| Dr. Marisa Lawrence 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 common term for the surgical procedure to correct a protruding or loose, sagging abdomen. Abdominal contouring can be performed using a variety of techniques. When localized fat is the cause, abdominal contouring can be performed by liposuction alone. When excess fat is combined with loose sagging skin and tissue, a tummy tuck removes unwanted fat, tissue, and skin by excision. Abdominal muscles that have weakened or separated (a condition known as diastasis) are tightened and repaired. This creates an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer, enhancing body image and ability to wear selected clothing.
Q. Are there risks and complications to a tummy tuck?
A. There are a small percentage of risks and complications with any surgery. By consulting with a plastic surgeon that is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and following the instructions given, the risk of surgery is minimal and a great outcome is assured.
Q. What should one expect after the operation?
A. The procedure takes about 1 – 2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia in an outpatient surgical facility or hospital. An overnight stay is not required. After the procedure, dressings are placed on the incisions and an elastic bandage may be placed around the abdomen to minimize swelling and support your abdomen as it heals. A small thin drainage tube may be placed for 3-5 days under the skin to drain excess fluid that may collect. Initial healing may cause discomfort that is controlled with an indwelling pain-relief pump and oral medications. A return to light, normal activity is possible within a few days of surgery.
Q. How much does a tummy tuck cost?
A. The 2008 National Average for Surgeon Fee for abdominoplasty is $5470.00, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Q. How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?
A. The new profile with a firm, flat abdomen is relatively permanent, so long as weight and general fitness is maintained.
Q. Will smoking slow down the Healing Process?
A. Smoking is a cause of major complications in surgical procedures. Delayed wound healing and tissue death almost certainly will result in patients who smoke. This leads to wound debridement and revisional surgery and poor scarring in most cases. It is recommended that smokers quit at least 6 weeks before their procedure.
Q. What are the different types of tummy tuck procedures?
A. A full tummy tuck requires a curved incision above the pubic hairline in the lowermost abdominal crease and a second incision around the navel. Through these incisions, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and excess fat, tissue, and skin is removed. When correction is isolated to the area below the navel, a limited or "mini" tummy tuck with a shorter incision at the pubic bone may be performed. Liposuction may be used with the "mini" tummy tuck.
|
