What Is A “Tummy Tuck” And Who Is The Best Candidate?

“Tummy Tuck” is procedure is aimed to give the patient a smooth flat contour to the abdomen. It is best suited for patients with loose redundant lower abdominal wall skin, stretch marks and weak abdominal muscles.

What Is A “Mini Tummy Tuck”?

A mini tummy tuck is a variation of a full tummy tuck, the scar is shorter and the recovery is quicker. A mini tummy tuck is better suited for patients with flat, good contour in the upper abdomen but with lower abdominal weakness with skin overhang. It entails excising the redundant abdominal wall skin and tightening the rectus muscles (vertical abdominal muscles).

Are There Any Risk Factors?

Heavy smokers, morbidly obese patients, poorly controlled diabetics, patients who just delivered, lactating mothers, patients on multiple medications or blood thinners and those on a dynamic weight loss program may need special attention or prior therapy to optimize the outcome of their tummy tuck surgery.

How Long Is Tummy Tuck Surgery And How Big Is The Incision?

Standard abdominoplasty usually takes around 2-3 hours to perform. It is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The incision is made at the lower abdomen along the bikini line.

When Would The Sutures Be Removed? How About Drains?

No sutures need to be removed since I use dissolvable sutures to close the wound. However, I usually use suction drains to drain the tissue fluid and blood from the field after surgery.

Do I Need To Wear A Garment And For How Long?

Patients are required to wear a compression garment for 4-6 weeks to allow for better and faster healing.

How About Tummy Tuck Recovery And Down Time?

I see the patient on the following day in my office. Patients are encouraged to move and walk within 1-2 days. One week after surgery, I remove the “belly-button” stitches and the drains. The patients are allowed to be back to work from 1 to 2 weeks. More strenuous activity is allowed in 4 to 6 weeks. Scars take 6 months to 2 years to flatten and fade away.

Can I Have Other Procedures Combined With My Tummy Tuck And Is That Safe?

Liposuction of the hips flanks or thighs are usually performed as additional procedures that may enhance the result as necessary. Breast Procedures can also be combined with tummy tuck surgery as long as the patient’s health allows.

***The specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for a given individual can be determined only at the time of your consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.

Now that you know more about our Tummy Tuck procedure, continue to our Buttock Augmentation page.