Abdominoplasty, the cosmetic procedure commonly called a “tummy tuck” is designed to remove loose skin from the abdomen and tighten the underlying muscles on the abdominal wall. After pregnancy or major weight loss, excess skin and stretched muscles are a problem for many people.
Dr. Rand can tailor your tummy tuck to meet your individual needs. Some people have problems with loose skin, some have weakened muscles, and others have fat deposits that may be corrected with liposuction. Depending on your condition, Dr. Rand may recommend a fully tummy tuck, mini-tummy tuck, lipoabdominoplasty or panniculectomy.
Choosing the Right Procedure: Full or Mini-Tummy Tuck
Two basic types of tummy tuck surgery are performed by plastic surgeons today – the full and mini tuck. When excess skin is limited to the area below the belly button, the mini tummy tuck may be appropriate. Over 90 percent of candidates will benefit from the full tummy tuck rather than the mini.
The Right Candidates for Abdominoplasty
Those who meet conditions like the following may benefit from abdominoplasty:
- Problems with loose extra skin
- Stretch marks on the lower abdomen
- Weakened or stretched muscles from pregnancy
- Within 10-20 pounds of your ideal body weight
Placement of Tummy Tuck Incisions
The incision for a traditional tummy tuck travels across the hips and often resembles the shape of bicycle handlebars. In some cases a vertical incision is also necessary. Your surgeon should take your clothing preferences and body shape into account and modify the incisions to make scars inconspicuous. If you have enough extra skin above the belly button, you can get a very low, well-hidden scar.
What To Expect After Your Tummy Tuck
There will be discomfort after your tummy tuck, but prescription medications will help manage it. Staying calm and having a positive attitude will help during recovery as well. All sutures will dissolve on their own. Dr. Rand tells patients “they will feel 85% normal after one month and totally normal between 2-3 months after surgery.”
Regular post-operative visits will be scheduled: the first is the day after surgery, the next visit is about 1 week later to remove the single drain, and another visit is at 6-8 weeks. After 8 weeks, exercise can be fully resumed.
Abdominoplasty FAQ
What is it? Surgical procedure to flatten abdomen by removing excess skin and tissue while tightening abdominal muscles.
How long does it take? 2-5 hours
What type of anesthesia? General anesthesia or local with sedation
Are there possible side effects? Temporary pain. Swelling, soreness, numbness of abdominal skin, bruising, tiredness for several weeks or months.
Are there serious risks? Blood clots. Infection. Bleeding under the skin flap. Poor healing resulting in conspicuous scarring or skin loss. Need for a second operation.
How long to recover? Back to work: 2 to 4 weeks. More strenuous activity: 6 weeks or more. Fading and flattening of scars: 3 months to 2 years.
Top Tummy tuck Doctor 2010
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