Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty)

A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. But regardless of effort, sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals. If you desire a tighter, flatter abdomen, then a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) may be appropriate to help achieve your goals.

WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK? Tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a common term for the surgical procedure to correct a protruding or loose, sagging abdomen. Areas to be treated may include the center of the abdomen or may extend to the entire area between the lower rib cage and pubic bone, as well as to the sides and back. Abdominal contouring can be performed using a variety of techniques. When localized fat is the cause, abdominal contour surgery may be performed using only liposuction techniques. When excess fat is combined with loose, sagging skin and tissue, a tummy tuck removes unwanted fat, tissues and skin by excision. Abdominal muscles that have weakened or separated, a condition called diastasis, can also be corrected with a tummy tuck.

IS ABDOMINOPLASTY RIGHT FOR ME? Tummy tuck is best performed on adults of any age who are in good health, are close to the ideal weight for their body type and size, are moderately fit and overall, have good muscle tone. Good candidates are healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that impair healing, non-smokers, and individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for body contouring. Previous abdominal surgery may limit the potential results of a tummy tuck. In women who have undergone cesarean section, the existing scars may often be incorporated or revised for new incisions. Also, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies may be advised to postpone a tummy tuck.

WHAT RESULTS SHOULD I EXPECT RIGHT AFTER SURGERY? Once your procedure is completed, dressing or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and to support your abdomen as it heals. You may also have a small, thin tube temporarily placed under your skin to drain any excess blood that may collect. Initial healing will include swelling and discomfort at the incision sites. Discomfort is common and can be controlled with medication. You will be instructed to return to light walking as soon as possible to minimize the potential for blood clots and other complications. You must avoid bending, straining, or lifting anything for several days. Your surgeon may also instruct you not to stand fully upright, to avoid stressing any internal sutures as they heal, and to sleep with pillows elevating your knees.

A return to light, normal activity is possible as soon as you feel ready, usually within a few days of surgery. Initial wound healing may take 5-10 days. Any sutures will be removed some time after that, if necessary. You will be ready to return to work and normal activity in a few weeks, so long as you do not engage in any heavy lifting or vigorous exercise. Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling dissipates and incision lines continue to improve. You must practice diligent sun protection until the healing process is fully complete.

WHAT RESULTS SHOULD I EXPECT OVER TIME? The results of a tummy tuck are visible almost immediately; however it may take several months for your final results to fully develop. Numbness and a firm feeling over the skin's surface will resolve over the following months. It may take a year or more for incision lines to refine to some degree. Although they are permanent, these scars are hidden by most clothing and swimsuits. Your new profile with a firm and flat abdomen is relatively permanent, so long as you maintain your weight and general fitness. As your body ages you may find that some firmness is lost in the abdomen. However, this is minimal compared to the initial conditions that were corrected to achieve your now toned abdomen.

The Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery has performed thousands of procedures over the past 10 years. Our surgeons, staff and on-site surgical facility are all certified and have received a customer satisfaction rating of 98% for overall satisfaction. (Among the highest in the nation). At The Center, every client is treated with care like a family member, both before and after surgery by our highly skilled team of surgeons and nursing staff. We are here to answer any questions you may have. We want you to have all the facts, to comfortably make an informed decision about the best way to restore or improve your appearance.

If you have any questions please call us at: 920-725-0700.