Choosing the Right Candidates for Tummy Tuck Surgery
If you are bothered by excess skin and fat on your midsection, you may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck. Candidates should also be….- Close to a healthy body weight
- A non-smoker
- Unable to slim down tummy with diet/exercise
- Not planning future pregnancy
A tummy tuck doesn’t preclude or interfere with pregnancy, but it can shorten the duration of your results. Smoking can lead to poor or delayed healing after surgery; therefore potential candidates should cease their smoking several weeks before abdominoplasty.
View more tummy tuck before and after photos.
Variations in Tummy Tuck Surgery
There are multiple variations of the tummy tuck that may be right for you. One of the techniques in practice today is the mini-tummy tuck, a procedure with a limited incision that is designed to treat minor skin laxity in the abdomen. Another option is lipo-abdominoplasty, where fat is removed in the upper abdomen and flanks during your tummy tuck. Ask Dr. Rosen if one of these techniques is right for you.Getting Great Results from Tummy Tuck Surgery
Tummy Tuck surgery is designed to meet certain aesthetic goals. With optimal results, you can expect:- Tighter, firmer skin
- Fewer stretch marks on the tummy
- Visible contour of abdominal muscles
- A navel without upper hooding
- Youthful lower abdomen
- A more appealing, curvy silhouette
The Tummy Tuck Procedure: How Abdominoplasty Works
The full tummy tuck requires about 2-5 hours of operating time. First, the doctor will discuss the incision location with you and determine where a scar will be most easily concealed. The incision site will be marked as well as the areas for liposuction (if necessary). General anesthesia is administered. Muscle relaxation may be administered as well to facilitate repair of the abdominal wall.A horizontal incision, often in the shape of bicycle handlebars, is made on the lower abdomen. Using sutures, Dr. Rosen repairs the stretched abdominal muscles. The belly button may be remodeled or relocated. Excess skin is trimmed or re-draped and the incisions are closed using dissolvable sutures.
After Your Tummy Tuck: Recovery
Tummy Tuck recovery time is about 1 to 3 weeks. You will be wrapped in gauze dressing after surgery. An elastic garment will be provided to minimize swelling and promote skin contraction. It should be worn for about 6 weeks. Within 12-18 hours, you will be advised to walk around. Pain medications will be used during this time to manage discomfort. After your tummy tuck, drains may be needed to prevent accumulation of fluid – they will usually be removed within 24 hours.Possible Complications of Tummy Tuck Surgery
All cosmetic surgery carries a risk of complications. With the tummy tuck, adverse events include but are not limited to hematoma, poor healing and scarring, infection, tissue loss, bleeding, intra abdominal hypertension, DVT and pulmonary embolus.Tummy Tuck Alternatives
There are alternatives to the tummy tuck that may be appropriate for you. If you have lost a significant amount of weight, Dr. Rosen may recommend a procedure called belt lipectomy. If excess tummy skin is the sole problem, a procedure called panniculectomy may be necessary. There are also several variations of the tummy tuck that may be able to meet your specific needs.For more information contact Rosen Cosmetic Surgery in Pennsylvania to schedule a consultation.
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