Dr. John LeRoy believes that any successful surgery begins with friendly discussion and thorough understanding. He feels that it is important for patients who visit his Atlanta, Georgia practice for tummy tuck surgery to understand what is involved before, during, and after the procedure so that they can make the best decisions for themselves. To help make that understanding possible, he has put together a list of frequently asked questions regarding tummy tuck surgery.
Good candidates for tummy tuck surgery are adults who are close to their ideal body weights (within 15 percent) but who carry stubborn excess skin or have weakened muscles around the abdominal area, despite changes in diet and exercise. Obese individuals are poor candidates for tummy tuck surgery since they have a higher risk of developing complications after surgery. Tummy tuck surgery may be a good option for individuals who have lost significant amounts of weight after bariatric surgery or for women who have gone through pregnancy. A tummy tuck can help these individuals eliminate loose, sagging skin around the abdominal area and give them more toned physiques. Contact Dr. John LeRoy in Atlanta, Georgia to find out whether you are a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery.
Preparing for tummy tuck surgery can result in quicker recovery times and even help patients maintain their results after the procedure. There are a few things patients can do to prepare themselves for tummy tuck surgery:
Being fully prepared for tummy tuck surgery can ensure the most favorable results with few or no complications and a rapid recovery. Dr. LeRoy provides patients with more information regarding preparation for tummy tuck surgery during his initial consultations. To schedule an initial consultation, contact our practice in Atlanta, Georgia today.
The amount of time required for tummy tuck surgery can vary depending on the procedure the patient chooses and the extent of repair that needs to be done. A partial tummy tuck can take about an hour and a half, while other tummy tuck procedures can take as long as five hours. Generally, tummy tuck surgery takes between two and five hours.
Recovery from tummy tuck surgery will vary from patient to patient depending on the patient’s overall health at the time of surgery, the type of tummy tuck procedure performed, and how well the patient follows post-surgery guidelines. Most patients require about two weeks for recovery time, while some individuals need four weeks for adequate recovery. However, patients who were in good physical health at the time of the tummy tuck surgery will require less recovery time.
Patients should expect pain, swelling, and discomfort that can be alleviated with medication during the first week following tummy tuck surgery. Patients are encouraged to stay in bed and get plenty of rest at this time. Dr. John LeRoy will provide patients with tummy tuck drains (silicone tubes inserted into the abdomen to suck out excess fluid) to prevent infection and other complications. Stitches can be removed five to seven days after tummy tuck surgery.
For the first few weeks following tummy tuck surgery, some patients may be required to wear elasticized stockings to prevent blood clots from forming in the legs. Dr. LeRoy will also give patients compression garments to wear.
Walking and other forms of light exercise are normally recommended after tummy tuck surgery to help patients recover more quickly and to reduce swelling and the formation of blood clots. However, strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least six weeks to avoid reopening tummy tuck incisions and prolonging recovery time. Dr. LeRoy will give the patient specific instructions for showering, bathing, and other physical activities after the tummy tuck surgery.
The visibility and length of the scars produced by tummy tuck surgery will vary depending on the type of procedure that the patient chooses and the amount of skin that is removed. A partial tummy tuck can leave just a single small scar, whereas a circumferential tummy tuck can leave a more visible scar that circles the abdominal area. Scars from tummy tuck surgery are unavoidable, but they can be easily hidden under a swimsuit or underwear.
Though tummy tuck scars will never completely disappear, they will become less noticeable with time. It normally takes between nine to twelve months for tummy tuck surgery scars to fade, and it is a common part of the healing process for most tummy tuck surgery scars to become darker before they begin to fade.
For a better understanding of the scarring that occurs following the procedure, we encourage you to browse our tummy tuck before-and-after photos.
Patients seeking tummy tuck surgery should understand that it is not a weight-loss procedure, nor is it a substitute for a healthy and fit lifestyle. Patients should think of tummy tuck surgery as a complement to weight-loss methods. In addition, they must work hard to maintain their new figures after tummy tuck surgery. It is important to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to avoid gaining weight. Exercise also plays an important role in toning muscles, reducing swelling and the risk of blood clots, and aiding in a quicker recovery after tummy tuck surgery.
Dr. John LeRoy can combine abdominal liposuction with tummy tuck surgery for optimal results. Abdominal liposuction can eliminate stubborn fat from the stomach area to improve your appearance greatly and create a more contoured figure. For more information about combining liposuction with your tummy tuck procedure, contact cosmetic surgeon John LeRoy today.
Dr. John LeRoy wants to help his patients look and feel better. He is extensively trained and experienced in a variety of other exceptional cosmetic surgery procedures that can enhance the results of tummy tuck surgery. Ask about combining a tummy tuck with breast augmentation, breast reduction, or a breast lift for a complete body transformation.
Atlanta, Georgia surgeon John LeRoy is committed to helping patients interested in tummy tuck surgery become well informed about what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. For more information on tummy tuck surgery or to schedule a consultation, contact our plastic surgery practice today.