| Dr. Aaron D. Smith is a plastic surgeon and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Tummy Tuck.
Q. What is a tummy tuck?
A. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is an operation that removes the excess skin and fatty tissue of the lower abdomen. Many times the abdominal wall is also tightend as well, giving the abdomen a much flatter appearance. Some people talk about a "mini" abdominoplasty. This simply means removing the skin and fatty tissue without tightening the abdominal wall or moving the belly button.
Q. How is a tummy tuck performed?
A. A tummy tuck starts with marking the lower part of the abdomen to decide what tissue can be removed. Often the incision will need to extend across the lower abdomin but can be hidden below the underwear line. The skin and fatty tissue is then lifted off the abdominal wall, allowing this excess tissue to be removed. The abdominal wall is then tightened with sutures and the belly button is placed in the correct position.
Q. How long does tummy tuck surgery take?
A. On average between 2-3 hours depending on how much tissue needs to be removed.
Q. Are there risks and complications to a tummy tuck?
A. As with any operation there are always risks. The most common risks include bleeding, infection, and wound healing problems. More serious complications such as blood clots, pulmonary embolism, and heart attack are also possible but less likely. Many of these complications can be prevented with the appropriate measures.
Q. What should one expect after the operation?
A. Initially, the patients are sore but many times this procedure can be performed as an outpatient. They are encouraged to be up out of bed and walking within 24 hours of the operation. The pain is often controlled with oral pain medications. Often times drains are left to decrease the amount of fluid that accumulates where the surgery was performed and these are removed several days after the operation.
Q. How much does a tummy tuck cost?
A. The price range can vary depending on the individual and their exact needs, however, it usually is between $6000- $8000. This includes the pre-operative care, the surgical fees, the anesthesiology fees, and the post-operative care.
Q. How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?
A. The results of a tummy tuck will last a lifetime. Once the skin and fatty tissue is removed it is gone forever. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you will always have the flat abdomen that you have immediately after the operation is performed. Unfortunately, we can not stop the aging process and over time the abdomen will age with the rest of your body. I like to think that plastic surgery allows us to reset the clock back 10-15 years.
Q. How to contact Dr. Smith if we have further questions?
A. You can contact me by calling my office at (719) 355-1956, visit my website at aaronsmithplasticsurgery.com, or email me at smithplasticsurgery@gmail.com. I offer free cosmetic surgery consultations and would be happy to answer any questions you may have. |
