Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
A Tummy Tuck, also called an Abdominoplasty is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure used to tighten overly stretched abdominal muscles and skin in an effort to achieve a smoother, flatter appearance. Whether stretched by factors such as weight gain, weight loss and pregnancy, patients can find it difficult for the abdomen to return to its original shape. Stretched beyond the capacity to return to normal, abdominal tissues do not always respond to exercise and diet programs. A tummy tuck may provide an immediate solution in the treatment of loose abdominal muscles as well as remove sagging skin and fatty tissue. This also leaves the waist smaller as an added benefit. Call our Clinique Dallas office today.
You will be able to return to non strenuous work approximately 2 – 4 weeks after surgery. Approximately 4 – 6 weeks after surgery, strenuous activity will be allowed. Sometime around the 8th week after surgery you will be allowed to resume all activities. Scars will flatten and fade between 3 months and 2 years after surgery.
Indications:
Women and Men bothered by excess skin/fat to their abdomen that is not responsive to diet and exercises. Women that have excess skin and stretched abdominal muscles due to excess weight or childbirth.
The Procedure:
- An Abdominoplasty takes 3-4 hours. The procedure is done as an outpatient surgery under general anesthesia.
- The procedure can be performed alone or in conjunction with other procedures, such as a Breast Lift or Breast Augmentation.
- An incision is made about the pubic area and extends horizontally around your abdomen.
- The Abdominoplasty tightens the underlying muscle and removes excess skin.
- The incisions are internal and dissolvable. Incisions will be covered with tape following surgery.
- A Silicone Lined Abdominal Garment will be worn starting week 1 post surgery.
Additional Before & After examples available at consultation.
Recovery:
- Discomfort is moderate. Pain medication will be prescribed.
- Numbness to the Abdomen is expected and should subside.
- Patients should walk slightly bent over for about a week.
- An Abdominal Binder should be worn.
- Strenuous Activity should be avoided for 5 weeks. Patient should stay mobile after surgery.
- Avoid tanning the incision
Risks:
- Seroma: Fluid Collection
- DVT/Blood Clots
- Delayed Healing (more common in smokers)
- Infection
- Reactions to anesthesia
To learn more about Clinique Dallas Plastic Surgery and the wide variety of procedures we perform, please call our office at (972) 566-2010 or send us an email using the contact form.