Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

An abdominoplasty is a procedure that removes excess skin and fat that is concentrated on the lower abdomen. It also tightens the abdominal wall muscles to help promote a flatter abdominal contour. Both men and women can undergo this procedure to reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. This surgery is not a substitute for weight loss and other healthy lifestyle choices. Best outcomes are seen in patients who are at a stable weight, physically healthy, and non-smokers. Some of our happiest patients view this surgery as the last step, after weight loss and exercise, in unlocking the look they always wanted.

Who is a candidate for tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery?

• Patients who are concerned with loose or sagging abdominal skin

• Patients with excess fatty deposits in their abdomen

• Women with weakened or separated abdominal muscles as a result of pregnancies

• Patients who have had a substantial weight loss and have been at a stable goal weight for several months

Your Consultation Visit

During this initial visit, we will review your health history and any previous surgeries. We then discuss your area of concerns and goals for surgery. At this point, we can discuss the steps and decision-making process of an abdominoplasty procedure. This discussion will include possible risks, anticipated recovery time, and answers for any specific questions you may have. A physical examination will then be preformed where photos and measurements will be taken. These physical findings will be utilized to ensure the safest and best procedure is preformed to help you achieve your goals. Surgical options based upon this assessment will then be provided and reviewed.

A full hour is scheduled for your initial visit. This time allows for a thorough evaluation and an opportunity to get all your questions and concerns addressed. At the end of your appointment pricing information will be provided as well as an opportunity to schedule your procedure.

The Day of Surgery

For your comfort and safety your procedure will be performed at an accredited surgical hospital. You will get to meet all nursing staff and anesthesia providers prior to your surgery. Your surgeon will also visit with your preoperatively to review surgical plan and preform surgical marking. All members of this team will work to provide a discreet, comfortable, and professional level of care from the moment you check in until your discharge.

The surgery itself will be done under general anesthesia and take approximately 3 hours. During this time, meticulous dissection and closure is performed. Operative site is closed over drains and local anesthetic is placed to help improve postoperative pain control. All incisions are covered with a surgical bandage and then an abdominal binder is placed for postop comfort and support.

Recovery

Most patients elect to spend the evening in the hospital following this procedure. Staying in the hospital affords you around the clock care, excess to iv pain medications, and the support of knowledgeable nursing staff. Your surgeon will visit with the friends/family that came to be with you for your surgery. Typically, you are comfortable and ready for discharge the following morning after being seen by a member of our plastic surgery team. At the time of this discharge, nursing staff will review specific postop instructions and medications with you and your caregiver.

We ask you to stay in your compression garment as much as possible following your procedure. Your abdomen will feel swollen and sore for a few days following surgery. This discomfort should be readily controlled with the medications prescribed for you. You will need assistance getting around and doing normal activities of daily living.

You may shower the day after surgery. We will encourage you to get up and walk around frequently after surgery to promote healing and reduce your risk for developing blood clots.

A follow-up appointment in clinic will be made for the week after surgery. Follow-up appointments will be utilized to remove any sutures, drains, and ensure your recovery is on track. We like to see patients frequently during the first several weeks following your procedure. During your recovery we encourage you to call our clinic whenever a question or concern arises. We want you to have a stress-free recovery focused on allowing your body time to heal. Everyone’s recovery is unique to their experience. However, most patients will be ready to return to work in 1 week. We ask that you avoid any strenuous activity for 6-8 weeks following surgery. Your result will likely be evident sometime between 3-6 months.

What’s Next?

If you are interested in surgery, spend some time reviewing this information and videos on our website. We also have photo library of before and after results from some or our past clients.

Then give our clinic a call at (605) 334-1930 to schedule your initial consultation.