| Dr. Norman R. Harris 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. Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a "tummy tuck," is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen but it does produce a permanent scar, which can extend from hip to hip.
Patients who intend to lose (or gain!) a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy. Dr. Harris will sometimes advice a weight reduction plan prior to the operation: it is important to change life styles as much as possible preoperatively to maintain the benefits of the operation.
Abdominoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won’t necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Smokers should be advised to stop, as smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing.
Q. How is a tummy tuck performed?
A. The operation is performed under a general anesthesia. An incision is made just above the pubic hair, extending hip-to-hip. The skin is than raised off of the abdominal muscles and excess fat is removed. After tightening the abdominal muscles, the skin is stretched down towards the hips and excess skin is removed. If your fat deposits are limited to the area below the belly button, you may require a less complex procedure called a mini-abdominoplasty, which can often be performed on an outpatient basis.
Q. How long does tummy tuck surgery take?
A. The operation typically takes from 3-5 hours, depending upon how much need to be corrected.
Q. Are there risks and complications to a tummy tuck?
A. Yes. Like any operation, there are risks and complications associated with an abdominoplasty. Occasionally a patient will accumulate fluid underneath the abdominal flap to a degree that requires drainage. Poor healing, which results in conspicuous scars, may necessitate a second operation: this complication is much more common with smokers. There are also other, much rarer complications (as there are with all major operations) which include infection, deep venous thrombosis and even death, but these are very unusual.
Q. What should one expect after the operation?
A. The patient may have drainage tubes in for a week or so after the operation and the stiches are usually removed by the end of 2 weeks. It may be difficult at first for the patient to lay flat on her back, as her new stomach is going to feel tight. With a prescription for post-operative pain pills, most patients do very well - I don’t hear too many complaints about pain. Most people take 2-3 weeks off of work, but some return sooner, particularly if they have had a mini-abdominoplasty.
Q. How much does a tummy tuck cost?
A. In the United States, the average surgeon’s fee for a full abdominoplasty is around $5000. There are usually additional expenses for the hospital and anesthesiologist.
Q. How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?
A. If the patient is committed to a life style change of moderate exercise and a reasonable calorie intake, the changes should last for the rest of her life.
Q. How to contact Dr. Harris if we have further questions?
A. Feel free to call his office, at 540-776-6979. You can also check out his web site at www.Doctor-Harris.com |
