A protruding abdomen can be a cause of distress for both men and women. A protruding abdomen can be the result of weak abdominal muscles, pregancy, loose skiin that has been stretched and does not respond to exercise, or excess fat.

Tummy Tuck
A “Tummy Tuck” or abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure in which is designed to flatten the protruding abdomen by removing loose skin, excess fatty tissue and by tightening the muscles in the abdominal wall. The procedure is a common surgery and greatly benefit both men and women alike who are uncomfortable with their protruding stomach.

Is a Tummy Tuck Right for You?
The best candidates for a Tummy Tuck are those whose weight has been stabilized with their weight loss program and / or feel they are at their ideal weight. Those who do not feel they are at ideal weight should schedule a consultation to go over what their best options are and if this procedure is right for them.

The Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
A Tummy Tuck is expected to give you an enhancement of your figure and boost your self-confidence. However, it is not likely to change your who you are and how others treat you.

Your private consultaion with your surgeon will provide you with realistics expectations and goals of the surgery.Your surgeon will examine and assess the nature of your abdomen, your expectations, your goals, and explain the probable outcome of your procedure.

You will be shown several photos of before and after patients with similar adbomens to yours.Your surgeon will then explain the procedure and the results you can expect to receive.

If you desire, a before and after shot will be taken of your abdomen to give proof your improvement.

Your Procedure
A Tummy Tuck includes three basic techiques used to flatten your abdomen. The technique that is used for you will the best choice based on your specific goals and your specific problem. For example, if your laxity and excess skin lies below your navel, then a mini tummy tuck could be right for you. But, if you have severe laxity of the abdominal muscle or excessive skin, then a full tummy tuck might be your only solution.

The most common tummy tuck is usually performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia.You will be asleep during the procedure and spinal anesthesia may be administered.

A full tummy tuck will involve an incision around the belly button with another incision from hip to hip.Your entire abdominal wall will be tightened with permanent sutures and the excess skin and fat will be removed.

A mini tummy tuck involves a smaller incision that is made in your bikini area with no incision around your belly button. Through this incision, your surgeon will remove the excess fat and skin. Permanent sutures will be placed through the incision to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. A mini tummy tuck is often performed in conjunction with liposuction of the upper abdominal area and the flank areas.

No matter what procedure you decide on, your incisions will be closed with small sutures. Small drains may also be inserted to eliminate fluid buildup. Elastic bandages are then applied to the area,which will also be snug.

Tummy Tuck Recovery
The first day following the surgery will include bed rest. More than likely, you will experience numbness in your abdominal area,which could last up to a full year. Any pain or discomfort that follows the procedure will be controlled with oral medication. If you have had drains inserted, they will remain in place for three to seven days until fluids decrease. Sutures should be removed within one to two weeks. However, your bandages will remain a little longer.You will more than likely be wearing a special abdominal support garment for several weeks. There will be scarring, but will fade over time.

During your recovery, you must refrain from lifting and strenous activity.Your surgeon willl decide when it is best for you to resume your normal activities. Most likely, you can return to work within one to three weeks, depending on the degree of the surgery performed.

Results will be quite dramatic. Patients who have this procedure are able to enjoy and love their new slender, trimmer and tighter abdomens.

If you are considering a tummy tuck, please call our office to arrange a private consultation to learn more about the procedure.