Women who seek a more contoured abdomen, particularly after childbirth, may benefit from the tummy tuck procedure. Board-certified plastic surgeons like Dr. Paul Angelchik in Glendale, AZ, ensure that the procedure is customized to fit the patient’s unique body type and aesthetic preferences. If you are getting a tummy tuck done, you should expect the following steps:

Anesthesia

Medication is given to ensure that you are comfortable while the procedure is being performed.  You may decide to get general anesthesia and intravenous sedation. The doctor is the one to recommend the right choice in your case.

Incision

Dr. Angelchik will make a horizontal incision in the area of your pubic hairline and the belly button. The length and shape of the incision will be determined by the amount of the excess skin you have. When the abdominal skin has been lifted, then the underlying abdominal muscle will be strengthened. The second incision is made at the navel, if it is required. It helps to remove the extra skin over the upper abdomen.  The upper abdominal skin gets pulled down like a window shade. The excess skin will then be trimmed while the remaining skin gets sutured together. There is a new opening at the belly button which should be created so that the belly button may pop out on the surface before it is sutured into its old position.

Closing of the incision

Clips, tapes, skin adhesives and sutures may all be used in order to close the incision on the skin.

The results

After the procedure, you will have a firmer and flatter abdominal contour which is proportionate to your weight and body shape. In the beginning, you will not be able to see the results since you will be suffering from swelling and you will not be able to stand upright until the internal healing gets complete.

In one or two weeks, you will be able to stand well and you will get to see the slimmer profile you got from the procedure. 

Scars

In case a patient has gone through a cesarean section earlier, existing scars can be put together within the new scar.  The tummy tuck scar will take a few months to a year to fade completely. Even if you should expect to get the best results, you should remember that they are not guaranteed. There are cases where it is not easy to get to the results you want because of many factors that interfere with the procedure or the results.