TUMMY TUCK SURGERY

DESCRIPTION OF THE TUMMY TUCK PROCEDURE

Tummy tuck is a surgery performed to tighten the abdominal wall and remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen. Good candidates for Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck are usually women who have had pregnancies resulting in stretching of the abdominal muscles and skin or weight loss.

Tummy tuck surgery can be combined with liposuction, depending upon the patient. The decision on whether to perform suction alone (liposuction), or a traditional tummy tuck obviously depends on the integrity of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. The recommendation is also to have given birth, and preferably have no further plans to have another baby.

The description of the abdominoplasty or tummy tuck:

• 1. Incisions are made along the lower portion of the abdomen and around the belly button. The incisions may vary in their position and their length depending on the patient. The skin and fat are then retracted off of the muscles of the abdominal wall.
• 2. The abdominal muscles are sutured together to flatten and tighten the abdominal wall.
• 3. Rubber drains are placed underneath the skin and the excess skin and fat of the abdomen is cut away. The rubber drains allow excess fluids to drain. They may remain in the abdomen for about a week. A new hole is created for the belly button.

The description of the mini tummy tuck:

• 1. Incisions are made along the lower portion of the abdomen. The incisions may vary in their position and their length depending upon the patient. The skin and fat are then retracted off of the muscles of the abdominal wall, up to the belly button.
• 2. The abdominal muscles are sutured together to flatten and tighten the abdominal wall.
• 3. Rubber drains are placed underneath the skin and the excess skin and fat from the abdomen are cut away. The rubber drains allow excess fluids to drain. They may remain in the abdomen for a few days.

After your tummy tuck surgery you must maintain a flexed position. A snug elastic dressing, girdle, or body stocking should be worn over the treated area to control swelling, and to help your skin to fit your new shape. You should wear it for three or four weeks.

You will feel heavier right after the surgery because of the extra fluids you’ve been given. You can return to your regular activities in 14 days, or as much as 3 weeks after the surgery.

Don't be shy ask any questions you need to know. It's important you know all about your Tummy tuck before you have a surgery.