TUMMY TUCK

Tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) is an aesthetic surgery that removes unwanted pockets of fat and excess skin that persist around the stomach, no matter how much you may diet and exercise. The tummy tuck results in a more slender, youthful silhouette and enhanced self- esteem.The procedure involves surgical excision of loose skin and tightening of underlying abdominal muscles. When performed by a qualified and experienced aesthetic surgeon, tummy tuck will produce safe, predictable, and highly desirable aesthetic results.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TUMMY TUCKS? FULL ABDOMINOPLASTY

This is what most people typically think of when they hear the term tummy tuck. It involves an incision that runs from hip bone to hip bone, and it can entail repairing or suturing muscles in the abdominal wall. This procedure is designed for those who need more correction.

Benefits: It offers a dramatic transformation, especially for those who have experienced significant weight loss or have gone through multiple pregnancies. It addresses excess skin and can also repair weakened or separated muscles.
Ideal Candidate: The best candidates are individuals with a lot of excess skin or those with separated abdominal muscles due to pregnancy or other reasons.
Recovery: Recovery from an abdominoplasty surgery is generally longer than that of a mini abdominoplasty. It’s essential for patients to follow post-op care instructions and allow the body time to heal.

MINI ABDOMINOPLASTY

As the name suggests, a mini abdominoplasty is a less invasive version of the full abdominoplasty. It involves a smaller incision and is focused mainly on the lower abdomen.

Benefits: This procedure is quicker, often has a faster recovery time, and is great for addressing minor pouching or sagging in the lower abdomen.
Ideal Candidate: The best candidates are those who are close to their ideal body weight but are looking to fine-tune and address small amounts of excess skin or minor muscle laxity.
Recovery: Recovery is generally quicker than a full abdominoplasty, but it’s still vital for patients to rest and follow their doctor’s recommendations for the best results.

WHAT CAN A TUMMY TUCK ACHIEVE? FLATTER AND FIRMER ABDOMEN

A primary benefit of a tummy tuck is its ability to offer a flatter and firmer midsection. By tightening the abdominal muscles and removing excess skin, patients can achieve a more sculpted and toned appearance. It can be ideal for those grappling with concerns that can’t be rectified with exercise like sagging skin, stubborn fat, or separated muscles.

POSSIBLE REDUCTION IN STRETCH MARKS

While tummy tuck surgery isn’t primarily aimed at stretch mark removal, it holds the potential to reduce their visibility. This is primarily

because the procedure can involve the removal of skin containing these marks, often located on the lower abdomen.

ALLEVIATION OF SKIN IRRITATION

Excess, sagging skin might lead to various skin irritations, from rashes to infections caused by skin-on-skin friction. An abdominoplasty can address these discomforts by excising the problematic skin, offering relief especially to those who frequently experience irritations beneath the abdominal fold.

REDUCED FAT

Although not a substitute for weight loss, the tummy tuck procedure can eliminate stubborn fat pockets that resist both diet and exercise. It’s a favored option for individuals near their ideal weight but who still grapple with persistent abdominal fat.

IMPROVED BODY CONTOURS

Through abdominoplasty surgery, patients can expect to see refined body contours, resulting in a harmonious and balanced silhouette. This is particularly beneficial for individuals desiring a more proportional physique.

ENHANCED CLOTHING OPTIONS

Post-procedure, many find that their range of viable clothing options expands significantly. With a flatter abdomen, clothes often fit more

comfortably, and it can be easier to find options that fit when you go shopping.

INCREASED MOTIVATION FOR A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Seeing the changes to your body post-surgery can serve as a powerful motivator. Many individuals feel propelled to sustain their results through consistent exercise and a balanced diet, viewing their newfound physique as an impetus for ongoing health and wellness.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE PROCEDURE?

During your tummy tuck procedure, a small incision is made from hip to hip near the pubic region, allowing our board-certified cosmetic surgeons to access the abdomen and reposition the belly button to maintain a natural look. Additionally, abdominal muscles are tightened to establish a more toned appearance. Once the procedure is done, the incision will be sealed. While this is what a general tummy tuck procedure entails, your procedure will be based on what you are looking to accomplish.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN TERMS OF RECOVERY?

After your surgery, your board-certified surgeon may advise setting aside between 7-14 days of downtime to properly heal. More time may be in order depending on the extent of your procedure. A compression garment may be recommended to minimize swelling. We will provide you with aftercare instructions to ensure a faster, optimal recovery.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TUMMY TUCKS IS A TUMMY TUCK RIGHT FOR ME?

If you are bothered by excess skin around the abdomen as a result of pregnancy or a drastic weight loss, a tummy tuck in Florida may be an option to consider. Our surgeons can properly determine if a tummy tuck may be right for you following an evaluation of the targeted treatment area and a discussion regarding your medical history.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TUMMY TUCK AND LIPOSUCTION?

A tummy tuck primarily focuses on removing excess skin and tightening the abdominal muscles to create a firmer and flatter stomach. In contrast, liposuction aims to eliminate stubborn fat pockets from various areas of the body but doesn’t address skin laxity or muscle tone. While both procedures can significantly enhance the abdominal area, they serve different purposes and can sometimes be combined for comprehensive results.

HOW LONG DOES TUMMY TUCK SURGERY TAKE?

The duration of tummy tuck surgery varies based on the complexity and the specific type of procedure chosen. A mini abdominoplasty might take between one and two hours, while a full tummy tuck could extend between two and four hours. However, these are general estimates, and the exact duration will be determined by your individual needs and the specific details of the procedure.

WILL I HAVE A VISIBLE SCAR AFTER THE SURGERY?

After A tummy tuck, there will be a scar where the incision was made, typically from hip to hip near the pubic region. However, the incision is

strategically positioned to ensure the scar can be easily concealed beneath underwear or a swimsuit. With proper aftercare and time, the scar often fades considerably, becoming less noticeable.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO SEE TUMMY TUCK RESULTS?

Post-abdominoplasty, initial results can be seen almost immediately, especially the reduction in skin laxity. However, due to swelling and the recovery process, the final results typically emerge over several months. As the body continues to heal and settle, the full transformative effect of the procedure becomes evident.

HOW LONG WILL MY TUMMY TUCK SURGERY LAST?

The outcomes from a tummy tuck procedure are designed to be long- lasting. With proper care, a balanced diet, and regular exercise, results can be maintained for many years. However, significant weight fluctuations, pregnancies, or aging can impact the longevity of the results.

CAN MY BELLY BUTTON SHAPE BE CORRECTED WITH A TUMMY TUCK?

Absolutely. During a tummy tuck, the belly button is often repositioned to ensure a natural look. If there are concerns about its shape or appearance, corrections can be made during the procedure to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing result.

BEFORE THE SURGERY

This surgery will operated with general anesthesia. To avoid an problem, primarily there will be some laboratory tests will be examined. Anesthetist will examine you before the surgery and anesthetist will decide to use which anesthesia type to use in your surgery process. Your heart beats and your oxygen levels in blood will continuously be monitored with electronic devices in the operating room during the surgery. Allergy or medicine reactions can be rarely seen and it can be fatal. But, when these undesirable situations happen, these can be cured successfully and there is a little possibility to give any harm to the patient. If the patient has major health problems or illnesses in the past and medicines being used continuously, she/he should inform the doctor immediately. If the patient uses cigarettes, vitamin E, aspirin or over consumption of herbal teas, s/he needs to take a two weeks breaks before and the after the surgery to avoid any problems. Patient needs to avoid fibrous food and should take soft food for a 3-4 days before the surgery. Patient should not eat or drink for 6 hours before the surgery. After the surgery, generally patient will be monitored in the revival room then s/he will be sent to her/his room. Nevertheless, this process can extensible because of nausea and similar problems depending on the anesthesia. Before the surgery, detailed plan of the process will be prepared with drawings in patients’ room or examination room. Following that, before and after photos will be taken so that it can be used in comparison part for later

DURING THE SURGERY

The operation may take 2-4 hours depending on the procedure. It is 8- 10 cm underneath the umbilicus(belly), which can often be put inside and concealed, and is made with an incense hat. If a full abdominoplasty operation is to be performed on the lower belly, a second incision is made according to the preference of the surgeon.

After the operation is finished, the incision line is covered with hidden stitches under the skin and covered with dressings. One or two tubes called drains can be placed to get the excess fluid out of the region. The urinary catheter is generally applied during the surgery to be used for the first day. After you can stand up, your urinary catheter will be withdrawn.

AFTER THE SURGERY

You’ll provided to lay down in a position we call ‘’V’’ position in post- operative period thus we’ll try to reduce the tension on your operation area.This position raise your body up to a 45 degree aspect beginning from your belly. An abdominal corset which will grab your belly will be applied after the operation. This pressure-adjustable corset is used to help keep your region free of movement and swelling. You are not allowed to eat anything in the first hours after surgery. The first postoperative day is the most troublesome period. Pain killers and sleeping pills are used to make this period more comfortable. In the first few days, there may be swelling and pain in the abdomen. However, this pain can be controlled by painkillers. Drens are removed on average for 1-3 days, and non-fusing sutures on the skin are removed after 1-3 weeks. There is no need to remove fusible stitches applied under the skin as occult stitches. The most frightening complication of abdominal stretching surgery is embolism. In order to prevent this, blood thinner medicines are given when necessary and varsity socks are applied to the legs. Despite all this, emboli can develop. If you or your family have emboli background information, they must be specified. The most important of the mechanisms forming the embolism are long inactivity. That’s why you need to move your legs and hip till you are allowed stand up but you should not stay in a same position on the bed. Sometimes it is useful to massage your legs and calves.

The first time you get up, you will be helped. When getting up for the first time, dizziness and bad feeling are not uncommon. To prevent this, you should sit on the edge of the bed for a long time when you first get up, and looking up across will make you feel better. In the same way, when you get up in the first days, walking upright and stretching is not right. It is helpful to lean slightly because of the tension in your stomach. The first two days after surgery are when the body is edematous. During this period, the body blisters and it becomes difficult to move. Beginning from the third day, edema generally starts to disappear and it becomes easier to move. You’ll stay 2-3 days in hospital after the surgery. After being allowed to go home, you are expected to spend the first week at home. Be careful about smoking for the first two weeks after surgery. It should not be forgotten that the cigarette has a negative effect on the wound healing process. After surgery you are allowed to return to your social life from the second week on. But you are not expected to do heavy work for six weeks. Often you are allowed to take half-showers without wetting your surgery area for the first week. Full shower is available from the second week. You are not allowed to enter the pool or sea before the fourth week. After the operation, sauna, solarium, steam bath, sun bath and heavy sports are prohibited for six weeks. The surgical site may be red itchy and very obvious, especially during the first months (3-4 months) after surgery.

Over time, especially after the 6th month, it is expected that the surgical wound’s color bleaching and reduction of itching. This process lasts up to two years. Even at the end of two years, surgery scar slimly remains in the surgical area.This permission is aimed scar to remain in the underwear or bikini line during the operation plan. In the post- operative period, especially in the area under the belly, there are long- lived, and sometimes permanent, numbness. They are expected to get better in time.

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT

Liposuction can be considered as an alternative to normal weight people if there is a good quality of taut skin and limited fat accumulation and the abdominal wall is stable. Dieting and exercise programs may also be effective in reducing whole body fat, but it does not affect skin puffiness. The liposuction method is not a stand-alone solution if it is accompanied by excessive swinging and sagging.