Tummy Tuck Procedure Description:
Tummy Tuck surgery reshapes the abdomen through the removal of excess fat and skin and the tightening of the underlying muscles. Otherwise known as Abdominoplasty, Tummy Tuck surgery is designed to help contour the abdominal wall.
After pregnancy eighty percent of women will have weakness or separation of the central abdominal wall muscles. This gives the abdomen a more prominent appearance. By raising the abdominal wall skin with Tummy Tuck surgery, the underlying muscles can be repaired and then the excess fat and skin removed. The Tummy Tuck surgery procedure is also valuable for both men and women who have excess fat and/or skin to the extent that liposuction would not achieve the desired results or body shape.
Usually a full Tummy Tuck starts with a horizontal incision well below the navel in the area commonly known as the ‘bikini line’. The precise location and size of the incision is governed by the degree of correction necessary. Tummy Tuck surgery is actually accomplished by repairing separated or weakened abdominal muscles and removing the build-up of excess fat, tissue and skin. A second incision around the navel is needed to remove excess abdominal skin in that area. All Tummy Tuck surgery incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures.
The end result of Tummy Tuck is a more flattering profile and contour that will be in tune with your body type and weight. This result will not become apparent until several weeks after the Tummy Tuck surgery when the initial swelling has gone down and the internal healing process is complete.
Ready to see actual tummy tuck surgery results? Dr. Klainer offers tummy tuck before and after pictures to assist in your decision.
 |
 |
| Click Photo To Enlarge |
Click Photo To Enlarge |
Tummy Tuck Surgery Downtime & Discomfort:
Before your Tummy Tuck surgery and for your safety, you may be required to undergo some lab tests or a medical evaluation. Certain new medications may be needed or your current medications may need to be adjusted. Stop smoking well in advance of Tummy Tuck surgery and avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding. Dr. Klainer will discuss these matters and the type of anesthesia to be used at your Tummy Tuck surgery pre-op consultation.
In almost all cases Tummy Tuck surgery requires an overnight hospital stay and patients can usually return home on the following day. Normally you will be unable to stand upright until about one week after Tummy Tuck surgery. Most patients will walk the day after the surgery and can resume light activities within seven to ten days. Light exercise can start in approximately two weeks and full exercise at six weeks.
During the first part of the Tummy Tuck surgery recovery period, patients will have two small drains inserted to decrease the likelihood of fluid accumulating under the skin flap. These drains are removed by Dr. Klainer between the 7th and 14th post-operative day. There are no sutures to be removed as all sutures placed at the time of Tummy Tuck surgery are dissolvable. Most patients will require 7 to 10 days off from work and will return to work with the restrictions of no heavy lifting.
Discomfort levels resulting from Tummy Tuck surgery can be significant but they are very manageable with medications and sensible post-op care. Most patients are put on pain medication for a few weeks. Individual pain tolerance varies from patient to patient but in all cases "overdoing it" can set back your recovery, so take it easy for the first few weeks. During your recovery do not hesitate to contact Dr. Klainer should any concerns or problems arise.
 |
 |
| Click Photo To Enlarge |
Click Photo To Enlarge |
Tummy Tuck Surgery FAQ:
Q: Where is the Tummy Tuck surgery performed?
A: The Tummy Tuck surgery is always performed in a hospital setting under a general anesthetic. Most patients will remain overnight to allow stronger pain and anti-nausea medications. This is not required but is recommended.
Q: Can Tummy Tuck surgery be safely performed with other procedures?
A: Yes. It is often performed in conjunction with other cosmetic or GYN procedures.
Q: Are there any reasons not to have an abdominoplasty?
A: Yes. If you plan future pregnancies, Abdominoplasty should be postponed as the muscles repaired at the time of surgery will be re-stretched, thereby destroying the initial results.
Q: Where can I learn more about Tummy Tuck surgery?
A: Feel free to contact Dr. Peter Klainer at 703-421-6000 for a free consultation about Tummy Tuck surgery.
|
