ABDOMINOPLASTY (TUMMY TUCK)
Click here to see before and after pictures of this procedure
INDICATIONS: Patients who present with loose abdominal skin which resulting from weight loss, weight gain, pregnancy, and age. Despite diet and exercise, the abdominal muscles may not tighten appropriately, due to the above causes. These patients are requesting a tighter, flatter, and smoother abdomen.
SURGERY: The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and an overnight stay at the surgery center may be recommended. Some patients may qualify for a mini-tummy tuck, depending upon the condition of the muscles and the skin above the belly button. The full procedure takes approximately 3 hours, anesthesia is necessary. Additional procedures performed at the time of a tummy tuck and will require additional time. Incisions are made around the belly button, and in the low crease of the abdomen, near the pubic area. Incisions are placed to be hidden in bikini, underwear, and bathing suit cover. Liposuction of the hip and backs folds is an additional procedure commonly requested by our patients. This is an additional fee, and requires additional time. Small drains are placed beneath the surgical site and are kept in place for a week to reduce bruising and swelling. The belly button is tucked to give a nice appearance.
POST OPERATIVE: An overnight stay at the surgery center is recommended. Patients are sent home the following morning. Patients leave with several drains in place, which are easily removed the following week. Sponge bathing is required until the drains are removed. An abdominal binder, and, or girdle is worn by the patient for several weeks following surgery. This helps reduce swelling and bruising, and is a comforting support for the patient. Mild discomfort is not uncommon. Patients are encouraged to move about, and are discouraged from staying in bed. Driving is permitted, in most cases, at one week. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise is not permitted for 4 weeks after surgery. Results are evident immediately after surgery and only get better with time. Liposuction of the hip and back folds compliments the results. Liposuction of the abdominal skin is not performed at the time of a full abdominoplasty, but can be safely performed 3-6 months after the initial surgery.
RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS: These are discussed with the patient at the time of their consultations
All of our procedures are performed using our proprietary Logical SequenceSM methodology.