| |
Tummy Tuck - The Basics
Sunday, July 21, 2013
An abdominoplasty is a major surgical
procedure that will remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen and
tighten the abdominal muscles.
An incision is made across the lower
abdomen from hipbone to hipbone. A second incision is made around the belly
button. The skin and fat are separated from the abdominal wall. Excess skin and
fat are then excised. The abdominal muscles are tightened by shortening and
suturing them together. A small incision creates a new opening for the belly
button. It is brought out through the opening sutured to the new skin. Stretch
marks and scars may be removed during surgery.
Drains may be placed in the skin and
removed a few days later. The drains reduce swelling by collecting excess blood
and fluid. All incisions are closed. The procedure is usually performed in a
hospital or surgical center with an overnight stay.
What is the difference between a mini
tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck?
A mini tummy tuck, or partial
abdominoplasty, may be recommended for patients that are within 10% of their
ideal body weight. This procedure is less invasive and can be done on an outpatient
basis. While a full tummy tuck involves an incision around the navel and across
the lower abdomen, a mini tummy tuck leaves the navel intact and requires a
smaller incision. Liposuction is sometimes employed and the fat is removed from
below the navel, tightening muscles from the navel to the pubis.
If your abdominal muscles require more
extensive tightening and your body weight is more than 20% above your ideal
weight, your plastic surgeon is more likely to recommend a full abdominoplasty.
This frequently is performed with liposuction to obtain the best results.
What should you expect at your consultation?
At your initial consultation, your
plastic surgeon will evaluate your health, determine the extent of fat deposits
in your abdomen, and assess your skin tone. Be specific about what you would
like done. If your plastic surgeon fully understands your expectations, he’ll
be able to determine whether your goals are realistic.
What can you expect from your recovery from a tummy tuck?
Pain Level: Moderate to severe discomfort. 1-2 weeks of pain medication
Swelling: 2-6 weeks
Numbness: 6 months or more
Bandages: Changed in 2-5 days (sutures removed first 7-10 days)
Work: Return to desk job after 1 week, other jobs 10-14 days
Exercise: Wait 4-8 weeks
Final result: After scars heal, approximately 6 months-1 year
For the first few days after surgery,
the abdomen will probably be swollen and some pain and discomfort may occur,
which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery,
you may be released within a few hours or remain hospitalized for two to three
days.
The incisions will be covered with
surgical tape for two weeks to insure proper healing.
For information on results and recovery,
speak with your board certified plastic surgeon. Carefully follow your doctor’s
advice to best assure proper healing and lasting results. These are general
guidelines. The doctors here at Mangat-Holzapfel Plastic Surgery will
know your case best and can help guide you in a recovery plan that suits you
best.
If you’re interested in a tummy tuck,
call us at Mangat-Holzapfel Plastic Surgery for a consultation
at (513) 984-FACE in Cincinnati, (859) 331-9600 in Northern Kentucky, or (970)
766-FACE in the Vail Valley of Colorado.
|
|
|
|
|
Subscribe To Our Blog
|
Blog Categories
Body Procedures
02/14/2019 - What is Botox?
04/12/2018 - Debunking 5 Common Myths about
10/30/2017 - Should I Have Breast Reduction
12/22/2016 - Types of Breast Implants
11/14/2016 - Considering a Breast Augmentat
09/19/2016 - Who Can Benefit Most from a Tu
02/16/2016 - Model, Molly Sims, Endorses Co
11/17/2015 - Is CoolSculpting Right for You
09/15/2015 - One Group has Higher Rates of
04/14/2015 - Breast Lift Procedures and Var
12/16/2014 - Important Considerations Prior
08/13/2014 - Weight Loss Surgery on Your Bu
09/16/2013 - 'Gummy Bear' Breast Implants
07/21/2013 - Tummy Tuck - The Basics
06/28/2013 - Breast Lift - The Basics
Facial Procedures
08/17/2018 - 2 Most Effective Nonsurgical F
02/08/2018 - 3 Things to Know Before Going
09/15/2017 - Facial Reconstruction after Ca
01/19/2016 - What Can We Do for You with Ky
06/17/2015 - Blepharoplasty: A Surgical Pro
10/14/2014 - Treating Migraines with Botox
03/01/2013 - Trends in Non-Surgical Cosmeti
09/25/2012 - The Aging Face and Volume Loss
11/20/2011 - Chin Lifts – the Fastest Growi
General
04/11/2019 - Popular Cosmetic Procedures fo
12/13/2018 - What is the Difference between
06/21/2018 - Common Plastic Surgery Questio
12/18/2017 - Tis the Season - The Best Time
08/28/2017 - Winning the War on Hair Loss
08/14/2016 - Vogue Looks at CoolSculpting
06/15/2016 - Get Bikini Ready!
05/16/2016 - Sometimes All We Need is a Lit
04/17/2016 - CoolSculpting: Approved by FDA
03/14/2016 - In 2015 Cosmetic Surgery Saw a
12/17/2015 - Men Are Embracing the Cosmetic
10/14/2015 - Fat Reduction without Diet, Ex
08/20/2015 - People Do Age Differently, New
07/23/2015 - What Makes it a “Mommy Makeove
05/15/2015 - More Men Seek Cosmetic Surgery
03/17/2015 - Beyond Aesthetics – Cosmetic S
02/16/2015 - Cultural Differences Define At
01/06/2015 - Cosmetic Surgery Stories that
07/14/2014 - Looking Your Best: How Weight
06/20/2014 - Healthy Skin as We Age
04/02/2014 - Beyond Beauty: Reconstructive
08/05/2013 - Great Looking Legs: Plastic Su
12/04/2012 - Alcohol Consumption and Cosmet
11/28/2012 - Want a Healthy Glow? Eat more
10/18/2012 - Plastic Surgery Etiquette - Do
09/11/2012 - Plastic Surgery for Men - A Gr
10/03/2011 - How Plastic Surgeons Got Their
Skin Procedures
10/11/2018 - Body Contouring: Getting Rid o
07/15/2017 - What You Need to Know About Me
05/31/2017 - Skin Resurfacing for Acne Scar
07/14/2016 - What the DermaPen Can Do for Y
05/15/2014 - Get Ready for the Sun: Healthy
05/23/2013 - A Fresh Start for your Skin
03/01/2013 - Are You in Need of Hand Rejuve
|
Tag Cloud
|
|
|
| |