Abdominoplasty, often called a “tummy tuck,” is a popular procedure used to flatten and shape the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin and tightening muscles. Our doctors have been performing tummy tucks with excellent cosmetic results for many years. Patients love the look of their new flat stomachs after surgery under our doctors’ exceptional care.
Candidates For A Tummy Tuck
The best candidates for a tummy tuck are in good physical condition with pockets of fat or loose skin that haven’t responded well to traditional diet and exercise. This procedure can also benefit older, slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity.
Tummy tucks can also be useful for women with stretched skin and muscles from pregnancy. Results from the tummy tuck procedure will likely diminish if women continue to bear children, so we advise patients who plan to become pregnant to consider postponing this procedure until they are done having children.
We also encourage patients who intend to lose a lot of weight to wait before undergoing the procedure, since skin in the abdominal area typically loosens after substantial weight loss.
Customized Treatment For Optimal Cosmetic Results
We take the time during every pre-operative consultation to learn what patients want to achieve from a tummy tuck both for their bodies and for their self-confidence. By listening to what patients have to say and closely examining them rather than performing a one-size-fits-all procedure on every person, we provide patients with a completely customized treatment that takes into account their specific goals.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
Tummy tucks take approximately two to five hours and are performed under general anesthesia. This procedure may be performed on an in-patient or outpatient basis, depending on the complexity of your surgery and your doctor’s recommendation.
Your surgeon will make two incisions: one from hipbone to hipbone close to the pubic area, and another around the navel. They will separate the skin from the abdominal muscles, which are then pulled together and stitched into place for a firmer abdomen and narrower waist. The skin flap is then stretched down and over the newly tightened muscles, excess skin is removed, and the navel is reattached in a natural position. Finally, your surgeon will close the incisions and apply sterile surgical dressings over the sutured areas.
What Is The Recovery Time For A Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is the removal of excess skin and fat of the abdomen. Laxity of the “six pack” muscles or rectus abdominus can also be tightened to bring in the waistline.
A full tummy tuck requires a horizontal incision in the area between the pubic hairline and navel. The size of the incision is dependent on the amount of excess skin to be removed.
Where correction is isolated to the area below the navel, a limited or mini tummy tuck with a shorter incision at the pubic bone may be recommended. Swelling should subside and initial results may appear in 2-4 weeks. Final results could appear in 8 weeks. For more information call 239-316-1689.
Tummy Tuck Results
A tummy tuck leaves patients with a flatter, more toned abdominal area that fits the natural contours of your body. It can improve a patient’s appearance and confidence by helping them look and feel younger and slimmer. The results of this procedure are visible right away and will continue to improve. With a balanced diet and regular exercise, results are long-lasting. Scars will fade with time, leaving your stomach sleeker and more defined than ever before.
A tummy tuck will leave a scar spanning the lower abdomen from hip to hip. We are very careful to make the incision low enough for even a bikini to conceal the scar.
Risks Of A Tummy Tuck
Though rare, post-operative complications from any surgical procedure are possible. They may include infection, blood clots, and poor healing, which may require further surgery.
Patients who have had previous abdominal surgery should know that their old scars could be raised, stretched or generally more noticeable after the tummy tuck procedure. A scar revision procedure after a tummy tuck can help minimize the appearance of unsightly scars.
Partial Abdominoplasty (Mini Tummy Tuck)
Partial abdominoplasty, or “mini tummy tuck”, is similar to the regular tummy tuck procedure, except it involves a shorter incision and the skin is only lifted to the navel, which does not have to be moved. This procedure is ideal for patients who need just a little improvement in order to reach their desired results. You can discuss the differences between these procedures, as well as weigh their benefits and risks with your doctor in order to decide which procedure is best for you.
Schedule a Tummy Tuck Consult with Dr. Turk!
To learn more about our Abdominoplasty procedure or to determine if you are a candidate, please call 239-316-1689 or click here to send us an email contact form. Dr. Andrew Turk and his team serve Naples and the surrounding areas of Florida.