What to Expect with a Tummy Tuck
For many individuals in Beverly Hills, California, a tummy tuck may be a good option for those hoping for a more toned, flatter abdomen. The procedure tightens weak or stretched muscles, while also removing excess skin to help the patient reach their goals. What's more, a tummy tuck may be useful for those hoping to reduce the appearance of stretch marks in the lower part of the abdomen, although it may not completely removal all stretch marks. It is helpful to discuss expectations with a specialist in the area prior to the procedure so that patients enter the treatment with reasonable expectations for what this and any other procedure may accomplish.
For those with excess fat between the belly button and the pubic bone, a mini tummy tuck may be adequate. Muscles in the area may become flaccid due to an absence of supportive tissue (or damage to such tissue such as following a pregnancy) in this part of the abdomen. Accumulation of excess fat also contributes to bulging in this part of the torso. Abdomen walls are made tighter during a mini tummy tuck, and any excess skin or fat is taken away. Local anesthetic with sedation may be used to perform a mini tummy tuck, although most use general anesthetic. An incision is made across the abdomen and any excess fat and skin is taken out. The belly button may have to be detached and later re-attached so that skin may be more easily moved. Many procedures may use liposuction for the removal of the excess fat.
Following the procedure, patients may require about a week away from work as they recover. Patients may notice the abdominal skin feels tight right after treatment, and patients who have gone through this procedure should make an effort to keep pressure off of the incision site by resting and limiting their activity. To help get rid of excess fluid, drains may be used around the treatment site. About six weeks should be allowed before the resumption of strenuous activities, but patients should follow any care and recovery instructions handed down from the Beverly Hills cosmetic surgeon.
It is also important that patients understand possible risks associated with the tummy tuck procedure to help them determine if the treatment is right for them. Reactions to the anesthesia are rare, but could be serious and should be discussed with a doctor. Necrosis of the skin, more common in smokers, may lead to the loss of the belly button as well as scarring. Pain medication may be used to alleviate pain following the procedure, although severe pain should be reported to the doctor immediately.
Another risk associated with this procedure is hematomas, which are collections of blood in the skin. Hematomas may require a surgical procedure to remove. Patients are usually advised to stop all other medications—over-the-counter, herbal, prescriptions, vitamins, etc.—that may affect bleeding to help reduce the risk of hematomas. Swelling is normal, but if it lasts normal than what's expected, patients should inform the doctor. Scarring may be present as well, and may appear nearly invisible to a large discolored scar. Medical or surgical procedures may be used to treat a scar. With any surgery, infection is always a risk and patient are often given antibiotics to help avoid infection.
Those interested in the tummy tuck procedure are encouraged to discuss it in detail with a Beverly Hills cosmetic surgeon. The cost of the procedure may range from $5,000 to $9,000, and is another issue to discuss during a consultation. The costs vary depending on the location of the procedure, the surgeon, and other factors.
Learn more about tummy tuck in Beverly Hills, California.
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