Tummy Tuck

All individuals (males and females) who enjoy good general health can consider an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck surgery. The procedure is common among women who’ve experienced multiple pregnancies and ended up with loose and sagging skin around the stomach. The abdominoplasty surgery helps in tightening the muscles and removing extra skin from their stomach. The result is a firmer, smoother and more toned abdomen.  The tummy tuck procedure may also be considered by those people who were earlier overweight and hence have loose skin and/or fat deposits around the abdomen.  

COMPLETE/FULL ABDOMINOPLASTY

 In the traditional tummy tuck, the surgeon will make an incision in the area around your navel (besides the incision in the lower abdominal area). The procedure typically involves the removal of excess skin, the tightening of abdominal muscles, and liposuction for reshaping the abdomen. In a complete abdominoplasty, skin is removed from the area above your navel, all the way down to your pubic area. It is generally performed in cases of multiple pregnancies, extreme obesity or genetic laxity.  

MINI/PARTIAL ABDOMINOPLASTY 

A mini-abdominoplasty is usually recommended for those who have fat deposits located underneath the navel. This procedure will not likely require a repositioning of the belly button and takes just about 2 hours to be completed (time may vary slightly, depending on each individual case). In a mini-abdominoplasty, the surgeon will make just one incision in the patient’s pubic area.

For each tummy tuck candidate, Dr. Duerr schedules an initial consultation to discuss important details such as the specific surgical goals, current health status and medical conditions, treatments and drug allergies, earlier surgeries, and lifestyle habits such as alcohol and tobacco use.  

The initial consultation will also include an evaluation of your overall health status, risk factors, and pre-existing medical conditions. This will help the doctor assess your options for the best surgery results.  

Gulf Coast Cosmetic Surgery tummy tuck procedures are performed at the JAHCO accredited Doctors Memorial Hospital. The procedure could go on for anywhere between 1 to 5 hours, depending on each individual case. In some situations, a patient may also need to plan for an overnight stay at the hospital.  

A tummy tuck is typically performed under the effect of general anesthesia so that no pain is felt during the surgery.  

After the tummy tuck procedure is completed, Dr. Duerr may apply bandages or dressings to the incisions in order to aid recovery. A special compression garment or elastic bandage may also be prescribed for wrapping around the operated area. This will help in minimizing swelling while also supporting the abdomen which is healing after surgery.    

The recovery procedure generally involves the temporary placement of thin, small tubes underneath the skin for draining any extra fluid or blood that might be accumulated. You would need to take note of the specific instructions given by your surgeon with regards to caring for the surgical site as well as the drains. Medicines may be prescribed to support recovery as well.    

Dr. Duerr recommends that patients should slowly get back to their normal routine rather than rushing into it at once. It is important to note that the recovery time for complete abdominoplasty is usually longer as compared to that of mini abdominoplasty.