If you have a loose, protruding, or sagging abdomen, a tummy tuck can remove excess skin, restore weakened muscles, and create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile. At Hauw T Han, MD, LLC, in West Chester, Ohio, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Hauw T Han, MD, specializes in tummy tuck surgery. Book an appointment with the online scheduling tool, or call the office today.
request an appointmentWhat is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is a type of cosmetic surgery used to address loose skin, weakened abdominal muscles, and excess fat. It provides a safe and effective way to improve the physical appearance of your stomach muscles and abdomen.
Who can benefit from a tummy tuck?
Anyone who wants a tighter, flatter, and more aesthetically pleasing abdomen can benefit from a tummy tuck. This type of procedure is especially beneficial for individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight, women who have had multiple pregnancies, and people with congenital spine deformities that affect posture.
To undergo a tummy tuck, you need to be a non-smoker who’s in relatively good physical health. It’s also important to have realistic expectations for the surgery and a positive outlook. A tummy tuck isn’t a substitute for weight loss or regular exercise. If your weight regularly fluctuates, Dr. Han may recommend postponing the procedure until later.
What does a tummy tuck involve?
Before recommending a tummy tuck, Dr. Han assesses your physical and mental health, reviews your medical history, and asks about your goals for treatment. After gathering this information, Dr. Han explains the options for tummy tuck surgery, discusses likely outcomes and potential complications, and develops a custom care plan.
During the appointment, let Dr. Han know if you have any underlying health problems and if you regularly take prescription medication, vitamins, or supplements. If you have any questions or concerns, make sure to bring those up as well.
If Dr. Han determines that you’re a good candidate, he administers general anesthesia and puts you to sleep. Once you’re comfortable, he removes excess fat from your abdominal area with liposuction, cuts away loose, excess skin from your abdominal region, and repairs weakened or separated abdominal muscles.
After completing these steps, Dr. Han sutures up your incisions and wraps your abdomen in a bandage and compression garment.
Is a tummy tuck safe?
Tummy tucks are safe and typically well-tolerated. Some of the possible risks associated with the procedure include:
- Blood clots
- Blood pooling beneath the skin
- Fluid accumulation
- Infection
- Slow-healing wounds
The anesthesia used during a tummy tuck also presents risks. Prior to the procedure, Dr. Han has you sign several consent forms.
What is recovery like after a tummy tuck?
Following your tummy tuck, Dr. Han writes a prescription for antibiotics and pain medication and gives you a list of recovery instructions. In the days after a tummy tuck, take your medication as prescribed, clean, and change your wound dressings, and attend all follow-up appointments.
In addition, avoid bending, straining, or lifting anything; avoid standing fully upright; and sleep with pillows elevating your knees. After about 10 days, you’ll return to the office at which time Dr. Han removes your sutures. You can return to work and other routine activities about two or three weeks after surgery.
The results of a tummy tuck occur gradually over time. Many people notice an improvement in the appearance of their abdomen right away, but it often takes several months for the final results to come into view.
To learn more about a tummy tuck, request a consultation at Hauw T Han, MD, LLC. Book an appointment with the online scheduling tool, or call the office today.