| Dr. Joachim Granzow 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, also known as a "tummy tuck," is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area, to shape and tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall, as well as bring in the hips and waist area. The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men and women who are in relatively good physical shape, but bothered by excess fat and loose skin in the waist area that will not improve with diet and exercise. Abdominoplasty is not a procedure intended for weight loss. It is rather a procedure that improves the contouring and shaping in the belly area after an individual has stabilized his/her weight and body shape with, as much as diet and exercise will allow for them.
Q. What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?
A. The operation can dramatically improve the appearance of the abdomen, especially if there is excess skin and fat or an abdominal protrusion, such as after one or more pregnancies.
Q. How is a tummy tuck performed?
A. Surgery usually is performed using general anesthesia with the patient completely comfortable and asleep during the entire procedure. Typically, an incision is made around the level of the bikini line. The incision may be relatively narrow, but usually extends wide, to allow the excess skin to be properly tailored and re-draped for a flatter and shapelier abdomen. The skin and fat is lifted up and the bellybutton is released with an additional small circular incision.
At this point the fascia, or covering over the abdominal muscles, is tightened with strong suture material so that the abdominal muscles are brought back into their natural anatomic position near the midline. It is important to note that muscle is not cut or divided in a standard abdominoplasty. Additional laxity or looseness in the waist or other portions of the abdominal fascia, or covering, is also carefully tightened down with strong sutures to allow the waist to assume an improved shape.
The overlying skin and fat is then carefully drawn down over the previous incision and the excess is trimmed. The incision is closed in multiple layers using strong, self-absorbing sutures. The bellybutton is retained, but brought out through a small new opening that is created by me.
During the procedure liposuction may be performed in areas such as the hips for further contouring as needed. A full abdominoplasty typically takes two to four hours, but may take longer, depending upon the shape and size of the patient.
In selected cases a "mini" tummy tuck, which involves a smaller scar and the removal of skin and fat only, may be performed.
Q. Are there risks and complications to a tummy tuck?
A. Abdominoplasty is a commonly performed operation and is typically quite safe. However, standard risks do exist which are common to all physicians performing the procedure. These include bleeding, infection, pain, wide or unsightly scars, irregularity and need for revision surgery, and standard anesthesia risks including the very low incidence of blood clots in the legs or lungs. I am happy to discuss these concerns with my patients and answer any questions they may have.
Q. What should one expect after the operation?
A. After surgery, there will be some soreness and swelling of the abdominal area, however medicine and rest will help with this. I have patients up and walking quite soon after surgery and many are even showering the same day. Patients are typically able to resume light duty, such as a desk job, about a week after surgery and full activity is attained around five or six weeks after surgery. All skin sutures are typically self-dissolving and do not require removal. The color of the incision will normally become redder in the first few weeks after surgery and then change and fade continuously afterwards.
Q. How much does a tummy tuck cost?
A. The cost of a full abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, can vary considerably depending on the size of the patient and repairs needed for the abdomen and flanks. The range is usually between $7000 and $12000. The cost of a "mini" tummy tuck may be considerably less.
Q. How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?
A. After surgery, the patient has a flatter, trimmer abdomen. The changes are permanent, although tissues may stretch naturally with the rest of the body over the patient’s lifetime.
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