Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fatty tissue from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten muscles of the abdominal wall. Abdominoplasty is not a surgical treatment for being overweight. Overweight individuals who intend to lose weight should postpone all forms of body contouring surgery until they have reached a stable weight.

There are a variety of different techniques used by cosmetic surgeons for abdominoplasty. Abdominoplasty can be combined with other forms of body-contouring surgery, including suction-assisted lipectomy, or performed at the same time with other elective surgeries. Your cosmetic surgeon will also reposition the skin around your belly button. Your belly button will be brought out through a small incision and sutured in its normal position.

• Weight loss: A tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure. While it may remove some excess fat and skin, it is not a substitute for weight loss through diet and exercise.

• Six-pack abs: While a tummy tuck can remove excess fat and tighten loose skin, it is not a muscle-toning procedure. It will not give you a six-pack or toned abdominal muscles. That said, some surgeons may perform additional muscle tightening during the procedure, but you should discuss this with your surgeon before the procedure.

• Immediate results: While a tummy tuck can provide significant improvements to your abdominal area, it may take several months to see the final results of the procedure. You may experience some swelling and bruising immediately following the procedure, and it may take several weeks or even months for this to subside.

• Permanent results: A tummy tuck can provide long-lasting results, but it is not a permanent solution. Changes in weight or pregnancy can affect the results of the procedure over time.

• A cure-all for body image issues: A tummy tuck can improve your appearance and boost your self-confidence, but it is not a solution for underlying body image issues. You should have realistic expectations and discuss your goals with your surgeon before the procedure.

What not to expect:

1. Stop smoking. Smoking decreases blood flow in the skin and can slow the healing process. In addition, smoking increases the risk of tissue damage. If you smoke, your doctor will recommend that you stop smoking before surgery and during recovery.

2. Avoid certain medications. You'll likely need to avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements, which can increase bleeding.

3. Maintain a stable weight. Ideally, you'll maintain a stable weight for at least 12 months before having a tummy tuck. If you're severely overweight, your doctor will recommend that you lose weight before the procedure. Significant weight loss after the procedure can diminish your results.

4. Arrange for help during recovery. Make plans for someone to drive you home after you leave the hospital and stay with you for at least the first night of your recovery at home.

Before a tummy tuck, you might also need to:

Benefits:

• Strengthens your core

• Improved posture

• Minimize the risk for certain medical conditions

• Prevents hernias

• Back pain relief

• Become more active

• Tightening of abdomen muscles to prevent protrusion

The Process

1.      Meet with the Dr.

2.      Create a surgical plan that is right for you.

3.      Schedule your surgery.

4.      Get a medical clearance to clear you for surgery.

5.      Schedule your pre-op before surgery.

6.      Take pre-op photos.

7.      Have surgery.

8.      Return to the office for your post-op visit.