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:
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:
The success and safety of your tummy tuck procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You'll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.
Be prepared to discuss:
Dr. Suber may also:
Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:
Special instructions you receive will cover:
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. Suber 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.
The risks include:
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 atleast the
first night following surgery.
What happens during tummy tuck surgery?
Step 1 - Anethesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures.
The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Dr.
Suber will recommend the best choice for you.
Step 2 - The incision
A full tummy tuck requires a horizontally-oriented incision in the area between
the pubic hairline and navel. The shape and length of the incision
will be determined by the degree of correction necessary. Through this
incision, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and sutured and excessfat,
tissue, and skin is removed. A second incision around the navel may
be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.
Step 3 - Closing the incisions
Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips close the skin incisions.
Step 4 - See the results
Your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more
proportionate with your body type and weight. The final results may be initially
obscured by swelling and your inability to stand fully upright until internal
healing is complete. Within a week or two, you should be standing tall and
confident abour your new slimmer profile.
Following your surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and to support your abdomen as it heals. Typically, two thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.
You will be given specific instructions that may include: How to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow-up with Dr. Suber.
Be sure to ask Dr. Suber specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period.
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.
Dr. Suber is sensitive to the fact that cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. As such, our practice strives to make the tummy tuck surgery as affordable as possible. Details on any individual's costs are provided at the time of the consultation with Dr. Suber.
Cost may include:
Some health insurance plans may cover at least part of tummy tuck
surgery if persistent symptoms are present that are not amenable to
conservative treatment. You must carefully review your health insurance
policy. Your candidacy for possible insurance assistance will be discussed
in full at the time of your consultation.