Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Who Are Good Candidates for an Abdominoplasty?
An abdominoplasty is for patients who have loose skin and fat pockets in their abdomen that don’t respond to diet and exercise. Women who have been pregnant often consider an abdominoplasty because the elasticity in their stomach skin and muscles have been compromised by the extended period of stretched skin and muscles during pregnancy. Also, older patients whose skin is not as elastic as it was in their younger days can benefit from abdominoplasty.
Abdominoplasty is not a weight loss procedure. Patients should be near their ideal weight because future weight loss will cause additional loss of skin potentially compromising the aesthetic result. Also, women anticipating becoming pregnant in the future should not have the procedure, as their pregnancy will negate the effects of the surgery.
Preparing for Your Tummy Tuck
Some of the steps you will be asked to take in the leadup to your abdominoplastyprocedure are as follows:
- If you smoke, you’ll need to stop at least six weeks before and continue abstaining for six weeks after.
- Avoid blood thinners and anti-inflammatories starting 7-10 days prior and until otherwise directed by Dr. Baylan.
- Do not drink any alcoholic beverages beginning three days before.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home, as you will still be recovering from the effects of anesthesia.
Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
During a personalized abdominoplasty consultation with Dr. Baylan, the two of you will have an in-depth discussion regarding your aesthetic goals. A physical examination will be performed, and photographs may be taken for before-and-after purposes.
Depending on your cosmetic objectives, he may recommend combining your tummy tuck with liposuction to remove additional fat tissue, or even suggest other procedures like a breast augmentation or lift.
Dr. Baylan will also ask questions about your complete medical history. This will include information about past surgical procedures, allergies, current medications and supplements, and any pre-existing health conditions.
After gathering this information, Dr. Baylan can create a safe and customized surgical plan for your tummy tuck. He will go over the details of the process from start to finish, ensuring full and complete understanding.
Abdominoplasty preparation instructions will be discussed, as will recovery care directions and the steps of the surgical process. You are highly encouraged to ask questions at any time. At the end of your consultation, a date will be set for your abdominoplasty procedure.
How Is an Abdominoplasty Performed?
Abdominoplasty takes from three to five hours to complete with the patient under general anesthesia. The duration will depend upon the extent of the surgery which is tailored to the individual.
A traditional tummy tuck begins by creating an incision that stretches from hip bone to hip bone near the pubic area. The second is created around the umbilicus (belly button). The skin is separated from the muscles of the abdomen, which will then be pulled together and positioned to achieve a firmer abdomen. This also narrows the waist. Then, the skin flap is stretched down to adjust to the tightened muscles. Any excess skin in the area is removed while the navel is repositioned to its natural place.
Recovery from Abdominoplasty
After the procedure, Dr. Baylan recommends compression garments to help the skin and muscles adapt to their new contours. A drainage tube will be placed in the wound to prevent fluid build-up in the area. Recovery can take from a couple of weeks to a couple of months.
Patients need to limit strenuous activities for six weeks. Most patients take approximately a month off from work with an abdominoplasty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Sizes Will I Go Down After a Tummy Tuck?
By removing excess skin and some fat tissue, patients will – on average – go down by two or three sizes. However, as mentioned earlier, a tummy tuck is not meant for weight loss.
Can You Do Crunches and Sit-Ups After an Abdominoplasty?
Once your body has completely healed from the surgery, you should be able to fully return to your regular exercise routine after being cleared by Dr. Baylan. Crunches and sit-ups are typically permitted 7-12 weeks post-op.
Abdominoplasty Results
After an abdominoplasty, patients are left with a more toned, contoured abdomen that naturally fits the rest of their body. Not only does this improve their appearance, but it also improves confidence as they look and feel fitter and more comfortable in their own skin. Outcomes will continue to improve over time, as the body adapts to the changes. To keep results consistent and avoid the need for a follow-up treatment in the future, patients are encouraged to maintain a healthy body weight through proper diet and exercise. Scars will be present and Dr. Baylan makes sure the incision is made low enough so that it can be concealed by a bikini. Also, a post-operative scar regimen will be implemented to maximize the healing of the scar.
What Is a Partial Abdominoplasty?
Also known as a “mini tummy tuck,” a partial abdominoplasty differs from a traditional tummy tuck in that it only requires a shorter incision in a single location, the bikini line. This is often recommended to patients who only need improvement in the lower abdomen.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
The cost of a tummy tuck procedure varies from patient to patient based on the details of their surgical plan. The patient’s needs and goals can affect the overall price of the surgery, as can anesthesia fees, the techniques utilized, total surgical time, the amount of tissue removed, and other factors.
Interested in a Tummy Tuck?
Dr. Baylan is currently booking consultations for tummy tucks. Fill out the form below and we’ll contact you to set up your personalized consultation.