Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is the removal of loose, excess skin and
fat of the lower abdomen. The "tummy tuck” is frequently performed after
the completion of pregnancies. Following childbirth, the stretched skin
and muscle rarely returns completely back to normal. Skin may hang,
abdominal muscles may be slack and provide less back support, and
neither can be improved by exercise. Stretch marks are removed, only
where the skin is excised. Any remaining stretch marks may be diminished
with laser treatments.
Other patients, who have excess skin as the result from weight-loss
surgery, or diet and exercise, can benefit from removing the “apron of
skin.”
Click here to see more before and after pictures.
For those who have a lesser degree of lower abdominal skin and fat,
but are not candidates for liposuction alone, or a full Abdominoplasty,
the
LipoLift™ is available and very effective.
The “mini-abdominoplasty” excises the skin and fat below the
umbilicus (belly-button). It requires a smaller incision and allows for a
rapid recovery (frequently, less than one week). Another approach uses a
small vertical incision above the pubic hairline. The approach that is
used is tailored to fit with the patient’s needs and desires.
These procedures are performed as an outpatient - discomfort is
minimal; patients are encouraged to avoid prolonged bed rest. Incisions
are tailored so they may be concealed by clothing or swimwear. You’re
encouraged to bring a favorite swim suit on the morning of surgery to
assist in the placement of incisions. Normal activities can be resumed a
week or two after surgery.
In the vast majority of cases it is not necessary to use general
anesthesia. We use conscious sedation (a type of twilight sedation)
whereby you are up and ready to go home after your procedure.
You’re likely to feel tired and sore for a few days, but you’ll be
expected to be up and about within twenty-four hours. Most of your
discomfort will be controlled by the medication prescribed. Your scars
will be firm and pink, for at least six weeks, but after several months
of healing, they will begin to fade.
For four days following surgery, you are encouraged to be out of bed,
but remain housebound. By the end of the first week, you will be able
to drive a car short distances and do light activities, and depending on
the level of activity required to do your job, you should be able to
return to work. After two weeks, you can do everything but strenuous
activity. Aerobic exercise can usually begin between four to six weeks
after surgery.
