| Dr. Nicole M. Patel is a cosmetic surgeon certified by the American Board of 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, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure to improve the contour of the abdomen by removing excess skin and fatty tissue and tighten the underlying abdominal muscles if indicated. This procedure may be combined with other body contouring procedures, such as traditional and laser liposuction. There is a variant called a mini tummy tuck, which only addresses looseness of the lower abdominal area. This can also be combined with liposuction to provide an improved result.
Q. What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?
A. A tummy tuck has many benefits. It allows for removal of loose skin (and fat) from the level of the umbilicus down to the upper portion of the pubic region, thereby removing post partum skin which will never regain its elasticity. It can also remove stretch marks which developed in this area due to pregnancy. Stretch marks above the belly button are moved to a much lower position below the waist line. At the same time, the rectus abdominus muscles which stretch apart during pregnancy can be brought back together with sutures (no cutting of the muscle is involved). This tightening of the muscles allows for a flatter abdomen. Liposuction of the waist and hips (love handles areas) can be performed in conjunction with a tummy tuck to give an optimal contour. Childbearing causes some changes which cannot be reversed with diet and/or exercise, and women are often inclined to a surgical treatment to regain their figure. Individuals who have lost a significant amount of weight, on their own or via bariatric (weight loss) surgery can also benefit from a tummy tuck for similar reasons.
Q. Who is an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck?
A. Women or men who have sufficient skin laxity to warrant a tummy tuck. Those who have increased fat with less loose skin are better suited towards SLIM Lipo, a procedure combining the skin tightening benefits of laser liposuction with the body contouring of traditional liposuction, with minimal downtime. Smoking (and use of other nicotine products) is prohibited both before and after tummy tuck surgery.
Q. How long does tummy tuck surgery take?
A. The surgery itself takes anywhere from 2-5 hours, depending on whether a mini or full tummy tuck is performed and whether other procedures are performed at the same time (such as liposuction).
Q. Are there risks and complications to a tummy tuck?
A. There are risks to any surgery. Some standard surgical risks such as infection, bleeding, bruising and swelling, sensory changes, seroma formation, and scarring also apply to tummy tuck surgeries. Additionally wound dehiscence (separation) is a risk to this procedure, one which is increased in smokers (including second hand smoke) and other medical conditions which affect wound healing. Dog ears are a known complication which can be improved or eliminated at a second procedure if needed. There is also the risk of a blood clot (deep venous thrombosis and possible pulmonary embolism), and early ambulation cannot be under emphasized. Other risks and complications can occur, but these are the most common for a typical tummy tuck.
Q. How much does a tummy tuck cost?
A. The price varies depending on the location (city and state), surgeon and facility where the surgery is performed, as well as whether an anesthesiologist (recommended) or nurse anesthetist performs the anesthesia. The price may range from $5,000- $15,000, or more if additional procedures are performed.
Q. How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?
A. The results are permanent since the tissue removed is gone. However, it is important to maintain your weight after the procedure to obtain the best result. Typically, incisions look better and better over time. If desired, additional body contouring can be performed at a later date to enhance the result.
Q. How to contact Dr. Patel if we have further questions?
A. You may call the office at (918)939-8339, visit our website at www.nicolepatel.com or email Dr. Patel at drnicolepatel@yahoo.com. |
