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Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

Tummy tuck surgery, also referred to as abdominoplasty, is designed to improve abdominal contours by removing excess skin and fat, tightening the underlying abdominal musculature, and pulling the remaining skin taut for a flatter, firmer look and feel. This treatment is a very popular option among both women and men who would like to achieve more defined contours and a more fit appearance in the abdomen. Certain lifestyle changes, including pregnancy, weight loss, and aging, may lead to a loss of skin elasticity and muscle weakness in the abdominal area, causing a lower tummy bulge and sagging skin. Despite trying to make improvements through a healthy diet and targeted abdominal exercises, it is common for these aesthetic concerns to remain. Fortunately, a tummy tuck can help many individuals successfully address those conditions. Additionally, tummy tuck surgery is frequently combined with other procedures, such as liposuction or breast augmentation, as a Mommy Makeover for a more comprehensive rejuvenation.

During an initial consultation, our skilled plastic surgeon can create an abdominoplasty treatment plan that factors in the unique aesthetic desires of each patient to achieve a beautifully recontoured, natural-looking result.

Tummy Tuck Quick Facts

  • Potential Benefits: Tightened and repaired abdominal muscles; reduction of excess, sagging abdominal skin; a flatter and more fit-looking abdomen
  • Procedure: Outpatient for most individuals (approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on the needs of each patient)
  • Sedation: General anesthesia
  • Recovery: A minimum of 1 to 2 weeks (for non-strenuous jobs and activities)

Who Is a Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?

The best way to find out if you are a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery is to meet with one of our plastic surgeons, Dr. Robert Taylor or Dr. Kasia Kania, for a consultation. They will be able to evaluate your needs and the condition of your skin to determine whether a tummy tuck is the best option for your goals. Ideal candidates for tummy tuck surgery typically include individuals who are in good general health and are considering options to address excess skin and fat in the abdominal area that is resistant to traditional diet and exercise routines. Candidates must also have realistic expectations for what this treatment can accomplish. It is important for patients to understand that tummy tuck surgery is not designed to be a weight loss procedure. In fact, good candidates for a tummy tuck are typically patients who are at or near the average healthy weight for their body type. With that in mind, this treatment can often be an ideal option for patients who are bothered by excess skin and fat that has collected in the abdominal region after significant weight loss resulting from bariatric surgery or dieting and exercise. Patients must also be prepared to stop smoking several weeks before tummy tuck surgery is performed and to avoid smoking after the procedure, as well. Smoking can create a risk of skin loss and dramatically increase the chances of complications during the healing process.

What Are the Benefits of Tummy Tuck Surgery?

To achieve renewed contours in areas that can be particularly difficult to tone, even with daily exercise, tummy tuck surgery offers many benefits, including:

  • Eliminating loose, excess skin
  • Removing stubborn fat pockets
  • Tightening abdominal musculature
  • The ability to achieve a better fit in desired clothing
  • Renewed confidence with a slimmer waistline

Our experienced surgeons are dedicated to taking the time to understand each patient’s unique goals and how the outcome of their surgery can provide the greatest beneficial result.

What Happens During the Tummy Tuck Consultation?

During your consultation, one of our plastic surgeons will evaluate the amount of loose skin in the abdominal area, as well as the condition of your abdominal muscles. They will also evaluate the amount of excess fat to eliminate and determine if liposuction and/or a state-of-the-art option such as Renuvion® skin tightening may be necessary to achieve your desired goals. Renuvion® is an innovative device that combines the rejuvenating power of radiofrequency energy and helium plasma to tighten areas of sagging or “loose” skin. It is often used in tandem with procedures such as abdominoplasty or liposuction to help the skin contract and enhance the results of those treatments for a smoother, firmer look. Renuvion® is the only device of its kind cleared by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for use after liposuction. It is also the only FDA-cleared device for subcutaneous tissue contraction.

To prepare for consultation, make sure you can discuss your medical history with our surgeon, including any medical conditions, allergies, previous surgeries, and current medications. It is vital to provide accurate and complete information to ensure a positive surgical plan.

If it is determined that you are an ideal candidate for tummy tuck surgery and you decide to move forward with the procedure, the customized treatment plan will be developed. There will be a pre-op appointment before surgery where our nurse will address any concerns you may have and provide you with post-operative instructions. Our practice always has a nurse on-call to answer questions.

What Does the Tummy Tuck Procedure Involve?

Generally, tummy tuck surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under general anesthesia. Depending on the complexities and goals of the patient, it takes approximately two to three hours to perform an abdominoplasty. At Taylor Plastic Surgery, all tummy tuck procedures are performed in our state-of-the-art, highly accredited, on-site surgery center. There are several tummy tuck methods, such as the traditional tummy tuck, the mini tummy tuck, or the extended tummy tuck. Based on your goals, our plastic surgeon will recommend a technique specifically tailored to you.

Once surgery is complete, you will be taken to a recovery area where you will be further monitored. In most cases, small drain tubes will be placed in the abdominal tissue to avoid accumulation of fluid and further complications. You will be wrapped in gauze or other dressings to reduce swelling and inflammation. Additionally, our plastic surgeons often utilize a special type of local anesthesia called EXPAREL® for our tummy tuck patients. EXPAREL® is designed to control post-operative pain in the treatment area during the early days of recovery, when it is typically most prominent. EXPAREL® is not an opioid- or narcotic-based medication—it is a long-lasting local numbing agent administered via ultrasound during the tummy tuck surgery and is capable of providing a few days of pain relief following the procedure.

It is necessary to follow our physician’s specific aftercare instructions to minimize risks and help ensure a positive recovery.

What Can I Expect During Tummy Tuck Recovery?

You will be given detailed post-operative instructions and guidelines to help you achieve the safest, smoothest recovery possible. Following tummy tuck surgery, you may experience some mild discomfort and swelling, but this is generally controlled with proper medication. Recovery times vary greatly among each patient based on their unique rate of healing and the extent of tissues repositioned during surgery. Depending on the extent of your tummy tuck procedure and your physical condition, you may be able to return to non-strenuous work one to three weeks after surgery. In some cases, you can resume most of your normal activities after a few weeks.

It is important to note that our practice always has an on-call nurse available to answer any questions you may have during the recovery process.

How Long Will Tummy Tuck Results Last?

When tummy tuck surgery patients commit to a lifestyle of healthy diet and regular exercise, their rejuvenated abdominal results should remain firmer and flatter for many years. With that in mind, it is important to note that gaining a significant amount of weight can reverse the newly enhanced contours, so it is highly recommended to maintain a stable weight after surgery.

If you would like more information about tummy tuck surgery, or if you are ready to schedule a consultation, please contact us today.

Medical Resources:

ASPS: Tummy Tuck Surgery
RealSelf: The Ultimate Guide to Abdominoplasty
Renuvion®

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