What is excess skin removal surgery

If you feel self-conscious about what you can wear and how much of your body you want to show off because of extra skin following a significant weight loss, you may be considering excess skin removal surgery.

This surgery can help you look and feel your best and boost your self-confidence. But you need to understand what’s involved with the surgery and recovery as well as the cost before deciding if it’s right for you. Start your journey to learn more about body contouring in Houston, TX with the Look Younger team.

When Does Excess Skin Occur?

Often, excess skin on the body occurs when you have lost a lot of weight, especially if you’re older. If you carried a lot of weight for several years before having success with weight loss, your skin may not tighten back into place. Loose skin from losing weight can occur in many places on your body: around the abdomen, under the arms, along the thighs, and around your back are some of the most common areas we see excess skin.

Aging is another contributor. Skin has a lot of elasticity, which allows it to go back into place after being stretched, just like a rubber band. However, over time, your skin will lose its elasticity. Just like the rubber band, it will begin to stretch out or sag. We’re most used to seeing the effects of loss of elasticity in the face, jawline and the neck, which all tend to show the impact of aging. Skin in other parts of the body loses elasticity, too, which means it can stretch and sag.

Pregnancy is another known cause of loose skin, particularly around the abdomen and in the breasts. Many women opt for aMommy makeover to tone up areas that have lost their firmness due to pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Can You Remove Excess Skin Without Surgery?

Technically, you can’t remove your excess skin without some type of surgery. You may be able to take steps to improve elasticity in your skin, which may help reduce the sagginess that has developed. Increasing hydration and working with a medical expert on topical skin treatments are a good starting point for improving your skin’s health and elasticity.

Even with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and other tips to help improve the quality of your skin, you will likely continue to have excess skin without surgery. For more dramatic and longer-lasting results that improve the appearance of excess skin, looking into surgical procedures will be necessary. It is the only long-term solution to get rid of areas of loose skin.

What to Consider with Excess Skin Removal Surgery

If you want to get rid of loose skin and are interested in extra skin removal surgery, you should consider several aspects of this procedure. First, you’ll want to determine if you have completed your weight loss journey. You want to maintain your goal weight for a minimum of six months before choosing surgery. Gaining weight and losing it again will undo the effects of the procedure. Treatment for excess skin should happen after weight loss surgery if you had help dropping those unwanted pounds. The two procedures cannot be performed together.

Know where you want to have excess skin removed. Extra skin removal surgery isn’t just one procedure but potentially multiple surgeries, depending on where you want the extra skin removed from.

Some common surgeries that fall under this broad heading include:

• Tummy tuck, which removes excess skin around the abdomen and tightens weak muscles
• Panniculectomy, which removes the excess skin under your belly button
• Breast lift, which tightens the tissue in your breasts to keep them from sagging
• Thigh lift, which helps create more definition along your thighs
• Lower body lift, which removes the excess skin from the abdomen, thighs and hips
• Arm lift, which removes the loose skin that hangs down from your arms
• Facelift, which tightens skin around your jaw and neckline

Your doctor may recommend a combination of these surgical procedures as part of your surgery to remove excess skin.

Recovery with Excess Skin Removal

The recovery process can be lengthy, depending on which surgeries you have done. You may need temporary tubes put into place to allow for drainage. Pain relievers will assist with the pain, but you can expect some discomfort for a few weeks as your body heals.

You will need to have bandages changed out regularly, and you may need assistance for some of them. Driving will be prohibited during the first few days after surgery. Plan to take some time off from work, which can vary from one to three weeks.

One of the challenges with this type of surgery is that you may find certain everyday activities are difficult in the beginning of your recovery. You may not be able to sit or stand normally for a few days. Sleeping may be difficult, requiring pillows to increase comfort.

Seeing Results After Surgery to Remove Excess Skin

You will experience bruising, swelling, and redness after the surgery. It takes time for the body to heal and for you to see the results. You can expect to notice some difference as soon as the swelling subsides, but it can take up to a year or longer for full results to be achieved.

The results are long-term as long as you maintain your weight. If you regain weight and lose it, your skin will stretch out again.

Excess Skin Removal Surgery Cost

The cost for excess skin removal will vary widely, depending on which areas you are treating. When you meet with Dr. Lapuerta, he will discuss your goals with you and determine a treatment plan. At that time, he can provide details about cost based on which surgical procedures you need. However, you can expect from around $4,000 for a single procedure to more than $20,000 for multiple procedures.

FAQs

How much does it cost to remove excess skin after weight loss?

The cost for excess skin removal surgery will depend on which areas are being worked on. A single area can cost around $4,000 while multiple areas require more than one surgery and can cost more than $20,000.

How do surgeons remove excess skin?

The surgeon will make incisions in the area where you want the excess skin removed. They will remove the extra skin and stretch the remaining skin in place before closing the incision. If any fat tissue exists that didn’t go away with the weight loss, the doctor may useliposuction to get rid of it. You should have a conversation with your doctor before your procedure to plan what exactly you want done and the best technique to achieve those results.

How much does it cost to get excess skin removed from your stomach?

A tummy tuck, which removes excess skin in the abdomen and tones the area, can cost between $5,000 and $10,000. The cost will depend on whether both the lower and upper abdominal areas require surgery (full tuck), or if the procedure will be limited to just the upper (mini tuck).

Does insurance cover excess skin removal after weight loss?

Private health insurance may cover excess skin removal after weight loss if certain conditions are met. The reasons must be medical rather than cosmetic, such as if the loose skin is causing a rash or sores from rubbing. You should always check with your insurance company to understand what coverage is available to you on your plan.

Contact Us Today for a Consultation

If you’ve lost a great deal of weight and want to celebrate with a new look while getting rid of excess skin, you may find that loose skin removal surgery is right for you. Contact us today to discuss your treatment plan based on your unique goals. Dr. Lapuerta is a triple-board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed hundreds of surgeries to tighten loose and sagging skin. Find out about a breast lift or tummy tuck in Houston, TX. Schedule your appointment today to learn more about how we can help you.

The Complete Financial Guide to Excess Skin Removal Surgery

There’s so much to celebrate after a serious weight loss journey—newfound health, confidence, and a dramatically different lifestyle. But even after working hard at losing weight, pounds and pounds of heavy skin can stick around and cause both physical and psychological pain. Thankfully, excess skin removal surgery can eliminate 15 pounds or more of weight and help you conquer all of your weight loss goals. Below, find out how to get skin removal surgery covered by insurance, as well as other ideas to pay for the expensive procedure.

Create a fundraiser

What is excess skin removal surgery?

Excess skin removal surgery involves various body contouring procedures which include lower and upper body lifts, thigh and buttock lift, panniculectomy, and more. These procedures are performed after major weight loss to target the extra skin folds on the body such as the legs, stomach, and arms. Eliminating extra skin after weight loss can improve your comfort and the way clothes fit on your body, as well as make exercising easier.

Facts to know about excess skin removal

• Surgeons have been removing skin and fat since the turn of the century, while liposuction and muscle shaping were introduced in the 1950s and 1960s.
• More than 97,000 abdominoplasty surgeries and more than 8,000 lower body lifts were performed in 2020.
• Nearly 7 million reconstructive surgeries were performed in 2020.
• Tummy tuck recovery is different for every person. In general, you’ll have to avoid arduous physical activity for four to six weeks.
• Qualified surgeons will not perform any type of body contouring surgery unless you have maintained a stable weight for at least three to six months.

What to expect before and during excess skin removal surgery

Before getting excess skin removal surgery, you’ll receive recommendations from your doctor. Those recommendations may include not taking certain medications that increase the risk of bleeding such as NSAIDs, not taking vitamins or supplements, quitting smoking or tobacco, and getting blood work done.

Oftentimes, excess skin removal surgery happens in phases. This means that you may require more than one surgery. Particular excess skin removal procedures can happen at the same time, such as a tummy tuck in combination with a lower body lift. Surgery may be done at a hospital and you might have to stay overnight. Or, your surgery may be done at a surgical facility and you’ll be able to leave the same day. The location of your surgery and the length of stay all depend on the procedures you’re getting.

How much does skin removal surgery cost?

So, how much is skin removal surgery? There are quite a few factors that affect the cost of skin removal surgery, but the most common are geographic location, the experience level of the surgeon, and your specific needs. When it comes to skin removal surgery, also known as body contouring surgery, there are a number of different procedures you can choose from, all with different price tags.

An abdominoplasty is one of the most common types of body contouring surgeries, which will remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and tighten muscles. A panniculectomy, which will only remove excess skin, is also a very common surgery people undergo after extreme weight loss.

Excess skin removal surgery costs

Exactly how much does skin removal surgery after weight loss cost? These are the average costs for the most common plastic surgeries for loose skin after weight loss, according to the 2020 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report:

• Panniculectomy: $8,000-$15,000
• Lower body lift: $7,924
• Upper arm lift: $4,861
• Thigh lift: $5,355
• Breast lift: $5,012

Other costs

• Anesthesia fee
• Facility and material costs
• Prescription costs

3 ideas for how to pay for skin removal surgery 

Any type of surgery is never cheap, but there are several ways to save money, or even get your surgery paid for in full. Below are the top ways to pay for surgery.

1. Use insurance

Understanding how to get insurance to cover skin removal surgery isn’t always straightforward. Not every insurance company will pay for this type of surgery, but it might be possible to get all or some of it covered if your doctor can make an argument that this surgery will improve your health and quality of life.

Talk to your doctor

Wondering how to get skin removal surgery covered by insurance? You’ll need to prove that your surgery is medically necessary in order for your insurance company to pay for it, so you’ll want to first speak with your doctor. Begin documenting all the steps you’ve taken to overcome your medical issues so that your doctor can understand that surgery is truly a last resort.

Your doctor will need to provide a record that states your excess skin has caused skin rashes or skin ulcers, back problems, or is generally inhibiting you from participating in normal, daily activities.

Decide which type of surgery is best

Most insurance companies consider an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, a cosmetic procedure and will not cover it. On the other hand, a panniculectomy is usually labeled as a reconstructive procedure, which insurance companies are more likely to pay for. Speak with your doctor about which type of surgery is best for your needs, taking into consideration what your insurance company is most likely to cover.

Work with your insurance company

Find out your summary of benefits and coverage (SBC) to understand if you’ve met your deductible or out-of-pocket maximum, and if your insurance will pay for all or a portion of the surgery. Have the correct insurance code for your surgical procedure handy so there’s no confusion about the procedure you’re asking about.

2. Bundle surgeries and pay in cash

Even if your insurance company will pay for your surgery, it’s sometimes more cost-efficient to pay out of pocket if you have a high deductible plan. Paying in cash is also another way to save, as many hospitals and plastic surgery clinics offer small 5-10% cash discounts for paying in cash upfront. Many clinics also offer discounts if you get more than one procedure done at the same time.

3. Give crowdfunding a try

Thousands of people have turned to crowdfunding to get help paying for out of pocket medical expenses or to avoid medical bankruptcy. When insurance coverage fails or you need to raise funds quickly, crowdfunding can be a lifeline.

It’s natural to worry about the shame or embarrassment you might feel after sharing your weight loss story publicly and asking for financial support. But if you’ve worked hard to shed extra weight and live a healthier life, you’ll likely find that your family and friends will be excited to support you through this final leg of your weight loss journey.

Skin removal success stories on GoFundMe

These are just a few people who asked their networks to help them pay for skin removal surgery and received an outpouring of support:

Miss_itty_britty skin removal fund

At 23 years old, Brittany embarked on an incredible weight loss journey that changed her life. But after losing over 300 pounds, she was left with folds of extra skin that caused her pain, discomfort, and limited her ability to lead a fulfilling life. After her claims for insurance coverage were denied, Brittany turned to crowdfunding and raised over $11,500 to remove her excess skin.

Jesse’s excess skin removal surgery

Jesse weighed 700 pounds and hadn’t left his house in years when he came across a bodybuilding website that sparked something in him. He decided to change his life and lost nearly 400 pounds. The quick and dramatic weight loss left him with pounds of excess skin that caused pain when exercising and gave him serious rashes. Unable to afford the $20,000 surgery, Jesse launched an online fundraiser and smashed his goal, raising $20,755 for the life-changing procedure.

Help Casey fund his skin removal surgery

Casey was on the show My 600-Lb Life and has lost over 595 pounds, but he now wants to take the next step in getting all of his excess skin removed. Ethan started a GoFundMe on Casey’s behalf and has raised over $18,000 to help Casey with the cost of skin removal surgery.

Find financial relief for weight loss surgery today

You’ve worked hard to lose weight and get healthy—and you deserve to feel confident and healthy in your new body. If you don’t know how to pay for your skin removal procedure, GoFundMe can help. You can create a fundraiser in minutes, and our sharing tools make it simple to reach out to your network. Sign up today and complete the final step of your weight loss journey.

Start a fundraiser

how to remove, how to get rid of, how to tighten after childbirth and weight loss

Flabbiness of the skin of the abdomen develops due to its sagging and deformation. These processes are the result of sudden weight loss or natural aging of the body. Flabby skin loses its tone, gathers in folds, sags, wrinkles, which looks rather unaesthetic. In addition to problems with the appearance, a flabby stomach can cause the prolapse of internal organs.

Why the problem of sagging skin on the abdomen occurs

Human skin is initially quite extensible. This allows it to easily adapt to internal and external changes in the body. But if a person, for example, drastically loses weight and gets rid of excess fat, then the skin does not have time to rebuild. As a result, the tissues of the abdomen become sagging and flabby.

Most often, sagging skin has the following causes:

1. Abrupt loss of body weight. With the rapid disposal of extra pounds, not only the skin sags, but also the subcutaneous fat. Creases appear on the tummy and waist, muscles weaken. It all looks rather unaesthetic.

2. Smoking. Prevents the body from producing its own collagen and elastin.

3. Pregnancy. For many women, the belly becomes flabby after childbirth. During pregnancy, body weight and belly grow. After the birth of the baby, the fat layer disappears, the stomach “deflates” sharply, and the weight decreases. The skin does not keep up with these rapid changes and becomes saggy.

4. Influence of ultraviolet radiation. If a woman is constantly in the sun and does not use protective cosmetics, then the synthesis of elastin and collagen worsens in the body, the skin becomes thin and weak.

5. Natural aging. One of the main causes of loss of skin tone.

6. Wrong way of life. Low motor activity, malnutrition, alcohol abuse lead to disruption of metabolic processes, the development of congestion, and premature skin aging.

7. Hereditary predisposition.

8. Environmental factors (for example, dry air outdoors or indoors).

One of the most harmful and widespread provoking factors is the wrong approach to the fight against obesity. You can not get rid of excess weight too quickly, this will lead to sagging of the skin of the abdomen. In addition, during sports, it is necessary to perform not only strength exercises, but also intensive stretching.

How to get rid of excess skin on the stomach

Many people are interested in how to remove excess skin after childbirth or after losing weight? This can be done in several ways:

At home, they can help:

1. Workouts . A good result is given by cardio loads, which can be combined with exercises to strengthen the muscles in the abs, thighs, arms, buttocks. The first lessons are best done under the guidance of an experienced instructor who will show you how to perform certain exercises.

2. Massage . Improves local metabolic processes, relieves congestion, helps to tighten the skin of the abdomen, increase the tone of the skin of the shoulders and back.

3. Proper nutrition . It is necessary to abandon the use of fast food, fatty, fried, smoked, pickled foods. The diet should be more proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, complex carbohydrates. It is extremely important to observe the drinking regimen. If a person drinks little liquid, then the skin quickly loses nutrients and dries out.

Beauty treatments:

1. Wraps . For the use of natural ingredients (chocolate, clay, coffee) or special compounds that have a warming effect. They are applied under a heater, which is fixed on the surface of the abdomen.

2. Pressotherapy . This is one of the hardware massage techniques. During the session, compressed air is used, which is supplied under pressure to a suit connected to a computer. With the help of a special program, the specialist regulates the intensity of action and the force of air pressure. Massage can affect only the abdomen or be complex. Costumes are developed taking into account the physiological and anatomical characteristics of the body. The speed and force of the supply of air masses changes during the procedure. Pressure drops create the effect of a wave that massages the skin, muscles, venous and lymphatic vessels.

3. Mesotherapy . Increases skin tone, removes sagging, sagging, dryness, wrinkles. As a result, the skin becomes firmer and smoother. The effect of the procedure lasts on average six months, after which the course can be repeated.

4. LPG – massage . For the procedure, a special computerized massage complex is used, which effectively tightens the skin to the desired size. For the procedure, the patient wears a special suit that protects the skin from damage. After that, the lesions are affected by a special device. Soft tissues are sucked in with a special nozzle, after which they are kneaded in different directions.

5. Infrared thermal lifting . Tightening occurs due to the constant contraction of collagen fibers. The procedure has a cumulative effect, the results will be visible after the completion of the entire course.

6. SMAS lifting . The technique is based on the effect of ultrasound on the deep layers of the skin, as well as the fibromuscular frame. This leads to the synthesis of its own collagen and tightens the skin. The procedure does not require special preparation, does not cause discomfort and pain to the patient, does not leave stretch marks and scars on the skin. To obtain a pronounced, stable effect, it is necessary to do at least 2-3 procedures. You can combine this type of lifting with injection techniques.

Surgical methods:

1. Laparoscopic intervention . This operation to remove excess skin on the abdomen is performed using a minimally invasive method. The navel is not transferred; it will not be possible to remove large volumes of excess skin using laparoscopy. The rehabilitation period is short, due to minimal tissue injury.

2. Miniabdominoplasty . In surgery, such an operation is performed to remove loose skin in the distal abdomen or navel. The doctor makes incisions in the umbilical area, removes subcutaneous fat and excess skin. If the patient has problems in the lower abdomen, then the incision is made above the pubis. After that, the surgeon excised excess skin and other tissues, and connects the edges, providing the desired tension.

3. Abdominoplasty . With this technique, you can remove the maximum amount of skin. If during the circumcision of excess skin there is a deformation or displacement of the navel, then it is transferred to a new place, making a hole in the skin. After the surgery is completed, the patient remains in the clinic. If the recovery process goes well, then he is discharged and the person undergoes further rehabilitation on an outpatient basis. Scars completely disappear after 1-2 years.

4. Torsoplasty . This is an operation with which you can tighten the skin not only on the abdomen, but also on the back, sides, hips. This is one of the most complex and lengthy operations in modern plastic surgery. It can be used to remove excess skin and tighten muscles in patients who have lost weight dramatically. Plastic surgery allows clinic specialists to treat several areas of the body at once.

Prevention of stretched skin on the abdomen

In order for the sagging abdomen not to return, it is necessary to eat right, control weight, and follow the figure. After the completion of the rehabilitation period, it is recommended to engage in physical activity, move more, connect cosmetic skin care at home (wraps, massages). Anti-cellulite massage gives a good effect in terms of maintaining the achieved results.

Sources of the article:

1. The results of restorative operations of loose skin in various areas of the body by dermolipectomy. Galandarov V.M. Bulletin of Avicenna. 2016. No. 1. With. 40-43
2. Simulation of abdominoplasty using large deformations. Fedorov A. E., Samartsev V. A., Adamov A. A. Russian Journal of Biomechanics. 2007. No. 3. With. 62-71
3. Abdominoplasty as a method of body correction after massive weight loss. Khatkov I.E., Grishkyan D.R. VNMT. 2010. No. 4. With. 127-128
4. Surgical correction of the deformity of the anterior abdominal wall. Reality and prospects. Maharramov D. M., Medeubekov U. Sh. Bulletin of Surgery of Kazakhstan. 2017. No. 1. With. 48-53

Information materials on the site are posted for the purpose of familiarization, not self-treatment. Any plastic surgery is a surgical intervention. When deciding on an operation, be sure to consult with a qualified specialist.

Rehabilitation after tummy tuck – main recommendations

Many patients when planning a tummy tuck are interested in life after tummy tuck. Since the operation is complex, recovery will be required, some restrictions must be observed for the speedy healing of tissues. Surgery is often done to correct anterior wall ptosis if there is too much skin or fat in the area.

The procedure is performed if the muscles of the abdominal wall were stretched, their divergence occurred. Abdominoplasty is performed to restore the figure after weight loss, to remove excess sagging skin. Manipulation can be extended and limited. The period of recovery of the abdomen after abdominoplasty varies depending on what kind of intervention was carried out and what its scale is.

First days after abdominoplasty

Tummy tuck is one of the most requested body shaping surgeries. With it, you can change the relief, adjust the contours of the figure and remove excess fat. However, before performing the operation, it is important to know how long the sutures heal after abdominoplasty, what requirements must be observed.

Immediately after the operation, swelling becomes a natural reaction of the body. There may be bruising. After the intervention due to anesthesia, dizziness, weakness, nausea are possible. The first day the patient needs to stay in the hospital until the condition becomes stable.

To ensure the removal of excess fluid, a drain is installed. Normally, it is removed for 3-4 days. A popular question is whether it is painful to remove drainage after abdominoplasty. To make the recovery painless, analgesics are used on the recommendation of a doctor to eliminate pain.

After the operation, it is required to wear compression underwear, which allows you to reduce the load on the seam. The first few days it must be worn constantly. When stitches are removed after abdominoplasty, the doctor decides. They are usually removed 2 weeks after surgery. Gradually, the consequences of the intervention become invisible.

For the first two days, the patient should be in a supine position with the legs bent to avoid damaging the sutures. After anesthesia, nausea and dry mouth, dizziness are possible for some time. It takes time to regain sensation in the abdomen after an abdominoplasty. By the end of the second week, the body will begin to recover.

In the first month after the procedure, it is forbidden to engage in physical labor. Do not lift weights or play sports. Periodically, it is necessary to visit a doctor so that he can control how the stomach heals after abdominoplasty. During recovery, you should not sleep on your side or stomach, as this can lead to the development of complications.

Rehabilitation after abdominoplasty by day

The duration of the most difficult stage of rehabilitation is about 3-4 weeks. It is accompanied by pain and swelling, limited mobility. After that, the condition improves, menstruation and sensitivity after abdominoplasty are restored.

On the first day, a bandage and compression stockings are used to fix tissues immediately after the intervention. After that, some time is required to be under the supervision of doctors. You need to spend about a week in the hospital to prevent complications. On the first and second days, only bed rest is allowed – it is necessary to lie on your back with bent legs.

On the 3rd-4th day, with a positive recovery dynamics, the drainage is removed. Pain needs to be controlled with analgesics. There may be an increase in swelling. If no complications are identified, the patient may be allowed to leave the hospital on the 4-5th day.

The first few days at home, you should adhere to bed rest for several days. The sutures are removed about 2 weeks after the operation. On the recommendation of a doctor, local remedies can be used to accelerate healing to eliminate hematomas and edema. Showering is allowed.

Moving around can be problematic, you need to take a half-bent position. Gradually, you can make attempts to straighten up. It is important to follow the recommendations regarding what you can eat after an abdominoplasty. You should give up spicy, fatty and fried foods, completely eliminate alcoholic beverages and smoking.

1-2 months after abdominoplasty, most of the unpleasant symptoms disappear. From about 6 weeks, a course of physiotherapy can be prescribed to eliminate puffiness, as well as exercise therapy. All actions must be coordinated with the surgeon. After a few months, restrictions on physical activity are removed, all adverse reactions disappear, the scar becomes invisible.

Immediately after the operation is performed, the patient is put on a bandage. It helps to evenly distribute the load on the muscles, improve microcirculation and reduce swelling, and reduce the risk of seam divergence. A year after abdominoplasty, the scar becomes invisible. To avoid damage to it, you need to avoid excessive tension, monitor the dynamics of healing.

Postoperative period in hospital

Recovery after tummy tuck and liposuction involves staying in the hospital for several days. The duration depends on the patient’s condition and the complexity of the intervention. You can get up the first day only with the help of medical personnel.

Immediately after the operation, it is required to wear a bandage, which is removed only during hygiene procedures. The first day it is possible to stay in intensive care to monitor the condition after anesthesia, then the patient is transferred to the ward. Why can’t you sit after an abdominoplasty? This is due to the fact that one hundred tissues are subjected to excessive stress, pain may appear on the first day, complete rest is required, and a strong rush of blood is not allowed.

Outpatient postoperative period

Approximately 3-7 days after the intervention, the patient is sent home. To speed up the rehabilitation period after tummy tuck by day, you should strictly follow all the doctor’s recommendations.

To eliminate swelling and improve the condition after surgery, it is necessary to use compression underwear. It resembles a corset, allows you to provide normal pressure and support tissues. After how many stitches are removed after abdominoplasty, the doctor decides. It usually takes about 10-14 days to arrive at the hospital.

The rehabilitation period can last up to one year. It is necessary to adhere to a strict diet, to consume mostly soft foods. Solarium after abdominoplasty is prohibited, you can not visit the baths and saunas. Periodically, you should come to the doctor for a preventive examination. Scars need to be treated and monitored for their healing. Massage of the abdomen after abdominoplasty can be performed after full recovery with the permission of the surgeon.

Edema after abdominoplasty

Any surgical operation is associated with tissue damage, so swelling is a normal reaction. It may take from 1 month to a year to eliminate swelling after abdominal surgery. The operation is extensive, so the recovery period is long.

To reduce swelling, drainage tubes are placed after the operation to drain fluid. Compression garments must be worn. At first, you need to do this constantly, remove it only for hygiene procedures. To reduce the accumulation of fluid, you need to limit the intake of salt, sweet and starchy foods.

Dangerous complications include increased swelling and a feeling of fluid filling of the area, inflammation, redness, increased heart rate and temperature, and extensive swelling. These conditions require urgent medical attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before preparing for abdominoplasty and deciding to have surgery, many patients have questions. Among them – how long does abdominoplasty heal, do they lose weight after the operation, how long does the operation last, what restrictions are present.

How long is the rehabilitation after abdominoplasty?

The operation is complex and requires a long rehabilitation. In the hospital, the patient usually needs to spend about a week. Dressings are performed several times a week until the stitches are removed. At 10-14 days the stitches are removed. The healing period may vary depending on the age of the patient and the extent of the intervention.

The first few days, swelling, pain in the abdomen is possible. During the first two weeks, you may need to take painkillers, antibiotics, you should follow a diet, avoid physical activity.

At first, it will be possible to sleep, sit and walk only in a half-bent state. In order not to stretch or expand the seam, you can lie with your legs bent. During rehabilitation, you can not visit the solarium, take hot baths, go to the sauna. The period of full recovery is from 2-5 months to a year.

How long to wear compression stockings after tummy tuck?

During the rehabilitation process, compression underwear is mandatory. After the procedure, it is required to wear special stockings for compression – they reduce the risk of developing thrombosis of the lower extremities. The duration of wearing such products on average is about a week.

How long to wear a bandage after abdominoplasty?

The most important period after the operation is the first six months. On the first day, the bandage should be worn without removing it, after that it can sometimes be removed, but put on again with any load.

If compression garments are not used, there is an increased risk of hernias and edema, which will take a long time to resolve. Products for compression and bandages are made of materials that favorably affect blood circulation and practically do not cause discomfort.

Do’s and don’ts after tummy tuck?

Abdominoplasty is an operation that requires a long recovery. Sleeping is allowed exclusively on the back, the legs must be bent, the seam must not be pulled.

Physical activity should be limited. Do not lift heavy objects. On the recommendation of the surgeon, exercises are performed to speed up recovery.

In the first 1.5 months, it is mandatory to wear underwear for compression. Then the bandage should be worn at any physical activity until full recovery. For a year, you will need to refuse to visit the solarium, beach, baths. It is necessary to stop smoking, drinking alcohol.

How many days after abdominoplasty can I play sports?

Any physical effort in the first days of recovery can lead to complications – rupture of the seams, the formation of an irregular scar. Exercise therapy classes will help raise muscle tone and make the abdominal area more attractive, but all exercises must first be discussed with a doctor.

Can I sleep on my side after tummy tuck?

In the first two weeks, it is forbidden to sleep on your side. You can turn over on your side only with the permission of the surgeon. With normal healing, it is possible to sleep on your side only 3 weeks after the operation.

To speed up the rehabilitation process, it is important to follow the diet that was prescribed by the doctor. Physical activity should be kept to a minimum. It is required to monitor the dynamics of the seam recovery, to prevent its excessive tension, to exclude steaming procedures and to wear compression underwear.

When can I sleep on my stomach after tummy tuck?

After abdominoplasty, you can not sleep on your stomach for a long time. This rule must be observed so that the recovery goes smoothly. During the position on the stomach, an increase in intra-abdominal pressure is possible. You can not strain the muscles of the press and mechanically act on the area, as this can lead to divergence of the seams. In the first weeks of recovery, sleeping on your stomach is painful.

The first month is usually required to sleep only on your back. The position should be such that the body is slightly elevated. At night, the bandage used after the operation is not removed for the first time. You can remove it only when taking a shower and in the case of processing the seam.