| Dr. Victor Perez 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?
An abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure used to remove the excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but have loose abdominal skin +/- fat deposits in the abdomen that won't respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin. If you intend to lose a lot of weight, you should postpone the surgery. Women who plan future pregnancies should wait, most likely pregnancy will destroy the abdominoplasty results. Prior abdominal surgery may preclude you from having an abdominoplasty
Q. How is a tummy tuck performed?
There are many ways in performing this surgery. This is the way we do it at Renue Aesthetic Surgery.
In your initial consultation, I will evaluate your health, determine the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region, and carefully assess your skin tone. I will be frank with you, describing your alternatives and the risks and limitations of each.
You will have general anesthesia, so you'll sleep through the operation. Long acting local anesthetic will be injected in your surgical area; this will help with the immediate post operative discomfort. Pain pumps are available if requested.
Q. How long does tummy tuck surgery take?
Abdominoplasty usually takes two to three hours, depending on the extent of work required.
Q. Are there risks and complications to a tummy tuck?
Although rare (Just like with any surgery) there are risks, complications and limitations involved with an abdominoplasty. Your surgeon needs to explain all of them to you before the surgery. The most important are: you will have a scar, the size, location and looks will be discussed. Risk of infection, bleeding and fluid collection, will be discussed as well. Anesthesia complications and risks of reoperation ( another trip to the Operating room (OR) and limitations with the procedure, meaning what to expect from the procedure must be discussed before the surgery.
I do not perform liposuction in the area of the abdominoplasty at this time, even that there several new reports in the plastic surgical literature supporting its safety, in my experience as an academic surgeon, I have seen several complications from other surgeons, specially wound complications and flap necrosis (abdominal skin not surviving).
Q. What should one expect after the operation?
For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort which will be controlled by medication. You will limit your activity after surgery, you will not be able to stand straight at first, but you should start walking as soon as possible.
No heavy lifting or exercise for three weeks. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.
Most importantly you will have a better shape of your body, clothes will fit better and overall you will feel much better.
Q. How much does a tummy tuck cost?
The cost of an abdominoplasty will vary depending on many factors but, in general the cost is around $5500. This includes the surgeon, anesthesia and facility fees, as well as the postoperative visits, but do not include other procedures that the patient may need, like liposuction of the back or hips.
Q. How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?
A well planned abdominoplasty in a patient whom continue to have a good diet and exercise program, the abdominoplasty result will last for ever.
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