FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions About Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
QUESTION: How much time from work do I need to miss after having a tummy tuck?
ANSWER: The amount of time off of work varies from patient to patient. Generally, you should expect to miss between 1-2 weeks of work. It can be more or less time, depending on the amount of exertion required at your place of employment.
QUESTION: Are there any activity restrictions after tummy tuck?
ANSWER: Yes! Dr. Jejurikar requires that you refrain from strenuous activity for 6 weeks after undergoing a full abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). This means no lifting greater than 5 pounds and no strenuous exercise designed to get your heart rate up for a sustained period. After 6 weeks, patients are encouraged to resume their normal activity and exercise schedule in a gradual manner.
QUESTION: Why does a tummy tuck incision need to be so long?
ANSWER: The length of the incision varies from patient to patient. It depends predominantly on the amount of skin that needs to be removed. If the patient has a large amount of stretch marks and excess skin, simply doing liposuction will not fix this problem; in fact, it may actually lead to a worse problem. Although Dr. Jejurikar does not have a “one size fits all” incision for his patients, in order to get the optimal results, it is important not to short-change the abdominoplasty incision. Instead, he focuses on placing the incision in an optimal position so that it can be hidden by normal undergarments and bikinis.
QUESTION: Is a tummy tuck painful?
ANSWER: Again, every individual’s perception of pain is different. Many patients will complain about tightness and others will complain about pain. For most people, the most significant discomfort tends to diminish after 3-5 days. During that time, Dr. Jejurikar helps patients control their pain by utilizing prescription pain medications and muscle relaxants.
QUESTION: Will I have drains with my tummy tuck surgery?
ANSWER: Most likely, yes. For some patients who are truly averse to having drains, Dr. Jejurikar can do a version of a tummy tuck which does not involve drains. Although this does take a little bit longer to perform, the results can be just as good. For the majority of patients, particularly those requiring longer incisions, drains are still utilized and will remain in place from 3-10 days.
QUESTION: Why is there such a large range in price regarding tummy tuck?
ANSWER: The cost of the procedure varies, depending on the length of time required to perform the surgery, whether or not an overnight stay is utilized, the surgical facility utilized, and the extensiveness of the procedure. Obviously, a mini-tummy tuck takes less work and less time to perform, as compared to an extended abdominoplasty. It is, therefore, difficult to give patients an accurate assessment of costs without performing a thorough examination.
QUESTION: Where will my operation be performed?
ANSWER: Dr. Jejurikar performs tummy tuck surgery at a variety of accredited surgical centers and hospitals in Plano, Frisco, and Dallas, TX.
QUESTION: Do I need to stay overnight after having a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)?
ANSWER: Most patients do choose to stay overnight in a monitored facility; this reduces much of the anxiety they feel about their initial recovery after surgery. Others choose to go home rightaway. Both sets of patients do well, and so the choice most often is left up to the patient.
QUESTION: Where can I learn more about the procedure?
ANSWER: Feel free to peruse the rest of this site to learn more general information about tummy tuck surgery. For questions specific to you, please contact Dr. Jejurikar’s office at 214-827-2814 to schedule an individualized and personal consultation.
QUESTION: Do I need to lose weight before a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)?
ANSWER: Maybe. The best candidates are in good physical condition with pockets of fat or loose skin that haven’t responded to diet and exercise. Slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity can be helped. Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight are also encouraged to wait before undergoing the procedure, since skin typically loosens after substantial weight loss, which could undo the results of surgery.
QUESTION: What is a mini tummy tuck (partial abdominoplasty)?
ANSWER: Partial abdominoplasty is similar to abdominoplasty except a shorter incision is made and the skin is only lifted to the navel, which does not have to be moved (although it may be pulled into a different shape as skin is stretched). Liposuction sometimes is utilized to shape the hips and upper abdomen as part of a mini tummy tuck.
