Tummy Tuck

If you want a tighter, flatter abdomen, then a tummy tuck may be appropriate to help achieve your goals.

Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin, and in some cases restores weakened or separated muscles. This creates an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer, often enhancing your body image and confidence.

Procedural steps: A tummy tuck involves the surgical removal of excess abdominal fat and skin and includes tightening of the abdominal wall where muscles have weakened.

A full tummy tuck requires a horizontal incision in the area between the pubic hairline and navel. Incision size is largely dependent on the amount of excess skin to be removed.

Where correction is isolated to the area below the navel, a limited or mini tummy tuck with a shorter incision at the pubic bone may be recommended.

Liposuction may be performed with a mini tummy tuck where excess fat is the only factor.

Your results: Swelling should subside and initial results may appear in 2-4 weeks. Final results could appear in 8 weeks. Incision lines will continue to flatten and fade for up to 1 year.

Tummy Tuck

Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin, and in most cases restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.

Enhancing your appearance with a tummy tuck

A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals.

Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include:

·   Pregnancy

·   Aging

·   Significant fluctuations in weight

·   Heredity

·   Prior surgery

Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin, and in most cases restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.

What it won’t do:

A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program.

Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies may be advised to postpone a tummy tuck.

Also, a tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised, generally those treated areas below the belly button.

Is it right for me?

Tummy tuck surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.

Abdominoplasty is a good option for you if:

·   You are physically healthy and at a stable weight

·   You have realistic expectations

·   You are a non-smoker

·   You are bothered by the feeling that your tummy is too large

Be prepared to discuss:

·   Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome

·   Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments

·   Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs

·   Previous surgeries

Dr. Feldman may also:

·   Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors

·   Take photographs for your medical record

·   Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment

·   Discuss likely outcomes of the tummy tuck and any risks or potential complications

Important facts about the safety and risks of abdominoplasty

The decision to have tummy tuck surgery is extremely personal and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.

Dr. Feldman and staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

You’ll need help

If your abdominoplasty is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

My recovery

Be sure to ask Dr. Feldman specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.

·   Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?

·   What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?

·   Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery?

·   When will they be removed?

·   Are stitches removed? When?

·   When can I resume normal activity and exercise?

·   When do I return for follow-up care?

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 into the new scar.