An Abdominoplasty (commonly known as a tummy tuck) is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fatty tissue from the abdomen and tightens the abdominal muscles.
The best candidates for a tummy tuck are at a stable weight, have weak muscles and excess skin protruding on the abdomen. Significantly overweight patients are less ideal candidates for tummy tuck surgery and may be advised to lose weight or undergo liposuction before surgery.
Tummy tuck surgery is especially beneficial for women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. The surgery does produce a permanent scar that can extend across the hips, but scars are easily hidden and most patients are willing to accept them in order to attain a flatter stomach.
?During the consultation, Dr. Branman will evaluate your particular condition and advise you as to whether you are a good candidate for this procedure.
See Little Rock tummy tuck before and after photos
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia in a hospital or outpatient facility. Dr. Branman makes a very precise incision along the waistline. Next, the skin gets separated from the abdominal wall and the abdominal muscles are tightened. The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place.
For some patients, we can perform only a partial abdominoplasty, or “mini tummy tuck,” during which the skin is separated between the incision line and the navel. The flap of skin is stretched down, the excess is removed, and the flap is stitched back into place. A full tummy tuck usually requires two to three hours, while partial abdominoplasty may require one to two hours.
After a Tummy Tuck
There will be some soreness and discomfort, but Dr. Branman will prescribe medications to alleviate discomfort. Special drains and a dressing will be in place. Strenuous activity should be avoided for three to four week following surgery. It may be difficult to stand straight at first, but you will be advised to begin walking as soon as possible. Dr. Branman will provide special post-operative instructions about caring for your incisions, showering, and more.
Many patients return to work after 2 weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate. While strenuous exercise should be avoided, light exercise may help you heal better. Even those who have never followed an exercise regimen should start. It will reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles, so you get the best results from your surgery. Scars will be prominent during the first three to six months as they heal. After about 9-12 months, your scars will flatten out and lighten in color. They will always be apparent, but should not show under most clothing, even a bathing suit.
Tummy Tuck Risks
Every surgical procedure carries some risk. You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should resume physical activity.
Complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can occur. Infection can be treated with drainage and antibiotics, but will prolong your hospital stay. You can minimize the risk of blood clots by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible. Poor healing may necessitate a second operation. Smoking increases the risk of poor healing, so smokers are advised to quit long before their day of surgery.
Tummy Tuck or abdominoplasty surgery, and all cosmetic surgery procedures, are performed by Little Rock cosmetic surgeon Dr. Rhys Branman at Arkansas Surgical Hospital.
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