A toneless abdomen is the result of excess fat and skin or poor elasticity of the skin following extreme weight-loss or pregnancy. A tummy tuck, also known as an Abdominoplasty, is a procedure that surgically slims, tightens and reshapes the abdomen. This procedure can also reduce stretch marks. Areas treated include the center of the abdomen but may extend to the entire area between the lower rib cage and pubic bone, as well as to the sides and back. Liposuction can be used in conjunction with an Abdominoplasty to improve the contour of thighs and hips resulting in a balanced appearance between the mid-section and lower part of the body. This procedure is not a substitute for weight loss.
The Procedures
Full Tummy Tuck - A horizontal incision is made in the area between the pubic hairline and navel. The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the degree of correction necessary. Through the incision weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and excess fat, tissue and skin are removed. Four secondary incisions around the navel are necessary to allow the removal of excess skin from the upper abdomen.
Mini Tummy Tuck - When the abdominal correction is isolated to below the navel, a shorter incision is made at the pubic bone. Liposuction may be performed with a mini tummy tuck where excess fat is the only factor.
Key Facts
Good Candidates: Adults of any age and gender who are close to the ideal weight for their body type and size. Patients should be moderately fit, have good muscle tone, be a healthy, non-smoker and not have a life-threatening illness or medical condition that would impair healing. It is important to have a positive outlook and realistic goals in mind.
Anesthesia: General anesthesia
Length of procedure: This procedure can take up to 3 hours but times may vary from patient to patient depending on several factors.
Length of stay: Typically the patient will go home same day.
Discomfort: Swelling, soreness and bruising can last for several weeks and may take up to 3 months to resolve completely. Numbness may occur below the umbilicus and around the incision sites. Pain level may be mild to moderate and controlled with pain medications but will vary from patient to patient.
Recovery: The patient will need to avoid bending, straining or lifting for several weeks to avoid stressing internal sutures as they heal. It is very important to precisely follow post-op instructions given by Dr. Patrick Swier to ensure proper healing and exceptional results. Patients are typically able to go back to work 1-3 weeks after surgery.
Final result: Improvement can be seen immediately but final results after the healing process will take approximately 3 months.
Duration of results: Results will be long lasting as long as the patient follows all post-op instructions, maintains a healthy lifestyle, remains moderately active and pregnancy or substantial weight-gain does not occur.
