cOSMETIC PROCEDURES > body > tummy tuck

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Tummy tuck

Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin and, in most cases, restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.

For a selected group of patients, a mini tummy tuck can be the most practical option. This procedure involves a smaller incision compared to a traditional tummy tuck. It therefore results in a shorter scar, and has a quicker recovery. Dr. Abedi can assist you in selecting the procedure that best meets your needs, enabling you to refine your appearance and once again embrace your confidence.

Contents

What is a tummy tuck?

A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals. Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include:

  • Aging

  • Heredity

  • Pregnancy

  • Prior surgery

  • Significant fluctuations in weight

What it won't do:

A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight (up or down). For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies would be advised to postpone a tummy tuck. Also, a tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised.

Consultation and Preparing for Surgery

The success and safety of your tummy tuck procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You'll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.

  • Tummy tuck surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else's desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. Abdominoplasty is a good option for you if:

    • You are physically healthy and at a stable weight

    • You have realistic expectations

    • You are a non-smoker

    • You are bothered by the appearance of your abdomen

    • Your surgical goals

    • Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments

    • Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use

    • Previous surgeries

    • Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors

    • Take photographs

    • Discuss your options

    • Recommend a course of treatment

    • Discuss likely outcomes of the tummy tuck and any risks or potential complications

    • Get lab testing or a medical evaluation

    • Take certain medications or adjust your current medications

    • Stop smoking

    • Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

The Procedure

STEP 1: Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The anesthesiologist will discuss different options with you on the day of your surgery. Be sure to let your doctor know if you have had prior complications from general anesthetic.

Step 2: The Incision

A full tummy tuck requires a horizontally-oriented incision in the area between the pubic hairline and belly button. The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the amount of excess skin. Once the abdominal skin is lifted, the underlying weakened abdominal muscles are repaired.  

A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen. The upper abdominal skin is pulled down like a window shade. The excess skin is trimmed and the remaining skin is sutured together. A new opening for the belly button is created. The belly button is popped through to the surface and sutured into position.

 Planned Incisions  (Before)

Planned Incisions (Before)

Rectus Diastasis (Muscle Separation) - Before

Final Scars (After)

Final Scars (After)

STEP 3: Closing the Incisions

Sutures, skin adhesives, and tapes close the skin incisions.

Rectus Diastasis Repair - After

STEP 4: See the Results

Your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight. The final results may be initially obscured by swelling and your inability to stand fully upright until internal healing is complete.  Within a week or two, you should be standing tall and confident in your new slimmer profile.

risks and safety

The decision to have a tummy tuck is extremely personal, and you'll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks.

The risks include:

  • Anesthesia risks

  • Bleeding

  • Infection

  • Fluid accumulation (seroma)

  • Poor wound healing

  • Skin loss

  • Numbness or other changes in skin sensation which can be temporary or permanent

  • Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling

  • Unfavorable scarring

  • Recurrent looseness of skin

  • Contour deformities

  • Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die and create lumps (fat necrosis)

  • Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications

  • Asymmetry

  • Suboptimal aesthetic result

  • Possibility of revisional surgery

  • Persistent pain

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It's important that you address all your questions directly with Dr. Abedi during your consultation.

RECOVERY AFTER SURGERY

Following your surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your abdomen as it heals. In most cases, especially when liposuction is done, small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect. These tubes can stay up to 2 weeks depending on the amount of drainage.

Prior to your discharge from the surgical facility, Dr. Abedi will give you specific instructions that may include how to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, when to change dressings and shower, and when to follow up with her in the office. Dr. Abedi sees all her post op patients personally within 1 week from their surgery and earlier if any issues arise.

Please be sure to follow all instructions carefully - this is essential to the success of your outcome. You will need to wear your compression garment around the clock for 4-6 weeks. You should avoid standing fully upright and stressing any internal sutures as they heal, and to sleep with pillows elevating your knees for the first 1-2 weeks.You may be instructed to avoid bending, straining, exercising, or heavy lifting for several days to 6 weeks. However, be sure to remain active and walk. To minimize the risk of DVT (blood clots in the legs) you will need to be up and walking as soon as possible, and drinking plenty of fluid. Dr. Abedi will discuss your limitations and duration of the limitations at your follow up visit based on your healing. If significant liposuction is done, compression garments need to be downsized at 2 weeks post procedure as the swelling improves. The surgical tapes along the incision will remain until they fall off and are then replaced with silicone tapes. These tapes should be worn continuously for 3 months to optimize your scar appearance. 

Many patients benefit from lymphatic massage if a moderate amount of liposuction is performed at time of abdominoplasty. Be sure to discuss this with Dr. Abedi and make an appointment with a registered massage therapist prior to your surgical procedure if required.

results

The final results of your tummy tuck may be initially obscured by swelling and your inability to stand fully upright until internal healing is complete. Your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight. Previous abdominal surgery may limit the potential results of a tummy tuck. In women who have undergone cesarean section, the existing scars may be incorporated into the new scar. Scar may take several months to a year to fade as much as they will.

Although good results are expected from your procedure, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.

What is Mini Tummy Tuck
(Mini-abdominoplasty)?

While a traditional tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) can deliver remarkable and enduring improvements in abdominal contour, it often leaves a long scar. However, not every patient requires a full tummy tuck. For many individuals who are fit, have only a small amount of excess skin, and maintain good skin tone, a mini tummy tuck combined with abdominal liposuction may be a more appropriate choice. The mini tummy tuck involves a smaller incision and results in a shorter scar compared to the traditional approach. It is particularly ideal for those with excess skin concentrated below the belly button, minimal excess abdominal fat, higher positioned belly button, and limited muscle laxity.

The mini tummy tuck is associated with a quicker recovery and less postoperative discomfort than a traditional tummy tuck.

Who Is a Candidate for a Mini Tummy Tuck? 

You might be a candidate for a mini tummy tuck if you:

  • Have excess skin confined to below the belly button

  • Have good muscle tone with minimal muscle laxity

  • Have mild to moderate excess fat

  • Have good skin tone

RECOVERY AFTER SURGERY

Recovery from a mini tummy tuck generally takes a few weeks. Most patients are able to return to work within 2 weeks and if no muscle work is done, can resume most activities by 2 weeks. To achieve best results, we recommend most patients to wear their compression garments for up to 4-6 weeks post surgery.

Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. Prices for tummy tuck procedures can vary based on geographical location of surgery, your size and surgical needs, and experience of your surgeon. Dr. Abedi offers patient financing plans through Beautifi, so be sure to ask.

Cost may include:

  • Anesthesia fees

  • Hospital or surgical facility costs

  • Medical tests

  • Post-surgery garments

  • Prescriptions for medication

  • Surgeon's fee

Note: Medical services plan DOES NOT cover the cost of abdominoplasty or rectus diastasis repair. 

cost

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