Full and Mini Tummy Tuck
A flabby abdomen is due not only to fat, but to poor elasticity of the skin, excess skin, and a stretching of the inner girdle of connective tissue fascia and abdominal muscles rectus muscles that extend from the ribs to the pubic bone. This inner girdle, which holds the internal organs in place, is responsible for the tone and appearance of the abdomen.
Particularly after this fascia has been stretched during pregnancy or weight gain, the abdomen protrudes. Abdominoplasty tummy tuck can remove loose, excess skin and fat, and tighten slack fascia.
Key Facts
Anesthesia: General anesthesia
Length of procedure: Up to 3 hours
Length of stay: Usually home same day
Discomfort: Mild to moderate, controlled with pain medications
Anticipate: Swelling up to 6 weeks that could take up to 3 months to resolve completely
Final result: 3 months
Duration of results: Usually lasting, unless substantial weight gain or pregnancy occurs
A tummy tuck also can remove stretch marks and excess skin in the lower abdomen below the belly button. Liposuction may be used to improve the contour of flanks or hips. A tummy tuck may narrow the waist, but not the hips. To achieve a balance between the two, the surgeon may recommend liposuction of the hips and thighs at the same time.
Candidates for abdominoplasty must abstain from all nicotine products and avoid secondhand smoke for at least six weeks before and after surgery, and refrain from taking aspirin three weeks before and after surgery.
What to expect
Abdominoplasty entails removing most of the skin and fat between the belly button and pubic hair in a horizontal oval or elliptical shape. The fascia, which overlies the abdominal muscles, will be tightened with permanent sutures.
The skin around the belly button will then be repositioned. The belly button will be brought out through a small incision and sutured in its normal position. The incision from hip to hip above the pubic hair will be stitched together and will leave a scar that falls along the natural crease within the bikini line. The length and visibility of the scar varies from person to person.
Drains may be placed during surgery to prevent fluid collections seromas. In some cases, drains are left beneath the skin for several weeks following surgery. Patients will be instructed how to empty and care for drains. They will also wear a supportive garment, called an abdominal binder, for four to six weeks after surgery. This helps prevent fluid buildup and provides abdominal support during healing.
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At Stay Beautiful, our goal is to attain the highest level of patient satisfaction. We are here to help you reach all your goals. From the time you enter our beautiful waiting room expect to receive the highest level of care. Our facilities are equipped with the latest and safest technologies in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery.