procedure to ensure optimal results. Rest assured, Dr. Stephenson has established strong relationships with certified lymphatic massage therapists who are dedicated to meeting your specific needs. We are committed to providing you with the best care possible, and incorporating these beneficial treatments into your recovery journey.

The quality of your healed surgical incision is mostly determined by genetics and your body’s response to surgery. It is not clear how much applying products to scars will influence their final appearance, but most patients want to do something. Some products that have received positive patient feedback include Scar Guard (a liquid containing steroid, Vitamin E, and silicone), silicone gel strips (such as Neosporin scar strips), and silicone ointment (such as Scar Fade). You can obtain these products from our office and start using them as directed by Dr. Stephenson.

If you experience sudden and painful swelling, it could indicate bleeding. It is crucial to inform Dr. Stephenson right away to receive prompt medical attention.

After surgery, you will have drains in place. If you notice that the drains are filling with clots and not draining properly, please notify the doctor. This could be a sign of concern and should be addressed promptly.

It is essential to be vigilant for any signs of a blood clot. If you experience calf pain, swelling in one leg, or shortness of breath, these are serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention. In the case of shortness of breath, call 911 without delay.

Your safety is our utmost priority, and Dr. Stephenson and his staff will provide you with detailed pre and post-operative instructions to guide you through your recovery process.