Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as “tummy tuck,” is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen, as well as to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. This procedure can dramatically improve the appearance of a protruding belly.
The best candidates for a tummy tuck are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by large fat deposits or loose abdominal skin that does not respond to diet or exercise. The operation is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity, which frequently occurs with weight loss, can also be dramatically improved.
If you would like to have a flatter abdomen and you desire to look more attractive in your slacks and form-fitting clothes, then a tummy tuck may be the procedure for you.
If you are considering a tummy tuck, Plastic surgeon Dr. Luciano Boemi in Naples, Florida will meet with you in a private consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. He will then proceed to plan the procedure according to your individual expectations.
Complete tummy tuck surgery usually take two to four hours, depending on the extent of work required. Mini tummy tucks may take one and one half to two hours. Both procedures are usually performed under general anesthesia in a fully accredited ambulatory surgery center.
Most commonly, Dr. Boemi will make a long incision from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from the surrounding tissue. With a mini tummy tuck, the incision is shorter and the navel is not moved, and excess skin above the navel is not tightened.
The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin and fat is removed. In most cases the abdominal muscles are tightened with a series of sutures. A new hole is then cut for the navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, two temporary tubes will be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.
A tummy tuck does produce a permanent scar which, depending on the extent of the original problem, can extend from hip to hip.
For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you’re likely to feel some pain and discomfort, which can be controlled by medication.
Even though you may not be able to stand straight at first, you should start walking the very day of the procedure.
When staples or non-absorbable sutures are used, they will be removed in two to three weeks. A support garment will be worn for the first few weeks.
It may take you days or weeks to be fully active. If you start out in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from a tummy tuck will be much faster. Some people return to work after two or three days, while others take two or three weeks to rest and recuperate.
Light to moderate exercise will help you heal better. Even people who have never exercised before should begin an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone their muscles. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably, usually four to eight weeks.
Tummy tucks, whether partial or complete, produce excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin and fat deposits. The results are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
The important decision of considering Plastic Surgery begins with a personal consultation. Please call to set up an hour long meeting with Dr. Boemi that covers your goals, any questions you have concerning surgery, and imaging.
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