Many people find themselves with excess skin and fat around the belly and decreased strength and tone of the muscles beneath. Whether it is from pregnancy, weight loss, surgery to treat obesity or simply aging, we long for an improved body contour and a smoother shape to the abdomen.
Both men and women can achieve their ideal, flatter and tighter stomach through Cosmetic Surgery of America’s Abdominoplasty procedures, more commonly called a “ Tummy Tuck”, the procedure:
- Removes excess skin and fat
- Tightens muscles beneath the stomach
- Re-drapes the skin for an enhanced body shape
- Repositions the navel within the newly contoured abdomen
- Enhances the belly button making it more vertically oriented
A good alternative to a complete tummy tuck is a mini, or partial, tummy tuck. Also called a limited incision abdominoplasty, the procedure is ideal for men and women whose excess skin and fat is not severe enough to need a full tummy tuck yet are too extensive for less invasive procedures to handle.
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Q & A
How is a tummy tuck performed?
Abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. During the surgery, an incision is made within the “bikini” or “boxer” line under the abdomen. This makes the scar inconspicuous under clothes following the procedure. Excess skin and fat from the abdominal wall between the pubic area and the umbilicus (navel) is then extracted. The skin of the abdominal wall at the level of the umbilicus is then drawn down to suture it to the pubic level. Any looseness of the muscles of the abdominal wall is repaired at the same time.
What is a partial, or mini, tummy tuck?
Some patients opt to have a “mini abdominoplasty” which involves shorter scars and depending on your physique, may afford similar results. A mini-tummy tuck may be chosen because of less excess skin and fat to be removed, the recovery time, costs, and because potential side-effects are less than those of a full tummy tuck procedure.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure takes around three hours to perform and patients could be sent home the same day or typically stay in a hospital overnight for post-operative recovery and care.
Can other procedures be performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck?
Yes. Liposuction may be carried out during a tummy tuck to thin the abdominal wall or as a separate procedure either before or after the abdominoplasty.
Will a tummy tuck help me control my weight?
No. Abdominoplasty will not stop you from gaining weight in the future and should not be sought as a treatment for weight control.
If I plan to get pregnant again, could I still be a candidate for a tummy tuck?
Our surgeons do not recommend complete or partial tummy tucks for women who are planning future pregnancies due to the fact that pregnancy would undo most of the benefits of the operation. They may, instead, recommend other procedures such as liposuction of the abdomen that may help achieve you aesthetic goals.
What can I expect during recovery?
Initially you will have swelling, bruising and noticeable scars. Some patients heal better and scar less than others, but all scars are red initially, and will fade in time. Typically, in complete abdominoplasty, your surgeon will use drainage tubes to remove excess fluid and these may be removed two days after surgery depending on the drainage. You will need to wear a supporting garment for six to eight weeks to ensure a smooth result.
For minimal incision tummy tucks, it is normal to experience discomfort for several days post-op. Though swelling of the abdomen may take between 7 to 10 days to resolve, you would be able to walk a day after the surgery and in fact, mobility would be encouraged by your surgeon.
For any tummy tuck technique, it is common for there to be diminished sensation on the skin of the operated area. The mild numbness will gradually return slowly over a number of months.
How long with the procedure take?
Complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to five hours, depending on the extent of work required. A mini abdominoplasty may take an hour or two.
Does abdominoplasty require hospital admittance?
Due to recent developments in plastic surgery, a complete abdominoplasty can now be done on an out-patient basis. Some patients may consider being admitted after the surgery, if so, expect at least a one to two day stay. Minimal incision tummy tucks is also performed on an outpatient basis and patients may recuperate at home.
How long will it take for me to return to work?
There are patients who return to work about 7 to 10 days after surgery while for some, recovery is a slower process taking several weeks to regain full mobility.
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