From Belly to Wow
Sleek, Smooth, Sensational
Your Dream Tummy Tuck Awaits!
Are you dreaming of a sleek, toned abdomen that reflects your inner confidence? Look no further! Our state-of-the-art plastic surgery clinic specializes in one of the most transformative procedures – the Tummy Tuck, or Abdominoplasty. At our clinic, we understand the importance of feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin.
Who Is Reccomended for Tummy Tuck?
- Have Excess Skin
Tummy tucks are often sought by individuals who have loose or sagging skin in the abdominal area, usually due to significant weight loss, pregnancy, or aging.
- Have Weakened Abdominal Muscles
Pregnancy or significant weight loss can lead to the weakening of the abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck can help tighten these muscles, providing a firmer abdominal contour.
- Have Stubborn Fat Deposits
Some people may have localized pockets of fat in the abdominal area that are resistant to diet and exercise. Tummy tuck surgery can remove these stubborn fat deposits.
- Are Not Planning Significant Weight Loss or Pregnancy
Tummy tucks are best suited for individuals who are close to their ideal weight and are not planning major fluctuations in weight or future pregnancies. Significant weight loss or pregnancy after a tummy tuck can affect the results.
- Have Realistic Expectations
It’s essential for individuals undergoing a tummy tuck to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure. While it can provide a firmer, flatter abdomen, it’s not a substitute for weight loss or a solution for overall body contouring.
- Are in Good Health
Candidates should generally be in good overall health to undergo surgery. This includes being free from any conditions that might impair healing or increase the risk of complications.
What Happens During Consultation?
- Medical History Review
Our surgeon will go through your medical history, including any pre-existing health conditions, previous surgeries, allergies, and medications you are currently taking.
- Physical Examination
Our surgeon will conduct a physical examination, focusing on your abdominal area. They will assess the quality of your skin, the amount of excess fat, the laxity of abdominal muscles, and the presence of stretch marks.
- Discussion of Goals
You will discuss your specific goals and expectations from the surgery. It’s crucial to have realistic expectations about the outcome. Tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or a solution for overall body contouring.
- Explanation of Procedures
Our surgeon will explain the different types of tummy tuck procedures, including full abdominoplasty, mini tummy tuck, and extended tummy tuck. They will discuss which type is most suitable for your needs. Our surgeon will explain the scar management and also about „dog ears”
- Risks and Complications
Our surgeon will inform you about the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery. This includes infection, bleeding, scarring, anesthesia risks, and unsatisfactory cosmetic results.
- Pre-operative Instructions
You will receive detailed instructions about how to prepare for the surgery. This may include dietary restrictions, medication adjustments, and lifestyle changes. We also need a blood test, EKG, and chest-X-ray not longer than 3 weeks old.
- Post-operative Care
Our surgeon will explain the recovery process, including expected downtime, restrictions on physical activities, and post-operative care of the incision site.
- Questions and Clarifications
You will have the opportunity to ask any questions you have about the procedure, recovery, or any concerns you may have.
It’s essential to be open and honest during the consultation, sharing all relevant information about your health and discussing your goals openly. This ensures that our surgeon can provide the most accurate recommendations tailored to your specific situation.
Tummy Tuck Procedure
The procedure begins with the administration of anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort and safety. Our surgeon makes incisions, usually horizontally, across the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. The length and shape of the incision depend on the amount of excess skin to be removed. There are different types of tummy tucks, such as mini tummy tuck, traditional or full tummy tuck, and extended tummy tuck, each with specific incision patterns tailored to the patient’s needs. In many cases, especially after pregnancy or significant weight loss, the abdominal muscles become stretched and weakened. Our surgeon tightens these muscles by suturing them together. This step helps create a firmer abdominal wall and a narrower waistline. After muscle repair, our surgeon removes the excess skin and fat. The remaining skin is then pulled tight to create a smoother, toned appearance. In a full tummy tuck, the navel (belly button) may need to be repositioned to maintain natural proportions. Our surgeon creates a new opening for the navel after the excess skin is removed. Once the desired contour is achieved, the incisions are meticulously closed with sutures. Drains may be placed under the skin temporarily to prevent fluid buildup, and these are usually removed after a few days. After the procedure, patients are monitored during the initial recovery period. Patients are required to wear a compression garment to support the healing tissues and reduce swelling.
What is the Recovery Time?
Abdominoplasty is a significant surgery that involves a large amount of tissue, making the recovery process neither simple nor quick. Pain along the entire incision line is expected, but you will be given pain medication. You can start walking cautiously with assistance as soon as the day after the surgery, and you can speed up the recovery process by taking short walks, about 3-4 times a day, for a few minutes each time. Initially, you may need to walk slightly hunched over, and the abdominal tissues will feel very tight. In a full abdominoplasty, you will have a drainage tube to prevent fluid accumulation in the surgical area. These tubes are usually removed within a few days. Suture removal takes place 3 weeks after the surgery. You will also wear a compression garment for 2-6 weeks to minimize swelling and allow your skin to adapt to the new, slimmer contour.
Can I have a Tummy Tuck if I Still Plan to Have Children?
This question is often asked. If you are planning to have more children, it is not advisable to undergo the procedure. During pregnancy, localized weight gain on the abdomen, followed by weight loss, can compromise the results of the tummy tuck. Additionally, the surgical scars significantly stretch and deform under these circumstances.
Will the Stretch Marks Disappear?
Stretch marks commonly occur during pregnancy or rapid weight gain due to the stretching of the skin. During a tummy tuck, only the stretch marks on the removed skin disappear.
Other Procedures That Can Be Combined with Tummy Tuck
Liposuction is performed on the abdominal area simultaneously with the surgery, but it can also be complemented with liposuction on the hips and upper stomach.
In some cases, breast surgery can also be performed. The so-called Mommy makeovers encompass a combination of procedures involving both tummy tuck and breast correction. This is especially common after childbirth.
Since tummy tuck alone takes 2-3 hours, it can only be complemented with procedures that take a maximum of 1.5 hours additionally, due to time constraints caused by general anesthesia.
How to Reduce the Severity of Scars?
Long scars are unavoidable in abdominoplasty. Incisions are made in the lower abdomen, along the bikini line. If there is an incision around the navel, it is made along the inner line of the navel, making it less visible. There are several things you can do to reduce the formation of scars:
- Avoid anything pulling on the incision.
- Wear your pressure garment and avoid movements that could stretch the skin around the surgical site.
- Never expose the scar to direct sunlight.
- Massage the scar once it is no longer painful. After the wound has completely closed and the stitches have been removed, you can massage the tissues around the scar.
- Use body lotion.
- You can apply silicone patches to the wound and use various creams or gels containing growth factors to reduce scars.
What Are "Dog Ears," and How Can They Be Avoided?
The term “dog ears” refers to the bulging of the skin at the ends of an incision. Some patients are prone to developing this. Our plastic surgeons are experienced and skilled, ensuring minimal tension on the skin when stitching the incision. Proper skincare and moisturizing can also prevent the spreading of scars and the formation of “dog ears.” Since scars take at least 6 months to heal, during this time, the skin smoothens, so there’s no need to worry prematurely about the appearance of bumps.
Risks of the Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck surgery, like any other surgical procedure, carries certain risks and potential complications. It’s essential for individuals considering this surgery to be aware of these risks and discuss them thoroughly with their surgeon. Some of the risks associated with tummy tuck surgery include:
- Infection
Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection at the incision site or within the abdominal cavity.
- Bleeding
Excessive bleeding during or after the surgery can occur, leading to hematoma (accumulation of blood under the skin) or requiring additional surgery to stop the bleeding.
- Poor Wound Healing
Some individuals may experience delayed wound healing, leading to widened or thickened scars.
- Seroma
Fluid accumulation under the skin, known as seroma, can occur after surgery and may require drainage.
- Numbness or Altered Sensation
Temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation, including numbness or tingling, can occur around the incision site.
- Asymmetry
There might be slight asymmetry in the appearance of the abdomen, which may require revision surgery for correction.
- Skin Discoloration
Changes in skin pigmentation around the incision lines can happen, especially in individuals with darker skin tones.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
Blood clots can form in the legs (DVT) and potentially travel to the lungs (PE), posing a serious risk. Surgeons often take preventive measures to minimize this risk.
- Anesthesia Complications
Adverse reactions to anesthesia can occur, although they are rare. Proper preoperative evaluation can minimize these risks.
- Unsatisfactory Cosmetic Outcome
While tummy tucks aim to improve abdominal contour, individual results may vary, and patients might be dissatisfied with the aesthetic outcome.
- Long-lasting Scars
Tummy tuck surgery results in permanent scars, which can be significant, especially in a full abdominoplasty.
- Recurrence of Sagging
In some cases, over time, the abdominal skin might lose elasticity again, causing a recurrence of sagging.
If you want to eliminate abdominal fat and your skin is still elastic, liposuction might be a better solution for you.
It’s important to note that while a tummy tuck can provide significant improvements, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, is essential for long-term results.
Your dream of a firmer, flatter abdomen is within reach. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and embark on the path to a more confident, rejuvenated you!
