Tummy Tuck
Considering an abdominoplasty?
An Abdominoplasty, otherwise known as a tummy tuck, is a procedure which removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. During the procedure, the muscles can be tightened if needed. This procedure can reduce the protrusion of the abdomen but does leave a permanent scar.
Who is a candidate for a tummy tuck?
The best candidate for an abdominoplasty is a healthy, physically fit individual who has excess skin and fat in the midsection that doesn't respond to exercise. Most commonly, women who have experienced pregnancy or people who have had significant weight loss find their skin loses it elasticity and doesn't return to normal. The lose skin does not respond to exercise. Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss; it is designed for re-contouring the abdomen making it flatter and narrower. Abdominoplasty can enhance ones appearance but it may not match what your ideals are. Think carefully about your goals and expectations before deciding on any cosmetic procedure.
What happens at the consultation?
This is the time you get to become comfortable with Dr. Stiller. You should express your desires and expectations from the surgical procedures. Dr. Stiller will evaluate your medical health and explain the surgical techniques available to you. Your questions will be answered as thoroughly as possible. An examination of your trouble area will be performed. Dr. Stiller will go over the risks and potential complications of the procedure, as well as, the pre-operative and post-operative process.
Considering an abdominoplasty?
An Abdominoplasty, otherwise known as a tummy tuck, is a procedure which removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. During the procedure, the muscles can be tightened if needed. This procedure can reduce the protrusion of the abdomen but does leave a permanent scar.
Who is a candidate for a tummy tuck?
The best candidate for an abdominoplasty is a healthy, physically fit individual who has excess skin and fat in the midsection that doesn't respond to exercise. Most commonly, woman who have had pregnancy or people who have had significant weight loss find their skin loses it elasticity and doesn't return to normal. The lose skin does not respond to exercise. Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for weight loss; it is designed for re-contouring the abdomen making it flatter and narrower. Abdominoplasty can enhance ones appearance but it may not match what your ideals are. Think carefully about your goals and expectations before deciding on any cosmetic procedure.
What happens at the consultation?
This is the time you get to become comfortable with Dr. Stiller. You should express your desires and expectations from the surgical procedures. Dr. Stiller will evaluate your medical health and explain the surgical techniques available to you. Your questions will be answered as thoroughly as possible. An examination of your trouble area will be performed. Dr. Stiller will go over the risks and potential complications of the procedure, as well as, the pre-operative and post-operative process.
Risks?
All surgeries carry some risks. Listed below are a few of the risks or potential complications.
- Bleeding- as with any surgery there is a risk of bleeding. This may form a collection called a hematoma and may require drainage. It is important to discuss any history of excessive bleeding or family history of bleeding.
- Infection- infection is relatively uncommon. Antibiotics will be given to you during the surgery and usually will be taken after the surgery.
- Scars- the scars from an abdominoplasty are usually hip to hip and around the belly button. We try to keep the scars as low as possible.
- Asymmetry- there may be some asymmetry in areas.
- Pigmentation change of skin
- Irregular contour
- Wound separation- when wound edges are put together sometimes they can come apart. Your body will heal it, it may prolong the healing time
- Skin slough/necrosis- when wound edges are put together sometime the skin edges can slough. Your body will heal it, it may prolong the healing time. Smoking increases this risk.
- Numbness or sensation changes of the skin
- Some patients will require additional surgery
What do I need to do before my surgery?
During your consultation an explanation of the pre-operative and post-operative plan will be reviewed. A list of medications and herbal supplements that should be stopped two weeks before the operation will be provided to you. A few days before surgery, one of our staff will notify you what time you are expected to arrive for your surgery and will go over last minute details. At that time, you will be given an opportunity to ask any further questions. Continuation of a healthy diet and exercise is very important before the surgery. Smoking must be stopped at least 2 weeks before surgery.
What do I do on the day of the operation?
No eating or drinking for 8 hours before your surgery. You should wear loose fitting clothing and sneakers. Do not wear sandals or slippers. You will meet with our nurse to prepare you for surgery. Dr. Stiller will discuss the procedure with you again and do pre-operative planning. You will meet with our anesthesia provider to discuss anesthesia. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours.
What kind of anesthesia will be performed?
An abdominoplasty can be performed with deep sedation or general anesthesia.
The Surgery.
An abdominoplasty takes between two and four hours. Liposuction of additional areas is often performed at the same time to contour the body. Most commonly, the abdominoplasty requires an incision from hip to hip and around the belly button. Some patients only have loose skin below their belly button and only need an incision from hip to hip. During the procedure, the muscles of your abdominal wall will be assessed. If they have loosened from pregnancy or weight loss, they will be tightened during the procedure. The skin flaps are then sewn together and the belly button is placed into its new position. After the procedure, dressings will be applied and you will be placed in post-operative garments.
What should I expect post-operatively?
After surgery, you will mostlikely have some drainage from your incisions. Discomfort should be controlled with oral pain medications prescribed by Dr. Stiller. You will likely feel tired and sore for a few days following the abdominoplasty. Bruising and swelling may take a few weeks to resolve.
When can I get back to normal?
We will want you to get up and walk immediately after the surgery and continue this for the next few weeks. You will begin to feel better in a couple of weeks. You will need to be in compression garments for one month after the procedure. Healing is a gradual process that needs time. You should refrain from strenuous activity for one month. Depending on your job, you can go back to work as soon as you feel comfortable. Resumption of physical activity will be determined by Dr. Stiller in your post-operative follow up exams.
Your Results.
You will immediately see results. The swelling can take a number of months to completely resolve. If your expectations are realistic, you should be very pleased with your surgery. You may find you fit into clothes differently and be more at ease with your shape. Abdominoplasty does not substitute for diet and exercise. If you maintain your weight and continue to exercise, your results should be longer lasting.
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Patient Testimonials
Dear Dr. Stiller,
Thank you so much for your beautiful work and care. You and your personnel did such a good job through the process, making me feel so comfortable with my decision.
-TW-