Dr. Iraniha Difference between Mini and Full Tummy Tuck Recovery
Tummy Tuck Recovery. Full Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is one of the many different techniques for tightening of the abdominal wall muscles and removing of the excess skin. In this procedure, the skin is separated off the muscles through an incision in the bikini line all the way to the lower border of the rib cage. During this process the umbilicus is completely excised from the skin flap and is left on the muscle. Subsequently, the abdominal wall laxity and associated hernia or diastasis recti are repaired, the excess skin is removed and a new umbilicus is reconstructed. However, in mini abdominoplasty or mini tummy tuck, the umbilicus is left on the skin flap and is separated from the muscle and after repairing the abdominal laxity and removing the excess skin, the umbilicus is reconnected to the muscle. So essentially both procedures are the same and the only difference is how the umbilicus is reconstructed. patients are usually asking if there is any difference between the recovery of these procedures.
Is there any pain after the Tummy Tuck surgery?
These operations are both done under general anesthesia at our Orange County Tummy Tuck Center. Since the skin is separated off the muscle and the abdominal wall is tightened, patients would experience severe pain after both surgeries, including muscle cramp, sharp pain, muscle spasm or burning sensation. The first few days is tough and most patients require pain medications, ice pack and rest. After three days the pain starts getting better and continues to improve every day. Majority of the patients don’t require any pain medications after 1-2 weeks. Patients would have a drain in both procedures that usually is removed one week after the Tummy Tuck surgery. Patients need to wear an abdominal binder for six weeks and they can remove the binder only to take a shower. They are allowed to perform their regular activities but no heavy lifting and exercising for six weeks. Patients would have follow up in the office on day 3, 7, 14 and six weeks after the procedure.
Tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck are tough surgeries with long recovery, but they are very rewarding. They really transform the body and restore the contour of the abdominal wall forever, especially if they are followed by a healthy lifestyle with well balanced diet and routine exercise.
At Surgical Oasis Institute, an Orange County Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery center Dr. Iraniha has the expertise in all available surgical technique to repair the “tummy tuck procedures” and a comprehensive examination and surgical discussion would be provided prior to the surgery to customize the best surgical option for each patient. Please contact us at 949-646-8444 for virtual or in person surgical consultation.
