| Dr. Dean Fardo is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Tummy Tuck.
Q. What is a Tummy Tuck?
A. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical operation that accomplishes several things. It removes excess fat and skin from the abdominal region and usually restores weakened or separated abdominal muscles. It is used to enhance the shape and flatten the abdomen to provide a better profile. This is most common after pregnancy, significant changes in weight or after prior surgery.
Q. How is a tummy tuck performed?
A. A tummy tuck should be performed in an accredited operating suite with qualified anesthesia personnel. A lower abdominal incision is made. The position and length of the incision will be determined by the degree of correction necessary. Through this incision, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and excess fat, tissue and skin are removed. There are variations such as a mini-tummy tuck, in which a smaller incision may be utilized. Liposuction of the hip region is often combined with a tummy tuck.
Q. How long does tummy tuck surgery take?
A. The procedure usually takes 1 1/2 to 3 hours depending on the surgeons experience and the degree of contouring that is needed.
Q. Are there risks and complications to a tummy tuck?
A. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure, including a tummy tuck procedure. These include infection, bleeding, scarring, poor wound healing and fluid accumulation. Fortunately, they are not common, and measures can be taken to help prevent them. During a consultation with a plastic surgeon, a full discussion of the risks will occur.
Q. What should one expect after the operation?
A. This procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis. Pain medication is prescribed as needed, and patients should plan on having 1-2 weeks to recover until light activity / working is resumed. Full activity without restrictions is usually 6 weeks after surgery.
Q. How much does a tummy tuck cost?
A. Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery. The prices for a tummy tuck can vary widely. A surgeon’s cost for a tummy tuck may vary based on his or her experience, the type of procedure used, as well as geographic office location. When choosing a plastic surgeon for a tummy tuck, remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery.
Q. How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?
A. The benefits of a tummy tuck can last a lifetime. The skin will loosen after surgery but with weight maintenance, the results will usually be seen for many years.
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