Tummy Tuck in Baltimore, MD

The recovery is typically described as uncomfortable rather than painful. Any minimal pain can be better tolerated with prescribed pain medication and muscle relaxers. If you experience any sharp pain or other unusual symptoms, please contact our office immediately.

Tummy tuck surgery is performed in one session. Before your surgery, you will have an initial consultation and a pre-operative appointment to confirm you are cleared for surgery. After your surgery, you’ll also need to attend a few follow-up appointments, where Dr. Rottman will check your incision sites, remove drains, fit you for compression garments, and make sure you are healing well.

While you’ll notice some initial improvements in the contours of your midsection, these results are accompanied by swelling and bruising. Following the recovery tips and other recommendations provided by Dr. Rottman will help you see results on the expected timeline, usually within 3-6 months.

Initially, scarring will be noticeable as the color is usually a dark red. Over time, around six months or longer, the scars should fade to a pale color, making them less visible.

You can expect to have a drain. Although a drain may not feel convenient, it is necessary to keep fluid from accumulating post-surgery. Drains also help to prevent seromas (a pocket of clear fluid) from forming.

It is important to get up and move within a day or two. Around four to six weeks, patients start to feel better as the soreness fades. At this time, you can start easing back into exercise.

Whether you need a tummy tuck or abdominal liposuction depends on how much excess skin you have. A tummy tuck removes excess skin, while liposuction conforms to your new shape.

Dr. Rottman must clear you before you can travel after your tummy tuck surgery. He considers the extent of your surgery, your overall health, and how far you plan to travel. Cabin pressure and prolonged sitting can increase unnecessary risks, including deep vein thrombosis and prolonged swelling and bruising. Short trips are typically acceptable within 2-3 weeks, and longer trips are acceptable within 3-4 weeks.

Every surgery, including abdominoplasty, carries potential risks that patients should acknowledge, so they can be prepared if they occur. Some risks associated with abdominoplasty include:

• Fat necrosis
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Fluid accumulation
• Infection
• Persistent pain
• Poor wound healing
• Anesthesia risks
• Need for revisional surgery
• Noticeable scarring
• Skin loss

As you look for a plastic surgeon to perform your tummy tuck, you should consider several factors. While it may seem tempting to choose someone who offers lower prices, they may have less experience and are not board-certified. A board-certified plastic surgeon has passed rigorous oral and written exams, earned official certification from a renowned, accredited institution, and completed verified, specialized training that qualifies them to perform plastic surgery.

You can also read patient reviews on Google, read their philosophy, and look at before-and-after results. Dr. Rottman is always transparent about his services, including pricing, techniques, and tools. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Rottman in Baltimore today.

Tummy tuck results, also known as abdominoplasty, are generally considered permanent. The fat cells and skin removed during the procedure cannot grow back, and the internal sutures used to repair abdominal muscles are meant to stay in place indefinitely. However, significant weight gain or loss can change the appearance of the results over time. For example, if you’re planning on getting pregnant, I may recommend postponing the procedure because pregnancy can stretch your muscles and skin.