| Dr. Patti Flint 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 is removal of extra skin and fat from the lower abdomen, and tightening of the muscles to create a flat abdomen.
Q. How is a tummy tuck performed?
A. A tummy tuck should be performed under general anesthesia in an approved surgicenter with a board certified anesthesiologist and plastic surgeon in attendance. An incision is made across the lower abdomen and around the belly button. The skin is elevated off the abdominal wall and the muscles are tightened with stitches. The extra skin is then pulled down and removed. The incision is closed over drainage tubes. Dressings and a Velcro binder are applied. I choose to keep my patients overnight in the recovery care center, one night for safety.
Q. How long does tummy tuck surgery take?
A. It depends on the size of the patient and how much tissue is to be removed. Between one and a half and two and a half hours.
Q. Are there risks and complications to a tummy tuck?
A. There are risks and complications to any surgery. Minimizing risk is done in my practice by proper patient selection. This procedure should not be done on patients who are dramatically overweight or who smoke, as the risks of blood clots and healing problems are much higher in these groups. Also, hormone replacement therapy and birth control pills should be held for two weeks prior and three weeks post-operatively as they have been known to increase the incidence of blood clots.
In properly selected patients, healing problems are rare. Scar quality is related to genetics, however, I take a very pro-active approach to scar management to decrease the risk of raised or unsightly scarring.
Q. What should one expect after the operation?
A. During the first week, drainage tubes are left in place and you cannot shower. You will need assistance caring for yourself. During the second week, you can care for yourself, but not others, Most patients stop pain pills between the first and second week. During the third week, most patients return to work, but their stamina may not be at its maximum. No lifting or exercise is allowed for six weeks, so that the muscles that are repaired have time to heal without strain.
Q. How much does a tummy tuck cost?
A. The range is large because many patients also choose to have their flanks and waistline liposuctioned at the same time. Total all inclusive fees with anesthesia, OR, surgical fees and the overnight stay range from $8700 to $15,000.
Q. How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?
A. Assuming no major weight swings, the results should be permanent. This procedure should not be done until child bearing is completed. |
