| Dr. George Valentini 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 also called abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fatty tissue from the abdomen and also tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall to improve the waistline. It is usually combined with liposuciton of the abdomen, waistline and love handles area to get a better aesthetic result.
Q. How is a tummy tuck performed?
A. Abdominoplasty is performed in our accredited operating suite under Anesthesia monitoring (Administered by a Certified CRNA).
The procedure takes usually 3 to 4 hours depending on the size of the patient. (We prefer to perform this type of surgery on patients under 190-200lbs for a better result). The procedure includes drains, which remain 5-6 days. There is also an incision in the lower abdomen that can be quite long on larger patients. Stitches and/or staples remain for 12-15 days. Patient can resume work after that time and exercise after 3 weeks.
Q. Are there risks and complications to a tummy tuck?
A. The risks and complications are those of every surgical procedure and precautions are being taken to minimize the risk of bleeding, infection, scarring, skin irregularities. Patients must wear compression stockings for 2 weeks after the procedure to avoid the risk of clot formation in the legs.
Q. What should one expect after the operation?
A. Patients may expect a flat abdomen after the swelling has gone down (3 weeks to 1 month). When they are able to exercise, they will be able to tone and shape their muscles. Good nutrition and healthy lifestyle are recommended in order to maintain the results. This is not a procedure for weightless but patient will certainly lose a few pounds (it is less than you think!)
Q. How much does a tummy tuck cost?
A. Cost varies depending on the patient's size, duration of the procedure and what is being done. Our cost is all inclusive of surgeon's fee, operating room, anesthesia, supplies and follow up, starting at $4,500.
Q. How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?
A. If the patient engages in good nutrition, exercise and healthy life style, the results will be indefinite. Weight gain, fluctuations in the weight will compromise lasting results.
Q. Will Smoking slow down the Healing Process?
A. For this procedure, as well as any procedure involving the raising of a flap, like facelift, breast lift, abdominoplasty, thigh lift, we ask our patients to stop smoking at least 4-5 weeks prior to the procedure and 3 weeks after in order to achieve proper healing. Serious complications such as skin slough, opening of the incisions; infection all requiring lenghty after care, may occur if the patient continues to smoke. We do get a nicotine level test on all patients under such procedures.
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