Dr. Angelo Cuzalina of Tulsa explains that after pregnancy or major weight loss, some have lax abdominal skin that results in bulging. A tummy tuck is cosmetic surgery that removes excess skin from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles. Liposuction is the removal of fat, but the tummy tuck is the removal of skin and fat, which then tightens the abdominal muscles, making it a more extensive surgery than liposuction.
Tummy tuck surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. Before the surgery, the surgeon marks the amount of skin that needs to be removed. After anesthesia is given, an incision is made in the bikini line, and the excess skin is then pulled down and inward, to be removed along with underlying fatty tissue. Then the muscles are tightened and skin is re-draped and dissolvable sutures are used to close the small incision.
Patients are required to wear a comprehensive girdle and stockings for several weeks afterwards. Considerable discomfort may be felt for several days, but patients will likely resume limited activity after a couple of days. Due to the risk of possible blood clots deep in the legs that can spread to the lungs or partial lung collapse, it is important for patients to begin movement promptly after surgery even if it is uncomfortable.
