After Your Tummy Tuck – The 411

Spring is the perfect time to contemplate abdominoplasty (“tummy tuck”). The good news is that you will be swim-suit ready just in time for summer.

As with any major surgery, it’s important that you are clear about why you want the surgery and, of course, your expectations. Abdominoplasty comes with all the cautions and precautions that come with any surgery. Being well-informed is key to any cosmetic or plastic surgery procedure. Arm yourself with information. A consultation with one of our doctors will leave you feeling confident that you have made the correct decision. Here are a few things to consider:

Post-surgery “Do’s”:

• Let people take care of you. Don’t be a hero.
• Drink plenty of fluids and eat a healthy, clean, balanced diet.
• Take your pain meds as directed to stay ahead of the pain.
• Gently massage your tummy. This feels good and helps with circulation.
• Stay positive and be patient. There is an end to the healing process.
• Take a walk, go outside and get some sun to lift your spirits.
• Congratulate yourself for taking this step to improve your body and your life.
• Listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right call your doctor.

Post-surgery “Dont’s”:

• Lift anything heavy – including your kids or pets.
• Drive for at least a week.
• Clean your house or do the laundry – get help.
• Work in your garden – bending, stretching and pulling are not recommended.
• Grocery shop – pushing and lifting is not good for your incisions.
• Do any exercise other than walking – which is good for you in many ways.
• Eat processed and packaged foods – the sodium will make your tissues swell.
• Drink soda – it causes uncomfortable bloating and
• Weigh or measure yourself or try on clothes that you think will fit – take it slow; give it time.
• Listen to negative people.

Call to schedule a consultation appointment to discuss tummy tuck surgery with Dr. Buchanan – now is the perfect time: (828) 526-3783 or toll-free (877) 526-3784.

A flatter, firmer, and well-toned midsection is of the most common cosmetic goals of men and women who visit us here at our Highlands plastic surgery clinic. Majority of these patients have done their homework and have looked for information online regarding procedures that can possibly help them achieve such goals. During the initial consultation, these patients would often ask about which body-contouring procedures are ideal for them — should they go for liposuction or decide on a tummy tuck instead?

Although both procedures have the same end goal, they actually target a different set of cosmetic concerns. If you find yourself in the same boat as the aforementioned patients, read on below!

When to Decide on Liposuction

By and large, liposuction is ideal for concerns that has to do with localized pockets of excess fat such as the dreaded love handles and spare tires. The procedure can be done not only in the abdominal area but also in other areas of the body such as the neck, hips, upper arms, buttocks, and thighs.

The procedure is ideal for men and women who want to improve the appearance of their abdominal areas and have done both diet and exercise to get rid of the stubborn pockets of fat. In addition, liposuction works best if the patient is within their ideal body weight and have good skin turgor (the ability of the skin to change its shape and return to normal).

It should be noted, however, that liposuction doesn’t eliminate loose, sagging skin and doesn’t strengthen weakened abdominal muscles which often occurs following pregnancy and childbirth.

When to Decide on a Tummy Tuck

As mentioned earlier, liposuction won’t help you deal with sagging skin and weakened abdominal muscles. This is where a tummy tuck can prove to be beneficial.

Although there may be a variation in the surgical techniques used in a tummy tuck, the procedure is usually performed with a horizontal incision in the lower abdomen just above the pubic area. This makes it easier to be camouflaged when wearing bikinis and low-rise jeans. The excess skin is trimmed away and the abdominal muscles are tightened and repaired.

Combining a Tummy Tuck and Liposuction

If your cosmetic concerns has to do with excess fat, sagging skin, and weakened abdominal muscles, combining both a tummy tuck and liposuction can possibly be your best course of treatment.

Ultimately, it should be noted that both liposuction and a tummy tuck are not weight loss tools but rather body-contouring procedures that will help reshape a certain part of your body in proportion to other parts.

Do you want to learn more about body contouring procedures here at our practice? We are located at 209 Hospital Drive, Suite 202, Highlands, NC. Call us at 828-526-3783 or fill out this contact form today to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to your visit!

While one might say that there are far more important things to worry in life — from finally making that decision to leave your crappy job or booking that much needed month-long vacation you’ve always wanted, sagging and bulging abdominal skin will most likely be one of those things that you are actually worried about but kinda hesitant to admit that you really do.

Here at our North Carolina plastic surgery practice, we perfectly understand that it’s more than just the appearance of excess abdominal fat and skin tissue, it also has to do with feeling more confident and comfortable with yourself. During your personal consultations with Dr. Buchanan, a personalized tummy tuck surgical plan will be created. Dr. Buchanan’s unique approach in a tummy tuck procedure is not just about improving the appearance of your waistline,  he also aims to provide you with an aesthetically balanced abdominal contours in relation to the rest of your body.

Once you have made the decision to have a tummy tuck here at our practice, here are the 5 essential steps that you need to take to ensure that you achieve your desired cosmetic outcomes.

1. Arrange for someone to stay with you post-surgery, particularly if you’re already a mother. Make sure that you have someone to look after your child and/or children during recovery.

2. Fill in prescriptions that you may need during and after surgery. The same goes for the medical supplies that you may need.

3. Quit smoking 4 to 6 weeks before your scheduled tummy tuck procedure. Smoking has been found to increase your chances of developing post-surgical complications and consequently delay healing.

4. Avoid aspirin, supplements, and anti-inflammatory drugs that will increase your chances of bleeding during and after the surgery. If you are prescribed with medications before the surgery by a separate doctor, inform him or her about your plans of having a tummy tuck soon.

5. Stick to a nutritional plan primarily composed of whole foods before and after surgery. This will ensure that you get the necessary nutrients required for quick healing and recovery.

We’d love to help you plan for your tummy tuck in North Carolina! We are located at 209 Hospital Drive, Suite 202, Highlands, NC.  Call us at 828-526-3783 or fill out this contact form to schedule an initial consultation. We look forward to your visit!