Abdominoplasty scar
The postoperative period
Tummy tuck is quite extensive surgery that requires a longer recovery time, compared with other surgical procedures in plastic surgery. In most cases is required from one to three weeks that the patient returned to its normal work. In other cases, the patient can go home at almost the next day after surgery. All depends on the volume the performed operation and condition of the patient. In the first days after the operation is possible soft tissue swelling of the abdomen, pain along the surgical wound.
Usually after a tummy tuck your doctor prescribes painkillers – generally in the first two days it is narcotic analgesics, and then – simple painkillers and antibiotic to prevent infectious complications. After wound healing recommended some not heavy physical activity. This helps to avoid some of the complications, improves mood, and accelerates recovery after surgery. Usually such exercises can be started 4-5 days after surgery. The patient can return to his previous job in most cases within 1.5-2 months.
Tummy tuck scar in the abdomen can be particularly visible in the first months after surgery. But over time scar becomes less noticeable, smooth and even. Of course, tummy tuck scar does not disappear completely, but it becomes invisible. In addition, you can hide the scar under your clothes. You can also consult with the surgeon about the methods that help reduce visibility of the scar.
The possible complications of tummy tuck
As with any other surgery, and especially, for such extensive surgery as tummy tuck, for this operation is the risk of some complications. Tummy tuck complications include:
- The risk of complications from anesthesia.
- Infectious complications (inflammation and suppuration in the wound, abscess formation. etc.).
- Accumulation of blood in the tissues of the abdominal wall (hematoma).
- Accumulation of serous fluid in the tissues of the abdominal wall (seroma).
- Deep vein thrombosis of shins with subsequent separation of the thrombus and pulmonary embolism (a very rare complication).
- An aspiration pneumonia.
- Bleeding under the skin flap.
- Violation of the wound healing process (among smokers, patients with diabetes).
- Numbness in the abdominal wall, which is associated with the intersection of the nerve fibers in the skin. Sensitivity usually restored within a few months or even a year.
- Discoloration of the skin.
- Asymmetry in the abdomen area.
- Many complications can be avoided by carefully and strictly following all the recommendations of the doctor (about smoking, early light physical activity, etc.). Most complications found in individuals who suffer from chronic diseases of the heart, lungs and other organs.
Tummy tuck scars
It would seem that plastic surgery is aimed at improving the appearance. Its main purpose – getting a cosmetic effect. However, any operation is always accompanied by the formation of scars. And scar always occupies the length of the skin wound. Scars are a major shortcoming of many plastic surgeries in cases when it is impossible to hide the scars, or incision is carried on the most prominent place.
Also scars remain on the skin of the abdomen after tummy tuck. Moreover, the most expressed and large scars appear with the traditional (full) tummy tuck. Less scarring occurs after a smaller volume of interventions, for example, with mini tummy tuck. The smallest and most imperceptible scars are formed after endoscopic tummy tuck. Typically, scars reach its maximum visibility in 3-6 months after surgery. Then they gradually become less noticeable, pale and will be compared with the level of the skin.
During the tummy tuck, skin incision is usually made in the lower abdomen at the so-called bikini line, which is almost always covered by clothing. During the endoscopic tummy tuck, scar also remains in the umbilical region, what, of course, also makes it invisible. Scar extends from one hip to the other in the lower abdomen after conventional tummy tuck. In addition, scar remains around the navel (you already remember that during conventional tummy tuck, belly button is “excised” to form the navel at the new location). These incisions are conducted in order to the excision of excess skin, lifting muscles and liposuction.
Scars are smaller in size with mini tummy tuck. Scar is usually horizontal, below the navel. Scar does not happen by moving the navel. This is due to the fact that with mini tummy tuck the displacement of navel is not carried out. As you already know, mini tummy tuck is conducted to the excision of excess abdominal skin. Besides scars after incisions, after liposuction may also remain skin irregularities, if this procedure was carried out simultaneously with the tummy tuck.
Furthermore, the risk of occurrence of rough scars or even keloid scars is not excluded. The first type of scarring is usually associated with a variety of post-operative complications such as hematoma, wound suppuration, divergence of seams (although these complications are very rare). Keloid scars usually occur in people with a predisposition to it, so in this case, one should choose methods that are accompanied by minimal scarring. Aside from scarring, after a tummy tuck can also be found other complications, such as swelling and bruising. They can hold up to a month, but usually disappear within 1-2 weeks.
Of course, you should not think that only one tummy tuck forever give you a perfect and flat tummy. Care is needed for a stomach! It primarily consists of exercises that strengthen the abdominal muscles (abdominal exercises, etc.), observance of a diet to avoid potential obesity.
Unfortunately, if you have become pregnant and you had birth after surgery, tummy tuck results are remarkably deteriorated. That is why this operation should be performed when you are no longer going to give birth. But in any case, no one forbids you to go for a second operation. The choice is always yours.