Age 40, 2 Children. Tummy Tuck Questions? (photo)

I am 40 years old and have 2 children. I a few questions: 1. The incision, just how big will the scar be? 2. Pain after the procedure, how it will be controlled, and how long it lasts? 3. How long before I could drive? 4. Is there an overnight hospital stay involved? 5. What happens if I were to lose 20lbs after the tummy tuck? 6. How long is the actual surgery? 7. What is the rate of post op infection? Are antibiotics routinely given? 8. What are the most common bad outcomes? Thanks!

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age 35-44 scarring aftercare driving risk treatment time

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9 Doctor Answers | Asked by makj2012

Doctor Answers (9)
Community Comments (1)

You are great candidate for the procedure

I tell my patients that the length of the scar is not important because it is hidden in your panty line. From your side photograph, you see where the overlapping skin ends. That is where the incision will end. About 80% of my patients stay in the hospital overnight so that they can receive IV pain medicine. I also use a pain pump catheter which injects local anesthetic into the incision site for five days. Studies show that this cuts down the amount of pain medicine required by about 40%.... more

There are many things to consider before a tummy tuck

Hello, Thank you for the question and photos. All of the questions you have posted are excellent and the right questions to be asking. You should take into consideration that every patient and every plastic surgeon is different and therefore the outcome will be unique for each tummy tuck. If there is good communication between you and a well trained board certified plastic surgeon your overall outcome will be positive. In general, the incision should be as long as... more

Abdominoplasty is a big procedure and should be discussed with a plastic surgeon

You appear to be a good anatomic candidate for a 'full' abdominoplasty - the questions that you have are good ones - and best answered by a board certified plastic surgeon in your community that does a lot of body contouring work. Good luck !

Hello

Those a very common questions for tummy tuck. Going in for a complementary consultation all your questions will be answered....

Tummy Tuck questions

Thank you for your question and posting your photos. Based on your photos alone, you would likely benefit from a tummy tuck with liposuction of your waists. However, a formal physical exam would be needed to make any recommendations. You are asking the right questions. I would like to suggest you visit my website for video clips that I have made that will address most of your concerns. I've placed the link for you below. Scroll down to... more

Questions about Tummy Tuck

You have asked a lot of good questions regarding tummy tuck and I will try to address them for you. 1. the incision typically is hip to hip and I like to place the incision as low as possible. 2. The first 3 days after your tummy tuck are the most uncomfortable and I routinely use post-op indwelling pain pump catheter to provide pain relieve at surgical site. 3. Driving is usually allowed after 3 weeks provided that you can move comfortably without limitation or restriction. 4. You can... more

Tummy tuck questions

Thank you for your question and for the photos. While not a substitue for an examination, the photos would indicate you to be a candidate for a tummy tuck combined with liposuction. This would give you the maximal improvement of your torso as a whole. Going through your questions: 1. The incision would extend from hip to hip placed low where it can be covered by your underwear. 2. The pain is controlled with a combination of oral pain meds and anti-inflammatories. Tummy... more

You are a candidate for a tummy tuck

I think you are asking all of the right questions. It would appear from your photos that you wopuld benefit from a tummy tuck. If you plan on losing weight then I ask my patients to do that first. I see them back a a designated time period and see how they are doing. If it is not working out fo them then we re-evaluate their surgery needs. Most folks who have a tummy tuck go home that day. The pain is controlled with pain pills by mouth. The driving... more

Tummy tuck answers

1. the scar usually goes hip to hip 2. You will be given anti inflammatories and pain killers, the pain killers will be decided by your doctor. 3. you can drive in 2 to 3 weeks, as long as you are well enough to wear a seat belt and have the ability to slam on the brake if needed 4. Yes, you will stay one night in the hospital 5. if you lose weight after, there is a chance of skin flacidity but it depends on your skin type 6. the surgery lasts around 2 to 3 hours. 7. yes, antibiotics are... more