A common sign of an undesirable tummy tuck is poor repositioning of the belly button. If you see that your navel is too high or too low, it might be that it's been misshapen, while pulling and tightening of the skin has distorted the original shape and position.
Gaining a handful of pounds after your procedure won't compromise your final tummy tuck results. You can usually fluctuate within 10 to 15 pounds of your goal weight without any significant issues. However, weight gain over the 15-pound mark can cause skin and abdominal muscles to slowly stretch out of place.
Every patient wants to maintain their slender, tighter abdominal appearance. Undergoing a tummy tuck surgery then subsequently losing additional weight can diminish the contouring results achieved through surgery, causing you to invest in a revision procedure to restore the initial benefits.
While minor weight fluctuations among adults are normal, significant weight gain (generally over ten pounds) after a tummy tuck can lead to the accumulation of excess fat in the stomach once again. In addition, stretch marks and loose skin may return, all of which can impact your tummy tuck results.
Where do patients gain weight after a tummy tuck? During body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck, fat cells are eliminated from the body and cannot return. Because of this, patients may gain weight in other places like the buttocks, legs, arms, and breasts.
Even though loose skin and subcutaneous fat are removed, abdominoplasty cannot remove excess visceral fat that remains intact behind tightened abdominal muscles. Visceral fat surrounds your organs and can only be reduced by diet and exercise.
Size Changes You Can Expect
This tummy tummy tuck cost is highly successful and does result in the removal of roughly 10 pounds of fat as well as inches from your abdominal area. You will be able to visibly see your weight drop as your body becomes slimmer and more streamlined.
Most swelling should have been resolved between 8 and 10 months after the tummy tuck. Yet, fluid retention due to diet and salt intake might be the reason behind a still swollen belly.
Additionally, the skin, muscles, and fat of the abdomen were all repaired or altered during the procedure. These structures need time to heal and settle into their new positions. This causes inflammation, swelling, and other temporary side effects that can contribute to the look of the stomach.
Swelling after a Tummy Tuck Is Normal
Swelling in the abdominal area is perfectly normal and expected after a tummy tuck. In this area of the body, the blood vessels and lymphatic vessels work as a drainage system for fluids.
Will sneezing or coughing hurt my tummy tuck results? Sneezing, coughing and laughing in the days following surgery should not hurt your results (although it might be slightly uncomfortable). Your sutures are designed to withstand normal muscle movement and they will not come out if you sneeze, laugh or cough.
Tummy tuck recovery is approximately three months long. While post-op swelling may last several weeks, a tummy tuck generally takes six weeks to heal and look normal.
Be aware of “red flags.” If you experience shortness of breath, an irregular heartbeat, or chest pain, these could indicate complications. Also, if you notice an increase in redness, pain, swelling, drainage or bleeding, or if you experience nausea, vomiting, dizziness or fever, call your surgeon immediately.
How does a tummy tuck affect my waistline? A properly performed tummy tuck can reduce your waist size and help you feel confident about your curves again. Some patients may lose many inches off their waist, while others will see more subtle results. It all depends on how much tissue can be removed safely.
Fortunately, a tummy tuck can help to reduce your waist size by removing excess skin and fat. For patients struggling with a pooch or pouch-like appearance on the lower abdomen, tightening the abdominal fascia and repairing diastasis recti can further slim their contour.
Can I get a six-pack after a tummy tuck? While an abdominoplasty does tighten the abdominal muscles, the surgery alone isn't designed to give you the appearance of a six pack. However, it is typically possible for the patient to achieve this look through an exercise routine once their recovery process is complete.
It's recommended that patients who underwent surgeries like liposuction or tummy tucks start with three to five massage sessions beginning two weeks after the procedure.
Choose complex carbohydrates from vegetables and fruits. Keep track of your caloric intake and make sure you do not exceed amounts that are necessary to maintain your current weight. Overeating will result in a weight gain after your tummy tuck procedure.
In so doing, the waist is drawn in during tummy tuck surgery, but on its own, the procedure is not equipped to eliminate love handles or other deposits of fat. When stubborn fat deposits around the hips, waist, and abdomen are present, Dr. Zwiebel may recommend liposuction in addition to tummy tuck surgery.
How Many Times Can I Get abdominoplasty? There is no limit on the number of surgery you can undergo if you meet all the requirements and are surgically fit for the procedure. Ideally, abdominoplasty is only performed once on a patient. Abdominoplasty benefits can be lost following weight gain or pregnancy.
Sometimes people do not have a totally flat abdomen after tummy tuck even though the excess skin and fat is removed due to the fact that the intra-abdominal contents still remain intact and are still behind the tightened abdominal muscles.