What is a Tummy Tuck?
When the skin becomes loose and distended, liposuction alone cannot achieve a good result. Body contouring, which is the removal of excess skin, is then needed. The most common form of body contouring is the abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, where redundant skin of the lower abdomen is removed. At the same time, the deep muscles of the abdomen are repaired. Dr. Maxwell offers tummy tucks for patients who have excess loose skin in the abdominal area, often due to pregnancy or significant weight loss. This procedure can be paired with other body contouring options or incorporated into a mommy makeover according to your personal goals for cosmetic surgery.
Who is a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Many paitents who have excess skin or damaged abdominal muscles are good candidates for a tummy tuck. We often see laxity of the lower abdomen after childbirth or excessive weight loss, and these muscles need tightening. During a consultation, Dr. Maxwell will examine the treatment area to ensure that a tummy tuck is your best option. Some patients may be better suited to another procedure such as a panniculectomy or liposuction depending on factors like your skin laxity or desired results. She will also review your health history and any medications you take to make sure that surgery is safe for you.
Muscle Tightening
There are several techniques to accomplish this, but basically the muscles are laced up like a shoelace, tightening the girth of the abdomen from the breastbone down to the pubic bone.
Belly Button Adjustment
The belly button can be left in place or slid down depending on the amount of skin removed.
Scar Placement
The shape and position of the scar are determined by the existing creases in the groin, as well as the patient’s swimwear and underwear fashion requirements. These issues are discussed during the individual consultation.
Liposuction
Liposuction is usually added for contouring and smoothing of the skin.
Recovery and Results After a Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty is an extensive procedure. After surgery, the abdomen is extremely tight. The pain and discomfort associated with the abdominoplasty can last one to three weeks, requiring at least one to two weeks off work to get adequate recovery and control of the discomfort. Patients undergoing a tummy tuck surgery will have a scar on the lower abdomen, but most patients find that the benefits of the procedure far outweigh the drawbacks.
The abdominoplasty produces a flat abdomen, and the additional liposuction often performed enhances the results by contouring around the flanks, upper abdomen and hips (extensive additional liposuction does require additional charges). Once the fatty skirt is removed from the lower abdomen, it is impossible to put the weight back on there. More than with any other procedure, we find that patients go on to lose more weight after the abdominoplasty. Seeing a flattened physique and fitting into smaller size clothing can be very motivating. The success rate for the abdominoplasty is extremely high, and patient satisfaction is almost universal.