Tummy Tuck

Tummy tuck, technically called an Abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure to correct a protruding or loose, sagging abdomen. The procedure removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall. The goal is to create an abdominal profile that is younger, smoother and firmer.

Tummy tucks are common for both men and women. People who have gained weight suffer from excess abdominal fat, whereas people who have lost weight often suffer from excess abdominal skin. Aging, weight loss, or pregnancy will also weaken and separate the abdominal muscles.

There are various types of tummy tucks. The technique selected depends on the degree of correction necessary. A full tummy tuck is needed when there is excess skin or fat throughout the abdomen or when muscle tightening is required. When there is only moderate skin overhang without excess fat above the belly button, a mini-tuck (mini-Abdominoplasty, partial tuck, partial Abdominoplasty) can be performed. During your consultation with Dr. Roham you will discuss which technique best fits your individual issues and needs.

Goals:

Procedure:

A full tummy tuck usually takes 2 to 5 hours, depending on the extent of work required.

Most commonly, an incision is made from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. The skin and fat is then separated from the abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline.

After tightening the abdominal muscles, the waist is then bent to allow the skin to stretch down. Any excess skin is removed. A new hole is cut for the belly button, which is then stitched in place. Before stitching the incision, a temporary tube is inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. After the incisions are stitched, dressings and a compression garment are applied.

A mini-tuck may take an hour or two. With a mini-tuck, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved.

Recovery:

After surgery, you will wear a compression garment over gauze dressings. Your abdomen will be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable for around a week, but the pain shouldn't be severe. Any discomfort you do feel can be relieved with pain medications. For a few days after surgery, it is important to keep the waist bent. Some numbness of the skin is normal; it will disappear in a few weeks or months.

While you must avoid straining and lifting anything for 2 weeks, it is important that you start walking as soon as possible. Because you won't be able to stand straight at first, you will be walking with your waist bent.

You will also be taught how to take care of the drainage tube and record the amount of fluid that comes out from it. The steps are very simple and easy to follow. Your doctor will remove the tubes when the drainage slows to an acceptable level.

Most patients are back to work or school in 2 to 4 weeks depending on the extent of the surgery. Although it is important to walk, you should avoid strenuous activity, including heavy lifting, pushing, jogging, housework, sex, or any activity that may put excessive stretch on your abdomen.

Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling resolves and incision lines fade.

Possible Risks and Complications:

Tummy tuck surgery is relatively straightforward. Complications are rare, but can occur.

Hematoma
As with any surgical procedure, excessive bleeding following the operation may cause some swelling and pain. Rarely, if excessive bleeding continues and collects underneath the skin (hematoma), another operation may be needed to control the bleeding and remove the accumulated blood.

Seroma
A drainage tube is placed at the time of surgery to prevent the accumulation of fluid beneath the skin. Occasionally, the fluid may pool after the drains are removed and require aspiration of the fluid.

Infection
A small percentage of patients develop an infection, most of the time it will be around the drainage tube sites. This may occur at any time, but is most often seen within a week after surgery. Usually antibiotic medications will resolve any infections.

Asymmetry
In almost all cases, the abdomen is asymmetric to begin with. While our doctor will attempt to correct for asymmetry, there are limits to what can be done.

Wound Healing Problems
Because of the amount of stretch the skin undergoes during a tummy tuck, sometimes there may be areas along the incision that has delayed healing. Usually this is in areas with the most tension or around the belly button. Delayed wound healing may require more frequent dressing changes until the wound heals. Rarely will revision surgery be needed to repair wound healing problems.

Deep Vein Thrombosis / Pulmonary Embolism
Complications of blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) are rare, but can occur. We here at Advance Laser & Cosmetics help decrease the risk of blood clots forming by having all our patients wear a compression garment. In addition, you can help minimize your risk by walking and moving around as soon as possible after surgery. Rarely, blood clots that form in the legs may travel to the lungs causing respiratory problems (pulmonary embolism). The key to preventing deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is by wearing your compression garment, and early ambulation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How much time is required for a tummy tuck?
A: The surgery usually requires between 2-5 hours depending on the extent of surgery. As with all surgeries, the amount of time needed varies from patient to patient.

Q: Is a tummy tuck an inpatient or outpatient procedure?
A: Outpatient.

Q: What is the recovery time?
A: Most patients are able to return to work or school in 2 to 4 weeks depending on the extent of surgery.

Q: How long do the results last?
A: The results from a tummy tuck can be permanent. However, pregnancy and weight fluctuations may change your results