Tummy Tuck

Abdominal Plastic Surgery: Tummy Tuck

Frequently Asked Questions:

The tummy tuck operation is designed for men and women who have excessive, loose abdominal skin and fat that is concentrated on the abdominal area. In some cases, these conditions are inherited. In other instances, pregnancy and substantial weight loss can cause the abdominal skin to become flaccid. Another component of the abdominal deformity includes laxity of the abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck operation tightens these muscles which have been weakened by pregnancy and age. This plastic surgery procedure is successful at treating stretch marks when these are located below the navel.

What can a tummy tuck do for me?

• A tummy tuck can reduce excess or sagging skin in the tummy area.
• A tummy tuck tighten a protruding bulge in the lower tummy after pregnancy.
• A tummy tuck can reduce excessive fatty tissue concentrated in your tummy area.
• A tummy tuck can make you more proportionate with the rest of your body.

How will my plastic surgeon evaluate me for a tummy tuck?

As your plastic surgeon, Dr. Guerra wants to understand your expectations and desires for tummy tuck. We will have an opportunity to discuss your medical history during your plastic surgery consultation and perform a physical examination of your tummy area. Our plastic surgeon will examine your tummy skin, fat and muscles while you are standing and lying down. The tone of your skin and degree of skin looseness in the tummy tuck region will be assessed. We will consider several factors in our decision to perform a tummy tuck on you. These factors include the amount of excess skin and fat distribution. When you only have less amount of fat and skin excess in the lower parts of your tummy you may be a candidate for a mini tummy tuck. The mini tummy tuck concentrates only on the lower part of the tummy. When more excess tissue develops with pregnancy, a full tummy tuck is the desired procedure. The full tummy tuck concentrates on the upper and lower parts of the tummy. In patients with even more tissue than average, an extended tummy tuck is the desired procedure. The extended tummy tuck serves to tighten the excess tissues is the especially large tummy. All of our tummy tucks will help you re-establish harmony with the rest of your body.

When plastic surgery patients have lost excessive amounts of fat after weight-loss surgery they may need other variations of the tummy tuck, which can include removal of fat pads and extreme excesses of skin from the tummy. The Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck is one example of these types of plastic surgery procedures. In some cases, the degree of skin excess can extend all the way around the back and is beyond the limits of a tummy tuck. In such cases, we may recommend a more comprehensive plastic surgery procedures such as the Body Lift, which is a plastic surgery procedure designed to treat the entire trunk area.

How will my plastic surgeon perform my plastic surgery procedure and what are common variations with the tummy tuck?

Factors related to your skin, fat tissue and muscle weaknesses determine the technique used for your tummy tuck. Any plans for plastic surgery are personally tailored to your needs. Some plastic surgery patients with good skin tone, little skin excess and excellent muscle function are treated with liposuction alone. Endoscopic tummy tuck is another technique for minimizing scars and may be useful when patients have only a mild degree of excess muscle laxity. The mini tummy tuck can be used when problems occur in the lower portions of your abdomen. With this plastic surgery technique incisions around the navel can usually be avoided and only a short incision is used. For patients with larger amounts of skin a full tummy tuck is recommended. Extended tummy tucks are recommended for patients with even greater tissue excesses. For patients with massive amounts of weight loss, a Fleur-de-Lis tummy tuck may be recommended. Other patients with massive weight loss may benefit from a complete body contouring plastic surgery procedure, such as a Body Lift. Dr. Guerra will discuss with you the details of your plastic surgery needs and recommended the best procedure for you.

Will my insurance help cover the cost of plastic surgery?

Tummy tuck is considered a plastic surgery procedure for the improvement of the tummy appearance which is generally not covered by most insurance plans. In some cases, a plastic surgery patient may have a hernia associated with their tummy deformity. Other patients wishing to have a hysterectomy along with their tummy tuck may qualify to have this part of their surgery covered by their insurance plan. Many factors determine your eligibility for coverage, including the specific terms of your insurance policy. We will be happy to discuss specific matters with you during the consultation period.

Where are the incisions for tummy tuck placed?

A horizontal incision is placed just above the pubic area using plastic surgery techniques. The extent of the tummy tuck incision depends on the amount of skin to be removed. The design of the tummy tuck incision varies according to the structure of your tummy and the style of bathing suit you prefer. We attempt to keep all tummy tuck incisions within your bathing suit lines, but this may not always be possible. Individual factors such as amount of excessive skin, stored fat and the condition of your tummy muscles play a critical role in determining the specific plastic surgery technique and tummy tuck incisions used. If there is loose skin above the belly button, the plastic surgeon may make an incision around the belly button. The skin and fat layer is separated from the tummy muscles. To tighten the tummy muscles into a more youthful position, our plastic surgeon brings the muscles together with permanent sutures. The skin of the lower tummy that contains stretch marks is usually completely removed. Any stretch marks remaining above the belly button may be flattened and improved, but you should not expect a dramatic change in their appearance after tummy tuck. As the tummy skin is pulled down to meet the incision of the pubic area, excess tissue is removed. A small opening is made to bring out the belly button. The tummy tuck incisions from the procedure will heal and fade over time. In many instances, tummy tuck incisions eventually fade to become only faint lines. Some individuals may have tummy tuck incisions that are more noticeable. Fortunately, tummy tuck incisions are placed in locations concealed by most bathing suits and undergarments. Our plastic surgeon will work closely with you to establish a plastic surgery plan which best suits your needs.

What happens if I get pregnant or loose weight after tummy tuck?

You should inform your plastic surgeon if you plan to become pregnant in the near future. Our plastic surgeon may recommend that you postpone this type of plastic surgery until after pregnancy. There is no evidence that having a tummy tuck can affect your pregnancy. If you get pregnant after tummy tuck your tummy may enlarge again in an unpredictable manner and this could affect the long-term results of your tummy tuck. We are happy to answer any questions you may have on this matter during your plastic surgery consultation.

How do I prepare myself for plastic surgery?

If you are a smoker, your plastic surgeon will ask you to stop smoking well in advance of any plastic surgery. Aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs which can cause increased bleeding should be avoided at least 2 weeks before plastic surgery. A full list of other medical and non-medical substances to avoid is available at our plastic surgery office. Additional preoperative instructions will also be given to you during your plastic surgery consultation. Tummy tuck is usually performed on an outpatient basis either in a hospital or free-standing plastic surgery facility. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after plastic surgery and to stay with you at least the first night following your plastic surgery. You should obtain all your prescriptions before the date of your plastic surgery and have those available at home. You will need to obtain a plastic surgery garment designed for body contouring plastic surgery from our office and bring this with you on the day of your plastic surgery. In certain cases, tummy tuck is performed in conjunction with a medically necessary procedure such as hysterectomy or hernia repair. This will likely require a short hospitalization. You will also be given a Tummy Tuck Instruction Sheet, which you should keep at home as a reference guide during the recovery period.

What happens during surgery?

Intravenous medications are administered for your comfort during the plastic surgery procedure. Local anesthesia is used for patients undergoing tummy tuck to complement general anesthesia. A special bladder catheter may be inserted to monitor urine output for most of our plastic surgery cases. When the plastic surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery room where you will be closely monitored. Your tummy will be covered by sterile plastic surgery dressings and a plastic surgery garment. You will notice small drain tubes that have been placed within the tummy tissues to help avoid accumulation of fluids. You may also notice the drainage tube that has been placed in your bladder to monitor urine output. Most often, the bladder tube is removed right after your plastic surgery is over, but occasionally we send a patient home with it and remove it the next day. You may be permitted to go home after a few hours, unless you and your plastic surgeon have arranged for you to stay in a hospital or plastic surgical facility overnight.

How will I look and feel initially?

Most plastic surgery patients experience some discomfort immediately after surgery. The next day, you will be encouraged to get out of bed for short walks in order to promote blood circulation. You may not be able to stand up completely after your tummy plastic surgery. We encourage you to get out of bed and sit in a chair during the first few days after tummy tuck. Straining, bending and lifting heavy objects are to be avoided for 6 weeks. You may find it more comfortable to sleep with several pillows under your back and a few pillows under your knees. Plastic surgery drains will require special care until they are removed. Depending on the tummy tuck technique used, you may be instructed to wear a support plastic surgery garment for several weeks. Generally, stitches will be removed in stages over a period of approximately one or two weeks. Swelling and bruising after tummy tuck is to be expected. The bruising and much of the swelling will disappear after tummy tuck over the next few weeks. However, it may be several months before all swelling subsides and up to one year before you see the final result of your tummy tuck. Numbness over portions of the tummy area is an inevitable result of tummy tuck, but in time it improves. Tummy tuck incisions will be reddish pink in color soon after this type of plastic surgery and can remain this way for many months following surgery. Tummy tuck incisions eventually become more normal in color and fade with time.

When can I resume my normal activities after tummy tuck?

The amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly between individual plastic surgery patients. Depending on the extent of your tummy tuck and your overall physical condition, you may be able to return to non-strenuous activity from one to three weeks after this type of plastic surgery. You can resume most of your normal activities, including some form of mild exercise, a few weeks after tummy tuck; however, vigorous activities should be avoided. The day after your tummy tuck surgery, you should be up and about. Any plastic surgery dressings will be removed within several days, and you should wear your supportive plastic surgery garment at all times. Your plastic surgeon may permit you to shower 48 hours after tummy tuck surgery, but occasionally you may have to sponge bathe for up to 5-7 days. Stitches will be removed 10 to 14 days after tummy tuck surgery. Is it important to follow the guidelines in your Tummy Tuck Instruction Sheet. You may experience mild, periodic discomfort and swellings for several weeks after your tummy tuck. When the swelling begins to resolve, you may have to get a new postoperative plastic surgery compression garment to contour your body for a full 6 weeks. Any pain that is severe and not controlled by your pain prescription should be reported to your plastic surgeon immediately. You should avoid any sexual activity for a minimum of two weeks, and your plastic surgeon may advise you to wait longer.

What are the risks of Tummy Tuck Surgery?

In 2002, 85,752 patients underwent tummy tuck surgery. This represented a 37% increase in tummy tucks over the previous year. Before you undergo tummy tuck surgery, you should understand the risks, benefits and imponderables associated with this type of plastic surgery. The potential complications that are discussed with you during the plastic surgery consultation include reactions to anesthesia, blood accumulations that may require surgical drainage and infection. Tissue loss along the horizontal incision is a possibility when tummy tuck is performed. When this complication occurs, delays in healing and prolonged recovery may result. Tissue loss during tummy tuck is more common in plastic surgery patients who smoke or have medical conditions such as diabetes and blood vessels disease. Revision plastic surgery may be required in certain instances where tummy tuck incisions healed poorly. Following plastic surgery, fluid may accumulate under the skin as a possible complication of tummy tuck. Removal of this serum is usually painless but may require several extra visits to our plastic surgery office. Another potential complication with tummy tuck is the formation of blood clots in your leg veins. These clots can lead to severe leg swelling, leg pain and can travel to the lung where the clots can cause devastating damage to your heart and lungs. Fortunately, this problem is rare when this type of plastic surgery is performed on healthy patients. We make every attempt to provide our patients with the best available prophylaxis against these kinds of blood clots. You can help to lessen certain risks by following the advice on the Tummy Tuck Instruction Sheet and following any other instructions given by your plastic surgeon. Additionally, during your plastic surgery consultation with our plastic surgeon you will be asked to review and sign a Tummy Tuck Risk Disclosure Sheet which should answer all your questions regarding potential risks and imponderables associated with tummy tuck.

I understand that every plastic surgery procedure has risks, but how will I learn more so that I can make an informed decision?

The subject of risks and potential complications of tummy tuck surgery will be discussed with you on a very personal basis. Fortunately, significant complications from tummy tuck are not common. Each year, many thousands of people undergo successful aesthetic plastic surgery of the tummy without experiencing any major problems and are pleased with the results. Anyone considering plastic surgery, however, should be aware of both the benefits and risks. More information can be obtained from our plastic surgery office and can be picked up at your convenience. Remember, Dr. Guerra is happy to discuss with you all of the potential risks and benefits of tummy tuck during your plastic surgery consultation in great detail. Additional information can be obtained from the links below:

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

How long will the results of my tummy tuck last?

Tummy tuck will reshape and rejuvenate your tummy area. You will likely find it easier to wear certain styles of clothing. Like many patients who have had a tummy tuck, you may have a boost in self-confidence. In general, the results of your tummy tuck will be long-lasting. Unless you gain or lose significant amounts of weight or become pregnant, your tummy should remain firmer and flatter for many years. However, gravity and the effects of aging can eventually alter the shape of your tummy area. After a period of years, you may become dissatisfied with the appearance of your tummy tuck and you may choose to undergo a second plastic surgery procedure to restore a more youthful body contour.