The tummy tuck is a very commonly practiced procedure in the field of cosmetic plastic surgery, but it is definitely not a minor procedure. In fact, it is one of the most extensive surgeries performed by plastic surgeons. It is quite safe and effective in the right hands, but as with all surgeries, there is an inherent level of risk associated. Therefore, it is important for an individual who is considering a tummy tuck procedure to learn more about the process and its safety concerns that pertain to them.
Many of those considering undergoing a tummy tuck surgery are patients who have had previous abdominal surgeries. Unfortunately, some have postponed the idea because they were misinformed that their past surgeries prevent the tummy tuck from being completed safely. Patients with different and multiple abdominal surgeries can still qualify as a candidate for the tummy tuck procedure with the right plastic surgeon to achieve their ideal body.
A lot of very suitable candidates for a tummy tuck are mothers who have undergone a caesarean section or tubal ligation. Patients with scars from these two types of surgeries are likely able to get them removed as a result of the tummy tuck depending on the locations and the extent of the scarring.
Another relatively common abdominal surgery that many people have undergone is an appendectomy (removal of the appendix). Despite the scarring from appendectomies, patients are often still eligible for a tummy tuck procedure. Recent innovations and advancements in surgical procedures have allowed the appendectomy process to minimize scarring, leaving them quite small and simple for skilled plastic surgeons to work with when completing a tummy tuck.
The location of the scar from previous abdominal surgeries are critical for determining candidacy for a tummy tuck procedure. Depending on where it is, most tummy tuck procedures can be completed without a problem. Previous abdominal surgeries and presence of scarring makes a patient’s case more complex as the surgical scars may conflict with the circulation of abdominal skin during the tummy tuck procedure. In most cases though, if a scar is low enough on the body, it will be removed along with the excess skin. Sometimes if the scarring is difficult to work around, the plastic surgeon may recommend a patient undergo a variation of the tummy tuck. Overall, these patients may have more challenging cases but with a well-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon who feels comfortable dealing with the increased complexity and has had experiences with such cases, the tummy tuck procedure is feasible and safe.
If you are an individual that has undergone previous abdominal surgery and are interested in getting a tummy tuck procedure, we invite you to book a private consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss the options available for you and what can be done for you to achieve your ideal appearance.
