Thigh Lift Information

Background on Tummy Tucks

Many people are unhappy with their middle regions. This is because we store a great deal of fat around our waist, leading to the common "beer belly" or "spare tire" that so often grows as we get older. Expanding stomachs always make our lives difficult, as our clothes tighten and our self-esteem plummets.

This excess fat is usually very difficult to lose, and both men and women usually face a difficult battle in their attempts to reduce their waistlines. In other cases, extreme weight loss or pregnancy cause a build up of extra skin around the middle which creates unsightly and unattractive folds that exercise and diet cannot reduce.

Best candidates for Abdominoplasty

The best candidates for a tummy tuck are people who are in otherwise good mental and physical health but have large, unmanageable fat deposits along their waist that no manner of diet or exercise will reduce. Abdominoplasties are particularly useful for women who have had a number of children and consequently stretched their abdominal muscles past point of no return. Women who plan on getting pregnant or plan on losing a great deal of weight should hold off on getting a tummy tuck.

Uncertainty and Risk of Tummy Tuck Surgery

Tummy tucks like all surgeries carry some degree of risk. Ask your doctor to inform you of any potentialities before you have your procedure.

Planning for Abdominoplasty Surgery

Before your surgery your doctor will consider your general health, examine the extent of the fat deposits to remove, and evaluate the condition of your skin. During this consultation the doctor will explain the procedure to you and outline the potential results. It is important to have an honest dialogue with your surgeon in order have realistic expectations of the outcome.

Some patients benefit most from a procedure called a partial tummy tuck. This less invasive procedure removes fat from directly below the navel, vastly reducing the recovery time and appearance of unsightly scars. Again it is important to discuss with your surgeon what the best procedure is for your desired look.

Preparing for your Tummy Tuck Surgery

Prior to the operation your surgeon will provide instructions on how you can prepare for the procedure. Specific guidelines on eating, drinking, and vitamin and medication intake will aid you in your healing process and should be observed. You should stop smoking before the surgery and avoid the sun immediately after to prevent decreasing your ability to heal.

Regardless of whether your procedure is performed on an inpatient or outpatient facility you should arrange transportation to and from the location and help you out for the next few days.

Where the surgery is performed

Surgeons often perform both partial and complete abdominoplasties in an outpatient surgical center, but some elect to perform them in inpatient hospital settings, especially when combining tummy tucks with other procedures.

Anesthesia

The type of anesthesia greatly depends on the preference of the surgeon. Some prefer general, others prefer local with a sedative. Be sure to discuss all options with your doctor before your procedure.

How the Abdominoplasty surgery is performed

The entire tummy tuck procedure takes on average two to five hours depending on the nature of the procedure. If you are only receiving a partial abdominoplasty it will likely take between one and two hours.

The procedure begins with a long incision across the hipbone immediately above the pubic area. Surgeons then make another cut to remove the belly button from the original tissue in order to transplant it back when the procedure is complete.

The skin is then separated from the lower torso from the pubic area to the ribcage, revealing the muscles underneath. These muscles are then stitched together forcing them to conform to their new position, creating a more toned and defined waistline. The skin is then stretched down to the area of the initial incision, sutured together, and any skin that remains is surgically removed. A new cut is made for the navel and gauze, bandages, and a temporary tube to drain away any excess fluid are added to finish up the surgery.

Post-op

The first few days after an abdominoplasty are the most painful, as the amount of soreness and swelling are at their highest point immediately following the procedure. In any case, abdominoplasty patients will experience soreness and tenderness in their lower torso, and must exhibit extreme caution to not disturb their stitches and sutures while their skin heals. The doctor will remove the stitches after five to seven days, after which the patient will need to wear a specially designed support garment to ensure proper healing.

Returning to normal after a tummy tuck takes a bit of time. A great deal of recovery depends on your physical state before the surgery, and your physical activity after it. While exercise may seem painful at first, it is absolutely necessary to guarantee proper healing and to reduce or prevent a number of serious post-operative risks, such as blood clots and excess swelling.

Some patients return to work as little as two weeks after the procedure, while others take longer to heal. At about nine months any scarring will likely subside, giving you the freedom to show off your new stomach to the whole world.

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Tummy Tuck Procedures/Methods

Complete Abdominoplasty
This type of tummy tuck is the most commonly performed procedure.

Partial Abdominoplasty
A partial abdominoplasty is a much less invasive procedure designed for people who only need a moderate amount of skin and fat removed without necessitating a new navel. Tightening the underlying muscles usually requires a full tummy tuck so it is generally not performed during a partial. Partial abdominoplasties usually result in much smaller scars however.

U-M Abdominoplasty
This revolutionary type of procedure reduces the visible scarring common to traditional surgeries that is often visible through modern underwear and swimsuit styles. Instead of a single lateral line across the hips, U-M tummy tucks use an “M” shaped upper incision combined with a “U” shaped lower cut. These uniquely shaped surgeries are designed to hide any unsightly scars well within the areas covered by popular swimsuit trends.

Although a U-M Abdominoplasty is a bit more involved than other forms of tummy tucks it is rapidly gaining popularity among people who do not want to be afraid to bear their new stomachs at the beach, in the bedroom, or wherever they choose.

Circumferential Abdominoplasty
When patients desire a more defined waistline that extends beyond the front portion of their abdomen they often require the complex procedure called Circumferential Abdominoplasty. Rather than merely concentrate on sculpting and shaping the front part of the stomach as common tummy tucks achieve, circumferential abdominoplasty takes into account the entire middle portion of the body.

Most people who elect this procedure have localized fat deposits and or disproportional fat distribution that affect the way they look, feel, and act. Although the scarring from this surgery is usually far more extensive than less invasive procedures, many patients feel it is an equitable trade off to achieve the look they desire.

Tumescent Tummy Tuck
One of the newest ways to reduce the often debilitating recovery period most people experience following a tummy tuck is through the tumescent liposuction technique. Unlike earlier, more drastic fat removal procedures, tumescent tummy tucks allow surgeons to shape stubborn areas of fat to create the contours and shapes desired by every patient.

Injections of anesthetic suspended in saline prevents severe tissue damage, reduces the amount of bleeding, and generally allows the surgeon to remove fat easier. This type of procedure is extremely effective when combined with traditional tummy tuck techniques.

The benefits of this procedure include reduced healing time, reduced scarring, and most importantly, reduced pain. Many surgeons can combine tumescent tummy tuck with a mini tuck to further enhance the shape of the body, so be sure to talk over all your options before deciding on a procedure.

High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty
This type of tummy tuck is one of the most exacting and complicated types of abdominoplasty. If you compare a body to a Chinese finger trap, inserting the fingers into both ends and pulling makes the trap smaller in the middle. This is similar to a high lateral tension abdominoplasty, where the body is the trap and the fingers are high tension sutures designed to distribute weight and stress to create new contours and shapes. These sutures take advantage of the natural fibers in the body that distribute weight, and make the body conform to a permanent shape that simply removing excess fat and skin cannot achieve.

This type of procedure places more stress on the sides of the incision rather than in the middle which can also reduce the visibility of scars and provide a slimmer more defined waistline. Even though they are more complicated surgeries, they provide long lasting results that can make you look and feel young again. Ask your surgeon today if you might benefit from a high lateral tension abdominoplasty.

Mini tuck
A mini tuck is another name for a partial abdominoplasty.

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Tummy Tuck Questions and Answers

Who is a good candidate for abdominoplasty?
If you have excess or sagging abdominal skin, weak stomach muscles, or a protruding abdomen you are likely a good candidate for a tummy tuck.

How am I evaluated for an abdominoplasty?
The evaluation begins with your surgeon examining your stomach while you stand and lie down, and then he or she will measure the amount of loose skin in the abdominal area. You should also alert your doctor to any allergies or drug interactions or any previous pregnancies or surgeries. You should also inform your doctor if you plan to become pregnant again, for this can greatly influence the outcome of any procedure.

Does insurance cover the cost of tummy tuck surgery?
Most insurance companies consider abdominoplasties cosmetic procedures and therefore not eligible for coverage. If a tummy tuck is for a medical condition such as a hernia, the non-cosmetic portions may be reimbursable. Talk to your insurance company about any specific questions you might have.

Where is the most common site of the tummy tuck incisions?
For most procedures a horizontal incision across the waist is sufficient to enable surgeons adequate access to the abdominal tissues. It is important to note that all bellies are different, so most doctors endeavor to minimize the amount of visible scarring as much as they can. Bathing suits and underwear can hide strategically placed incision spots though.

What are other types of abdominoplasties?
The different types of tummy tucks usually vary the location of the initial incision points to reduce the appearance of scars. Mini abdominoplasties are used when there are only minor amounts of loose skin and fat, and liposuction is often used in conjunction a traditional tummy tuck to smooth out the final shape and contours.

What are the potential risks, of an abdominoplasty?
Like any surgery, an abdominoplasty carries certain risks. Consult with your surgeon before the procedure to discuss any negative outcomes.

What should I do to prepare for tummy tuck surgery?
Before your surgery you should quit smoking, because smoking can inhibit your ability to heal. You should also avoid taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin because they can increase your chances of bleeding. Arranging a ride home is usually a good idea as well.

What will take place on the day of the surgery?
Most abdominoplasties are performed in a hospital, surgical suite, or even your doctor’s office. A variety of medications are used to increase your comfort during the operation, and your surgeon may elect to use either general or local anesthesia depending on the extent of the procedure. Once the surgery is complete you will be taken to a special recovery area where your vital signs are monitored in order to determine when the best time to return home.

What will I feel like right after the surgery?
Your doctor will most likely prescribe medication to manage any post-op pain. It is important to take short walks the first few days after the surgery, for light exercise encourages blood circulation which in turn promotes healing. The initial soreness will become less noticeable, but you should avoid straining, lifting, bending, or any strenuous activity that involves your lower body.

Swelling, bruising, soreness, and numbness are common conditions after a tummy tuck but should dissipate over a few weeks and months. Your scars will initially be bright red and pink but should also fade after a few months although they may appear to worsen before they get better.

When will I begin to feel normal again?
Recovery time is different for everyone. The extent of your procedure, your physical condition, and your desire to recover are all important factors. Some people return light work and activity between one and three weeks after surgery, but it takes longer for some people. Speak to your doctor about any specific concerns you might have.

How long does a tummy tuck last?
The results of your tummy tuck greatly depend on your choices. Gaining or losing a significant amount of weight or pregnancy can affect the results of your abdominoplasty. You will retain a great deal of your new shape for many years, but eventually aging and gravity might necessitate another procedure. If you desire another tummy tuck your surgeon can often use the same incision point to restore your youthful shape and figure.

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