An abdominoplasty is another name for what is medically called an abdominoplasty. This body contouring surgery shapes the abdominal area by removing excess fat and trimming loose skin.
Everything you need to know about tummy tucks
When a board-certified plastic surgeon performs a tummy tuck, he or she also strengthens the abdominal muscles to further improve the appearance of your abdomen. An abdominoplasty can also remove some, if not all, of the stretch marks in your lower abdomen.
Tummy tucks are a popular option for women after pregnancy or major weight loss. However, it is important to know that a tummy tuck is not a weight loss solution, as you may gain the weight back later.
How much does a tummy tuck cost?
A tummy tuck is considered one of the major surgeries, and this status is reflected in the average cost of the procedure. Therefore, each treatment is customized to the individual patient.
As a result, the cost of a
Tummy Tuck Memphis at our practice also varies from patient to patient. And although this procedure is expensive, we will do our best to offer you the surgery at a reasonable price.
When to consider a tummy tuck
Many people consider a tummy tuck to address these issues:
Stretch marks
Excess skin
Stubborn fat around the abdomen
• Aging
• Heredity
• Pregnancy
• Previous surgeries
• Weight fluctuations have resulted in extra skin on the abdomen
• Weakness of the abdominal muscles
You should also consider a tummy tuck if one or more of the following statements apply to you:
The shape of your abdomen has been affected by pregnancy or massive weight loss.
You feel that your protruding abdomen is unattractive.
Your self-confidence is negatively affected by the contour of your abdomen.
Advantages and disadvantages of an abdominoplasty
Advantages
• A tummy tuck provides a flat stomach.
• You look better in dresses and swimwear.
• You will have a more youthful body.
• Your abdominal muscles get more structural support.
• Your risk for abdominal hernias is reduced.
• May improve urinary incontinence in women.
Disadvantages
You will have a scar (below the bikini line).
Another pregnancy may affect the outcome of the surgery, so it is best to wait until you no longer have children before having the procedure.
Weight gain after the tummy tuck may have a negative effect on the results of the surgery.
It is not a weight loss solution, and it is possible to reverse the results of the procedure if you do not lead a lifestyle that is compatible with your new body contours.
There are several possible complications after this procedure, including blood clots, bleeding, asymmetry, fat necrosis, and infection.
These are just some of the pros and cons you should weigh when considering a tummy tuck in Memphis. If you want to focus on what is unique to you, please contact your Memphis plastic surgeon.
What do I need to do before a tummy tuck?
Stop smoking
Smoking slows the healing process and increases the risk of serious complications during and after surgery. If you smoke, you must stop at least six weeks before your procedure.
Achieve a stable weight
Lean individuals with extra fat and sagging skin in the lower abdominal area are the best candidates. As mentioned earlier, a tummy tuck is not a weight loss solution, but a cosmetic solution.
Improve your physical health
You need to be in relatively good physical condition to tolerate this procedure. If you are not careful, you could undo the results of the surgery if you continue to gain weight.
Make sure you don't have any more children
The muscles that are repaired during a tummy tuck can come loose again if you become pregnant later on. Not to mention, additional weight gain during pregnancy can cause more stretch marks.
Steps of the tummy tuck procedure
During an abdominoplasty, your plastic surgeon will remove your sagging abdominal skin and tighten your abdominal muscles with sutures.
Preparation phase
Your plastic surgeon will mark your abdomen to indicate the location of the incisions, the center of your torso, and the location of the repositioned umbilicus.
A solution of lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and epinephrine (a vasoconstrictor that stops bleeding by constricting blood vessels) will be injected.
Incision phase
The primary incision for the tummy tuck is above the mons pubis, from one hip bone to the other. For a full tummy tuck, another incision is made around the navel. For a mini tummy tuck, your surgeon uses a shorter incision.
The surgeon loosens the skin from the abdominal wall to the rib cage, and then places sutures in the fascia of the abdominal muscles to pull them into a tighter position. This is the muscle repair portion of the procedure.
Fat reduction and skin tightening
After your abdominal muscles are stitched, your surgeon will remove excess fat through liposuction or other methods. Then, your abdominal skin will be stretched over the incision line, and the excess skin will be removed.
Creating the "new" navel
Next, your surgeon will mark the location of your navel. Although the skin around the navel has been moved, the navel almost always remains in the same place. Your surgeon will cut a hole through the folded-over skin and sew it closed around the navel. To close the incisions, your surgeon uses tissue adhesives, sutures, staples, or steri-strips.
Surgical drains
During a full tummy tuck, the surgeon often inserts one or more drains to prevent fluid buildup that can put pressure on the incision.
The drain is a clear plastic tube placed through a very short incision below the main incision, leading out of the body to a small oval bulb. Each time you drain the tube, and before you reseal it, you will be asked to squeeze it to drain the wound. This will help the surgical site heal.
How long does it take to recover from an abdominoplasty?
Because a tummy tuck is an intense cosmetic procedure, it can take up to 3 months or longer for you to fully recover. Fortunately, most patients recover in less than 6 weeks.
During recovery, you will need to limit physical activities. You will also schedule follow-up appointments with your doctor to review your recovery process. It is very important that you follow your doctor's instructions carefully to avoid complications.
