Tummy tuck is one of the common cosmetic procedures that many people resort to to get rid of sagging and excess skin in the abdominal area, especially after significant weight loss or pregnancy and childbirth. Despite the aesthetic results that this procedure gives in improving the shape of the abdomen and restoring a taut appearance, it may leave side effects that must be known, such as temporary pain, swelling, and the appearance of scars at the sites of the surgical incision. The severity of the effects of tummy tuck may vary from one person to another depending on the nature of the body and the extent of care after surgery. Therefore, it is important to prepare well for the operation and follow the doctor’s instructions carefully to achieve the best result and reduce
Effects of tummy tuck surgery
Tummy tuck surgery is one of the common cosmetic surgeries that aims to improve the appearance of the abdomen and sculpt the body. Among the effects of tummy tuck surgery are:
- Achieving a flat and harmonious abdomen: Surgery helps remove sagging and excess fat, giving the abdomen a more harmonious and attractive shape.
- Increased self-confidence: Thanks to the visible results after the operation, the patient feels a noticeable improvement in physical appearance, which reflects positively on the psychological state and increases his self-confidence.
- Improving body posture: Tightening and strengthening the abdominal muscles may improve the general body posture, especially in people who suffer from muscle weakness or flabbiness due to pregnancy or weight loss.
- Getting rid of sagging skin problems: such as inflammation or discomfort resulting from sagging skin, which contributes to improving life.
- Satisfactory and relatively permanent results: With commitment to a healthy lifestyle and after complete recovery, the results of a tummy tuck can be long-lasting.
Side effects of tummy tuck surgery
A tummy tuck operation, like any surgical operation, may be accompanied by some side effects that vary from one person to another, and range from temporary effects to permanent effects. Below we mention some of the possible side effects of a tummy tuck operation, including the following:
- Pain and swelling: During the first period after surgery, the patient feels pain and swelling in the abdominal area, which is normal and gradually fades with appropriate medical care.
- Scarring: A scar usually remains along the lower part of the abdominal wall, and it may be visible in some people despite doctors trying to hide the location of the wound.
- Bruising and numbness: It is common for bruises to appear on the skin, along with a temporary or prolonged feeling of tingling and numbness in the abdomen or thighs, which may last for several months or even two years in some people.
- Fluid accumulation: Fluid may collect under the skin at the site of the operation, and the doctor may need to drain it using tubes or in another way.
- Infection and inflammation: Despite taking preventive measures, there is a risk of about 2% of developing an infection at the wound site, which can be controlled using antibiotics.
- Vein thrombosis: It is a serious but rare complication, and the probability of its occurrence is estimated at about 1.5%.
- Difficulty in wound healing: especially in patients who suffer from certain health conditions or do not adhere to medical instructions after surgery.
- Allergic reaction or respiratory complications: resulting from anesthesia or materials used during the procedure.
Read also: Types of tummy tuck operations And its importance
Post-tummy tuck advice from Al Mousa Health Hospital
After undergoing a tummy tuck operation, it is important to follow a set of important tips to help in a quick recovery, achieve the best possible results, and reduce the effects of the tummy tuck operation. These tips include the following:
- Taking medications regularly: You must adhere to taking medications prescribed by the doctor, such as antibiotics to prevent infection and the appearance of the effects of the tummy tuck operation, and painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs according to the instructions.
- Wearing a medical corset: It is recommended to wear a compression corset for a few weeks after the operation to support the abdominal area, reduce swelling, and help the skin adapt to the new shape.
- Keeping the wound clean: Clean the wound daily with lukewarm water and mild soap, and dry it well to avoid any infection.
- Start with light walking: Light walking can be started within 24-48 hours after the operation to improve blood circulation and prevent the formation of blood clots, but strenuous activities or lifting heavy weights should be avoided for several weeks.
- Follow a healthy diet: Focus on eating foods rich in protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, to promote healing and prevent infection.
- Commitment to rest and not being exposed to stress: It is recommended to take sufficient rest and avoid strenuous work or intense sports for a period of not less than two weeks.
- Avoid smoking and exposure to passive smoking: because smoking negatively affects the healing process and leads to possible complications.
- Follow up on medical examination appointments: Commitment to follow-up visits to the doctor to monitor the healing of wounds and ensure that the recovery process is proceeding normally.
- Avoid traveling by plane: It is preferable not to travel by plane for a period of no less than three weeks after the operation to avoid any health complications related to changes in atmospheric pressure.
Book your consultation now at مركز الجلدية والتجميل At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.
The best cream after tummy tuck surgery
After a tummy tuck operation, it is recommended to use some creams that help heal wounds, reduce the effects of the tummy tuck operation, reduce scars, and moisturize the skin. The most important of these recommended creams are the following:
- Panthenol Cream: This cream contains vitamin B5 (panthenol) and is considered one of the effective creams to moisturize the skin and promote skin healing after surgery.
- Favo Cream: It is used to reduce inflammation and improve skin elasticity after the procedure.
- Onion extract cream: It is considered a powerful antioxidant and helps relieve redness and improve the appearance of the scar after the wound has healed.
- Bella B Body Base Cream: It is known for its many benefits in moisturizing the skin and improving its texture after surgical operations.
- Proizdex Cream: This product is used in post-surgical recovery, especially with body massagers, to improve skin elasticity and firmness.
- Silicone pads or gels: Although they are not creams, they are widely used to reduce the appearance of scars and achieve similar results, and they may be more effective than creams in some cases.
When does the abdominal ossification go away after a tummy tuck?
Abdominal embrittlement after a tummy tuck operation gradually disappears within 6 to 8 weeks of the operation, provided that the doctor’s instructions are adhered to, such as wearing a compression corset and practicing light movement to stimulate blood circulation. In some cases, the swelling or feeling of hardness may continue for up to 3 months before it disappears completely.
It is also recommended to avoid strenuous activities and wear the corset for a sufficient period (usually 6 weeks) to speed up recovery and improve the results of the operation. If the ossification continues for a longer period than expected or is accompanied by abnormal symptoms, you must consult a doctor to check on the progress of the recovery process and to ensure that there are no traces of the tummy tuck operation.
Get to know: Here are 5 of the most important Benefits of abdominal suction Without surgery
How do I get rid of abdominal cramps?
Abdominal petrification may occur after surgical operations, or it may be one of the effects of tummy tuck surgery, such as tummy tuck and liposuction, or as a result of digestive problems or hormonal changes. There are several ways to reduce or get rid of abdominal petrification depending on the cause, including the following:
- Wearing a compression corset: It is one of the most effective ways to reduce swelling and improve blood circulation after liposuction or tummy tuck operations, which helps reduce the feeling of stiffness.
- Light movement and walking: Walking short distances enhances blood circulation, reduces muscle tension, and helps soften the abdominal area.
- Drink sufficient amounts of water: Hydration plays an important role in improving body functions, reducing bloating and swelling, and also helps relax muscles.
- Use soothing creams or oils: such as castor oil or creams containing natural extracts (such as anise or peppermint) to gently massage the abdomen to relieve tension.
- Heat therapy: Applying warm compresses to the abdominal area may help reduce pain and stiffness and improve blood flow.
- Eat foods and drinks that soothe the digestive system: such as yogurt, mint tea, or anise, as they can help relieve stomach disorders and cramps associated with abdominal cramps.
- Avoid medications without consulting a doctor: especially strong painkillers that may affect the digestive system and increase stress.
Frequently asked questions
How long does abdominal petrification last?
Abdominal fossilization continues after a tummy tuck operation for 6 to 8 weeks. It may extend for 3 months depending on the nature of the body. It is also one of the effects of the tummy tuck operation and the method of recovery, whether in cases of pregnancy or bloating. It is temporary and disappears automatically with time or by changing the diet.
When do the effects of a tummy tuck disappear?
The effects of the tummy tuck operation begin to disappear gradually after 6 to 8 weeks, while the scars improve and become less visible within 6 months to a year. It is recommended to follow the doctor’s instructions for caring for the wound and wearing a corset to improve the results and speed up recovery.
Why does the abdomen swell after a tummy tuck?
Abdominal bloating occurs after a tummy tuck operation due to natural swelling resulting from surgery, fluid retention in the tissues, or air accumulation under the skin during the operation. Walking less or not wearing the compression corset correctly may contribute to the bloating continuing for a longer period.
In the end, we find that tummy tuck surgery is effective for improving body shape and restoring self-confidence, but it is necessary to understand the effects of tummy tuck surgery and deal with them consciously and carefully, as following medical instructions and paying attention to the recovery period contribute greatly to reducing complications and achieving the desired results from the operation. We at Al Mousa Health Hospital have many doctors who specialize in the field of plastic surgery and weight loss. You can contact us and you will find the best health service you are looking for.
Sources
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) – clevelandclinic
