Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
What Is Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a "tummy tuck," is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall. This procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen and create more youthful curves. To enhance the results, the scar from this procedure is hidden below the bikini line. Watch an interview with Dr. Lee about Tummy Tuck.
Tummy Tuck Photos
These tummy tuck photos were taken of a patient in San Diego who received tummy tuck at Changes Plastic Surgery. Please visit our complete photo gallery of tummy tucks performed by Dr. Lee.
BEFORE
AFTER
Determining Your Candidacy for Abdominoplasty
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men and women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved. Additionally, C-Section scars and incisions can be improved with this technique.
Women who plan future pregnancies should wait to have an abdominoplasty, because vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy.
Procedure Description
All of the Changes surgeons are board-certified plastic surgeons, and the procedures are performed in a state licensed and Medicare certified surgical center, along with skilled anesthesiologists. These credentials help ensure the highest standards of care and your utmost safety.
An abdominoplasty typically takes two and a half hours. Generally, your surgeon will make an incision hidden in the bikini line. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. Stretch marks of the lower abdomen can also be removed with this procedure.
Your surgeon separates the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to the ribs to reveal the vertical (rectus abdominis) muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline.
The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. The navel is brought out through a new incision in the abdominal skin. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings will be applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.
Endoscopy is sometimes used as an adjunct for selected patients who have lost abdominal muscle tone. Guided by the endoscope, which is a small tube with an attached camera, the muscles that run vertically down the length of the abdomen may be tightened through several short incisions. Endoscopy is generally not used in patients who have a significant amount of loose skin.
Post-Surgical Care
For the first several days, your abdomen will be swollen and you will be uncomfortable. Your surgeon will prescribe medication for this. Abdominoplasty is usually done on an outpatient basis but occasionally a patient may need to remain in a care facility overnight.
Your doctor will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressings. And though you may not be able to stand straight at first, it is important for healing that you begin walking as soon as possible.
Surface stitches, as well as any drains will be removed in five to ten days. A support garment may replace the dressing on your incision.
Recovery
It may take you several weeks to feel like your old self again. If you start out in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from abdominoplasty will be much faster. Some people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate.
Your scars may actually appear red during the first three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it to take nine months to one year before your scars flatten out and lighten in color. While they'll never disappear completely, abdominal scars will not show under most clothing, even under bathing suits.
Your New Look
Abdominoplasty produces excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. In most cases, the results are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
After surgery, you will have a flatter, trimmer abdomen and new flattering curves.
Go to our tummy tuck photo gallery. Watch an interview with Dr. Lee about Tummy Tuck.
Patient Testimonials:
"I’m overwhelmed by the amazing transformation due to the surgery you performed only two weeks ago. After all of the dieting and exercise I’ve done throughout my life, especially the last ten years, I finally feel like my physical appearance reflects all the determination it took for me to keep working with my weight issues. Thank you so very much for everything-you and your staff, made me feel entirely comfortable during what easily could have been an awkward experience. You have been kind and genuine and so generous; I just want you to know just how much I appreciate what you’ve done. And tell your wife, Lisa, she was right!
-Infinite thank you, Shari"
"I knew in the first few hours after surgery that you had done an extraordinary job. It was so wonderous to feel smooth skin on my belly for the first time in 23 years since the birth of my first child. As the days passed and the results of your work were revealed, I continued to be amazed at your skills. You are truly an artist. I feel very blessed to have had my fondest desires met by your creative vision. My thanks also to your staff, Cheryl and Barbara are efficient and gentle and sweet, and Melanie and Karen were very helpful. -Thank you!" Susan