| Dr. A.H Nezami 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. Tummy tuck or more correctly abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure where the excess fat and skin on the abdomen is removed and if needed the abdominal muscle is tightened.
Q. How is a tummy tuck performed?
A. A full tummy tuck requires a horizontal incision in the area between the pubic hairline and navel. The shape 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. A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.
Incision size is largely dependant on the amount of excess skin to be removed. Where 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 recommended.
Q. How long does tummy tuck surgery take?
A. The surgery will take between 3-5 hours.
Q. Are there risks and complications to a tummy tuck?
A. There is always some risk of complication with any surgery. We put all our effort to prevent any complication. The possible complication includes: blood or fluid collection under skin, infection, delayed healing, or bad scar. Also there is a risk of blood clot in the legs if the patient does not move about and stays immobile.
Q. What should one expect after the operation?
A. A small thin tube will be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood that may collect. A dressing or bandages will be applied to the incisions, and a compression garment is applied to minimize swelling and to support the abdomen as it heals. Discomfort is common and can be controlled with medication. Patient is able to assume normal activity within 10-15 days.
Q. How much does a tummy tuck cost?
A. The cost for tummy tuck is $7,450, which includes surgery fee, operative room charges, anesthesiologist's charges and follow up visits. With financing, the monthly payment is $163.00. However, if our patient can pay by cashier’s check our discounted price is $7,080.00.
Q. How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?
A. Tummy tuck results last forever unless the patient becomes pregnant, gains or loses weight.
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