Tummy Tuck FAQ

Precision Plastic Surgery Answers Your Tummy Tuck Questions

Precision Plastic Surgery of Austin, TX provides tummy tuck procedures to those who want to correct excess abdominal skin and soft tissue. Whether you recently experienced significant weight loss or you underwent a pregnancy, a tummy tuck can help you achieve the stomach you desire. Get a flatter, more defined abdomen, and ditch your bothersome bulge. When you come in for your initial consultation, we will discuss your goals for the tummy tuck and discuss whether you will require liposuction in addition to the tummy tuck procedure to achieve optimal results. Call today to schedule your initial consultation or to ask any questions you may have after reading through our FAQ.

  1. When Can I Go Back to Work?

    Recovery time varies from patient to patient, but you can expect to be back at work within two to six weeks after your surgery. We prepare our patients to stay one to two nights in a hospital setting where we can monitor your drainage and how your body responds to the procedure. Once a patient is discharged, we recommend the drainage tubes stay in place for one to two weeks. During this time, all physical activity should be limited. It is important to remember that a tummy tuck is a major surgery, and you need to take the recovery seriously.

  2. What’s the Difference Between a Tummy Tuck and Liposuction?

    While some patients may achieve optimal results with a combination of tummy tuck and liposuction procedures, the surgeries themselves are separate and involve different steps. Liposuction uses a vacuum-like suction unit to remove fat located between the skin and abdominal muscles. It does not remove excess skin. The tummy tuck removes extra skin and repairs torn or weak muscles using stitches. Liposuction can be used to treat many areas that contain excess fat, including the stomach, butt, thighs, hips, back, neck, arms, and more. A tummy tuck, as the name suggests, only involves the lower abdominal area.

  3. When Will My Sutures (Stitches) Be Removed?

    Generally, all non-dissolving stitches will be removed ten days after surgery. Other stitches should dissolve within six to eight weeks, if applicable. It is important not to pull on or tamper with stitches, even if they become visible, palpable, or uncomfortable. Please reach out to our team if you experience any issues or discomfort.

  4. When Can I Begin Exercising?

    You should refrain from all strenuous exercise for six weeks following surgery. When you first get back in the gym, we recommend avoiding vigorous activities, including lifting heavy weights and doing sit-ups. Everyone recovers at a different rate, so it is important to stay in tune with your body and in communication with our medical staff throughout your recovery process.

  5. When Will I Be Able to Drive?

    You will not be able to drive home after the surgery and your one to two-night hospital stay. You will need someone to drive you home from the hospital. We recommend that person stay with you for the next two days to aid with your recovery once you are out of the hospital and back at home. This assistance is helpful because you may have trouble completing household tasks due to soreness, discomfort, or medication associated with the procedure.

  6. Why Choose Precision Plastic Surgery for My Tummy Tuck?

    Dr. John McFate is a board certified plastic surgeon and he not only owns the practice, but he is also the sole practitioner. That means you know exactly who will be performing your tummy tuck. When you choose Precision Plastic Surgery, you will get Dr. McFate’s expertise and experience. When you choose Precision Plastic Surgery, you choose one of the best plastic surgeons in the country. In 2017, we were named among America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, and we strive to live up to that title every day. We take our patient-oriented approach to plastic surgery very seriously and want each person we serve to leave our office feeling more empowered and confident than ever. Our staff is world-class, lead by the decorated surgeon, Dr. John McFate. His skilled team always provides accurate, professional, and confidential service. We always keep our patients well informed of their process and what is to be expected before, during, and after the tummy tuck procedure. Dr. McFate will take the time to understand your goals and concerns, and we always want you to feel heard and be comfortable in our care.

Contact Us to Request a Consultation

You can trust our team at Precision Plastic Surgery to make your tummy tuck experience a positive one. We work with each of our patients to make sure they are comfortable and informed from consultation to recovery. We will strive to help you achieve the body of your dreams, so you can leave the procedure feeling more confident than ever. Upon your first consultation, we discuss your goals at length, so you are sure to come out of the process with an outcome you love. To learn more about the procedure, be sure to watch the our tummy tuck videos. You won’t find a better tummy tuck experience in Austin, TX. Contact our team today to schedule your consultation. We’d be happy to answer any further questions you may have.

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