What is a Tummy Tuck?
Abdominal surgery, known as a tummy tuck, is a way to eliminate flab and bulges around the stomach area as well as tighten the muscles. Liposuction only removes the fat. A tummy tuck concentrates on tightening stomach muscles as well.
Who is a good candidate?
A tummy tuck is an excellent option for patients who are at or near their ideal weight but still have sagging, excess skin, stubborn pockets of excess fat, and/or drooping abdominal muscles. Certain stretch marks can also be addressed using this procedure.
The best candidates for an abdominoplasty are in good health and are not planning to become pregnant, since pregnancy and childbirth can negatively affect the procedure’s results. Additionally, good candidates are non-smokers. Smokers must quit smoking at least two weeks before the surgery and must avoid smoking until recovery is complete.
The procedure
A complete tummy tuck can be performed on an inpatient or outpatient basis using general anesthesia. A horizontal incision is made from hip bone to hip bone along the “bikini” line, where the pubic hair begins. Dr. Rau gently separates the skin from the abdominal wall. The muscle and soft tissue are tightened first. Then the flap is closed and excess skin and fat are removed. Sutures are used to close the incision. A mini or partial tummy tuck is used to remove fat deposits near the navel. This procedure is sometimes conducted endoscopically. A small incision is made near the belly button and excess fat is removed through it. A complete tummy tuck generally takes about 2 to 5 hours.
Recovery
An elastic bandage is applied following the tummy tuck surgery to help prevent swelling. In some cases, drainage tubes are inserted for the first 2 to 3 days to help remove excess fluid. There is the possibility of infection following any surgery. Dr. Rau will likely prescribe antibiotics to avoid infection in addition to any pain medication. Swelling, bruising, and numbness are normal after tummy tuck surgery and will subside in a few weeks. Patients are encouraged to begin walking right away even if they can’t stand upright. Stitches are removed in 5 to 7 days, after which a support garment is used in place of the dressing. Healing from a tummy tuck is slow since this is a major surgery. Most patients return to normal activity within 4 weeks. Exercise is encouraged after the initial recovery period to help tone the muscles. The tummy tuck scar is permanent but will fade in 6 to 9 months.
Cost of a Tummy Tuck
The details of a patient’s tummy tuck surgery will impact its overall price. The cost of an abdominoplasty is determined by factors like the exact techniques employed, the amount of tissue removed, the anesthesia used, and the time taken to perform the procedure.
Find out more by scheduling a consultation or viewing our pricing guide.
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