The Tummy Tuck Scar and Other Post-Surgery Concerns
An abdominoplasty is a major surgical procedure. It involves
cutting your abdominal skin and repairing your abdominal muscles
in order to get rid of loose skin. As with any invasive surgical
procedure, you will have scars resulting from the surgery.
A tummy tuck scar can run horizontally across the entire width
of your body from hip to hip, depending on how much skin you
lose. As well, depending on the procedure, a tummy tuck scar can
run vertically anywhere from your pelvic area to the chest area,
although this is not common. A tummy tuck scar is permanent.
However, surgeons will usually cut the skin under the swimsuit
line so that the tummy tuck scar is not as noticeable, or even
viewable. Keep in mind that a tummy tuck scar might look worse
within the first three to six months after the surgical
procedure. This is a normal phenomenon and you shouldn't be
alarmed. It will take about 9 to 12 months before the tummy tuck
scar begins to flatten out and lighten in color, blending in
better with your natural skin tone.
The severity of the scars can depend on how much skin was
removed, how well your body heals, how well your body scars, the
skill of the individual surgeon, and what technique was used. Be
sure to consult with your doctor as to what methods he uses, as
well as incision types, techniques, and placements. He might
even take a marker and draw the surgical site on your body so
you can get an idea of what might show after you heal. Once your
surgery is complete, you might be put on bedrest for at least
the first week. You won't be allowed to lift heavy objects or
participate in any strenuous activities. You will be encouraged
to walk around a few times per day for a minute or two at a
time. This is partly to prevent blood clots from forming in your
leg and causing a thrombosis condition, which could be
potentially fatal. Note that you won't be able to stand
completely straight up at first. You'll have a hunched-over
posture. The surgeon will recommend that you stay bent at a 45
degree angle for the first few days of recovery. Being in such a
position for prolonged periods of time can cause a lot of back
discomfort. The doctor might prescribe some kind of muscle
relaxant or valium.
During your operation, "drains" will be placed in your body to
help discharge fluid build-up. These drains will be removed
within a week or two after the procedure. After they are
removed, you'll probably be able to stand straight up. If the
drains are needed to remain in your body for a longer period of
time, you will need to use an abdominal pressure garment, which
you might be instructed to wear for at least a month or two. At
this time, you'll notice the tummy tuck scar getting worse and
some swelling and discoloration will occur. The amount of
swelling and discoloration depends on the individual patient and
how well she heals. Regardless, it is a normal occurrence.
Alison Wheelock has been a freelance writer and author for over
10 years. You will find more Tummy Tuck articles available at
http://www.tummy-tucks.success-tips-and-tricks.com/