Tummy Tuck Q&A

Redefine Your Design

Physical appearance is one measure of our health and vitality, and a flat stomach is one of those desired attributes. Unfortunately, for some, no diet or exercise can reduce sagging or excess skin and bulging in the abdomen. Events like pregnancy or weight gain followed by weight loss can cause the skin and sometimes the underlying muscles to stretch and be unable to return to their original shape. An abdominoplasty, also called a tummy tuck, can restructure the stomach area by decreasing the excess skin and fat along with tightening the abdominal muscles.

“My tummy tuck surgery got rid of the bulge and excess skin that I couldn’t make disappear. I look great and my clothes fit better!”

A gently curved incision is made horizontally along the lower abdomen. The length of the scar depends on how much excess skin needs to be removed. Through this incision, excess fat is removed and the underlying muscles are tightened. The excess skin is then removed. In some cases, an incision around the navel will be made to allow the maximum amount of skin to be removed and the navel repositioned in its proper place. In other cases, a “mini” abdominoplasty can be performed with a smaller incision and a shorter recovery period. Whenever possible, the lower abdominal incision will be designed so that a bathing suit bottom can conceal it. Your surgeon may also be able to incorporate previous scars, like those from a Caesarean, into this new incision. Your personal consultation with your surgeon will provide you with all the details of the abdoinoplasty procedure and its options.

Schedule a consultation and discover how this procedure can benefit you!

What will I look like afterward?

Though every patient recovers differently, here is a general outline of expectations:

In the first day or two, you may be encouraged to get up and move around to initiate the healing process.Standing straight up is not recommended, but normal walking is encouraged.Any quick movement or heavy lifting must be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks.Your Surgeon will be able to prescribe medication to control any discomfort.As with all surgeries, there will be some swelling and bruising.
During the first 5 to 10 days, bruising and swelling will reach its highest point and begin to subside. All stitches are absorbable, no drains are placed.
After a couple of weeks, you will increase your activity.However, strenuous activities are prohibited for at least 4 to 8 weeks.You will experience a significant reduction in bruising and swelling and your results will begin to take shape.
After several months, you resume more vigorous activities and exercise.The incision will begin to lighten and fade overtime.

Will I have to be in the hospital?

Often, this procedure is done in the hospital with a very short stay; usually just one day. Depending on the complexity of the surgery, the abdominoplasty procedure may be done on an outpatient basis in a surgery center or your physician’s own accredited, office based surgical suite. The anesthesia for this surgery is most commonly general anesthesia; which allows you to be “asleep” during the procedure. Although this procedure can be done under local anesthesia with intravenous medications; Dr. Tom Trevisani uses only general anesthesia to allow for the utmost safety and proficiency.

Are there other alternatives to abdominoplasty?

The only other alternative is liposuction; which can only remove excess fat. You may be a good candidate for a liposuction procedure if your skin still has good elasticity and your abdominal muscles have satisfactory tone, or if you are planning a future pregnancy. Your surgeon will evaluate this option during your consultation.

What kind of follow-up care will I need?

You will return to your surgeon’s office for a postoperative follow-up visit within the first two weeks after surgery and then periodically to monitor your progress over the next month or so. It is very important to attend these visits to be certain you are caring for the incision area properly and avoiding sun exposure and other harmful activities.

Schedule you consultation and discover how this treatment can benefit you!

Thomas Trevisani, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Call today to schedule your cosmetic consultation!

407-629-4100