If you’re self-conscious about loose, drooping skin around your midsection, you may have already heard about or read into tummy tuck procedures. Clinically referred to as an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck procedure involves the removal of loose skin and fat deposits. The procedure also generally includes tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. Altogether, this produces a thinner, more firm abdomen.

The safety of tummy tuck procedures

While the results of this procedure can be very attractive to patients, many also worry about the safety and possible complications. The good news is that tummy tuck procedures are very safe, with high success rates and low rates of complications. According to an American Society of Plastic Surgeons® (ASPS) survey of over 3,500 surgeries, over 95% of patients had zero complications.

Factors associated with complications

Patients who do not smoke and are generally in good health are less likely to experience complications, while undergoing multiple procedures at once may increase a patient’s likelihood of complications. Patients should not plan to get pregnant or lose significant amounts of weight in the future. Lastly, patients should not have any serious health complications that could be affected by surgery.

At the end of the day, for healthy individuals who don’t smoke and aren’t planning on several procedures, a tummy tuck is a very safe procedure to perform.

What to expect from the procedure

For a detailed explanation of what to expect from a procedure, it’s best to talk to a physician, as each patient will have different needs. However, some general aspects of the procedure remain the same. Patients are typically completely sedated for safety reasons, and the procedure can be anywhere between one to three hours.

While the procedure is very safe, it is still a surgery that necessitates a recovery period. Patients should plan on taking at least two weeks off from work, while more extensive procedures can require up to six weeks. Patients with children should have a plan for childcare, as a reduced activity level is a must. Additionally, patients should be certain to eat a healthy diet during this time to offset the reduced activity level and provide the nutrients required for healing. Pain meds as well as antibiotics are common to reduce discomfort and the chance of infection.

Where to have your Abdominoplasty

Please verify that the procedure is being performed in an accredited facility. Hospitals are always safe options.  If you choose a surgery center, ask questions. Is there an anesthesiologist on site and will he be caring for me during the procedure?  What if I have a problem- is the surgery center affiliated with a hospital? 

Of course, your choice of surgeon will also have a large impact on the procedure. With over 20 years of experience in cosmetic surgeries and an education from esteemed institutions such as Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland in Baltimore, Dr. Mucci is well-equipped to handle any procedure with the utmost care. If you’re interested in learning more about tummy tucks or any other cosmetic surgery, call Dr. Mucci today.