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FAQ's |
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More about Tummy Tuck |
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What is a Tummy Tuck?
"Tummy Tuck," also known as Abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure designed to remove loose hanging abdominal skin, as well as to tighten weakened abdominal wall muscles. Because diet and exercise cannot fix these problems, over 80,000 American men and women undergo Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty every year, in order to regain their figure and abdominal strength.
What Is A Mini-Tummy Tuck?
A Mini Tummy Tuck or Mini-Abdominoplasty is not as extensive as a Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty, requiring only one hour of surgery as opposed to the three to four hours needed for a Tummy Tuck. Since it does not usually involve tightening of the abdominal muscles, it is reserved only for those who only have limited amount of loose skin or stretch marks in the lower abdomen or above the pubic bone. Also, it does not alter the shape of the belly button.
A Mini-Tummy Tuck does not involve an extensive undermining and tightening of the abdominal skin, so it can be safely combined with full Liposuction of the abdomen and flank. Therefore, the combination of Mini-Tummy Tuck with Liposuction might be a better choice for those with excessive fat, but limited looseness of the abdomen.
While the incisions for a "full" Tummy Tuck can extend from hipbone to hipbone, those of a Mini-Tummy Tuck are much shorter, usually extending only the width of the pubic area and similar to a C-section scar.
Who is a Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Men and women who have loose, hanging skin and weak abdominal muscles with a protruding belly are candidates for a full Tummy Tuck. On the other hand those who have a firm abdomen, but who have redundant lower abdominal skin folds are better served with a Mini-Tummy Tuck, also known as a Mini-Abdominoplasty.
There are several life changes that cause your abdominal wall to lose its strength and tightness, and to develop excessive, loose skin. Examples of these are pregnancy and massive weight loss — such as the large weight losses from Gastric Bypass or "Bariatric" surgery. |
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Pregnancy
Almost all women develop stretch marks and loose lower abdominal skin as a result of pregnancy. They often complain of a lower abdominal pouch that protrudes and is unsightly when wearing tight clothes or low-cut shirts
Do I have to lose weight before undergoing a Tummy Tuck?
It is wise to have reached an ideal body weight before undergoing a Tummy Tuck. However, we do not live in an "ideal" world. Therefore, you can have your remaining excess abdominal and body fat removed either before, or during, a Tummy Tuck, with Liposuction – provided that you plan to maintain your weight and stay healthy.
Can a smoker undergo Tummy Tuck or Body Lift surgery?
NO. Patients, who are currently smoking, use tobacco products, or nicotine products (patch, gum, or nasal spray) are at a greater risk for significant surgical complications. These complications include skin death, delayed healing, and additional scarring. Individuals exposed to second-hand smoking are also at potential risk for similar complications attributable to nicotine exposure.
In addition, smoking can have a negative effect on anesthesia and post-anesthesia recovery, with increased coughing and possibly bleeding. Therefore, you need to refrain from smoking at least several weeks before and after your surgery. |
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Can I Become Pregnant Again Following a Tummy Tuck?
In most cases, women considering a Tummy Tuck should not be planning additional pregnancies. Although it is possible to have more children following a Tummy Tuck, another pregnancy could impact your Tummy Tuck outcome, and lead to the need to have your abdomen “re-tightened.” Therefore, a responsible cosmetic surgeon will advise you that it is preferable to be satisfied with the size of your family before undergoing a Tummy Tuck.
Does a Tummy Tuck Get Rid of Stretch Marks?
There are no creams, or laser treatments that can erase stretch marks. However, because an Abdominoplasty removes most of the stretched out skin below the level of the navel, it does get rid of most of your stretch marks — at least those on the abdomen.
How Is a Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty Performed?
There are several types of Tummy Tuck, or Abdominoplasty, procedures. These differ depending on the extent of the abdominal wall tightening and removal of loose skin and stretch marks.
Dr. Younai often performs "High-Tension Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty." It is unique in that it not only tightens the abdominal wall but also pulls up and tightens the thighs and the buttocks. By repairing the loosened abdominal muscles, this also narrows the waistline. It removes a majority of the stretch marks by removing the loose skin below the "umbilicus," or navel. Finally, it re-creates the belly button by removing the stretched out skin around it, making it look deeper and tighter.
How is this accomplished? The first step is an incision that extends from hip to hip along lower pubic area. A skilled surgeon makes this incision so that the resulting scar will be hidden under a bikini or by undergarments. The loose abdominal skin is lifted off the abdominal wall and the separated loosened “rectus” muscles (those used in doing sit-ups) are tightened with sutures. This achieves the effect that an old-fashioned girdle would.
In people with excessive fat in the hips and flanks, these areas are suctioned in order to shape the waist and to form the buttocks and flanks. The umbilicus (“belly button”) is disconnected from the abdominal skin, and after removing the loose skin along with its stretch marks, it is reattached to the abdomen. Drains are inserted to remove excess fluid as it accumulates. |
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How is a Mini-Tummy Tuck Performed?
A Mini Tummy Tuck or Mini-Abdominoplasty is not as extensive as a Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty, requiring only one hour of surgery as opposed to the three to four hours needed for a Tummy Tuck. Since it does not usually involve tightening of the abdominal muscles, it is reserved only for those who only have limited amount of loose skin or stretch marks in the lower abdomen or above the pubic bone. Also, it does not alter the shape of the belly button.
A Mini-Tummy Tuck does not involve an extensive undermining and tightening of the abdominal skin, so it can be safely combined with full Liposuction of the abdomen and flank. Therefore, the combination of Mini-Tummy Tuck with Liposuction might be a better choice for those with excessive fat, but limited looseness of the abdomen.
While the incisions for a "full" Tummy Tuck can extend from hipbone to hipbone, those of a Mini-Tummy Tuck are much shorter, usually extending only the width of the pubic area and similar to a C-section scar.]
What Are the Potential Risks, Complications, and Shortfalls of Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Scars — The trade off for your flatter and tighter abdomen will be surgical scars that are permanent. While no surgeon, however skilled, can perform surgery without scars, scars do usually fade with time, taking up to 18 months.
Bleeding — It is possible, though uncommon, to experience some bleeding during or after surgery. Should excessive bleeding occur, it might require a blood transfusion, or even emergency surgery. But most commonly, localized small amounts of blood collected under the skin (hematoma) can be easily treated through aspiration or the placement of a drain.
Dr. Younai, like majority of other plastic surgeons, routinely uses drains that help remove any excess fluid or blood collection. |
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Infection — There is a very small chance of developing infection after any surgery. You will be given antibiotics during your surgery and be given a prescription for antibiotics to take after your surgery, in order to reduce the risk of infection.
Pain — While people have varying thresholds for pain, it is an expected result from any surgery. This can be addressed through a prescribed medication from your cosmetic surgeon. Nevertheless, you should be aware that although pain medications do help reduce the degree of pain and make it more tolerable, there is no pain medication that will completely eliminate pain.
Nausea — Anesthetics, narcotics, and antibiotics do cause nausea. You will be prescribed an anti-nausea medication, both just-before, during, and after your surgery. Taking your medications with food helps to reduce the incidence and degree of post-operative nausea.
Persistent Swelling & Bruising — It is normal for skin of the abdomen, navel, genitalia, buttocks, and thighs to become inflamed, swollen, and bruised following the surgery, and to remain so for some weeks. I n rare cases, this can persist for many months or can even be permanent if patient has poor circulation. To minimize swelling and bruising after surgery patients are required to wear a support garment 24 hours a day for three weeks, and then only during the daytime for the following three weeks. Massaging these areas as much as three to four times a day is also very helpful.
Change in Skin Sensation — The area of abdomen, pubic area, flanks, and parts of the thighs do become numb, after this surgery. This usually resolves gradually over three to eight months, but you can have residual permanent loss of sensation or even hyper-sensitivity in some areas.
Itching, tenderness, or exaggerated responses to hot or cold temperatures may occur after Tummy Tuck, Body Lift, or Thigh Lift, but is usually short-lived and can be alleviated by moisturizing, medication, and massage.
Pubic Distortion — One of the benefits of Tummy tuck and Body Lift is the lifting and flattening of the protruding and sagging pubic skin. Rarely, women develop distortion of their labia and pubic area. Usually, this corrects itself, but sometimes corrective surgery is required.
Seroma — Fluid accumulations frequently occur between the skin and the abdominal wall, legs, flanks, back, or buttocks. Dr. Younai, as well as, many other plastic surgeons routinely use drains in these areas in order to remove excess fluid. If you develop seroma, it can easily be drained in the doctor’s office.
Damage to Deeper Structures — As with any surgery there is a rare potential for injury to deeper structures including, nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs (pneumothorax). Treatment may require further surgery and hospitalization. |
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Who Is Qualified to Perform Tummy Tuck/ Abdominoplasty?
You would not select a dentist to perform Liposuction. Similarly, you should not jeopardize the outcome of your Tummy Tuck procedure, or your well being, by choosing anyone less than the most qualified plastic surgeon.
While many states allow any licensed physician such as a gynecologist, general surgeon, or otolaryngologist to perform cosmetic surgery, that does not mean all these physicians have had the extensive formal training in cosmetic surgery that is taught to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.
In some states, even dentists are lobbying to perform cosmetic procedures.
Because a Tummy Tuck is major surgery, you should place your life in the hands of the most qualified and skilled plastic surgeon. You should also choose a surgeon who will show you solid "Before and After" examples of his or her work, and whose artistic sense is in sync with the results that you are seeking.
In choosing a surgeon to perform Abdominoplasty, you should first choose one who has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS): www.abplsurg.org.
How painful is tummy tuck?
A standard Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty feels, more or less, like a C-Section. It is more painful than Liposuction, Breast Augmentation, Tubal Ligation, Rhinoplasty, Breast Biopsy, and less painful than Hysterectomy, shoulder surgery, or back surgery.
When Can I Exercise Again?
You may start some light walking as early as 10-14 days after surgery. As you feel more comfortable you can increase your activities, but you cannot lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk for the first two months. Heavy lifting can cause your internal stitches to rip apart, resulting in a hernia that will require corrective surgery. Jogging is usually acceptable after three to four weeks, as long as you are wearing your girdle. You can do arm and leg weight training in three to four weeks as long as you don ’t feel that you are straining your abdominal and back muscles.
When can I go back to work?
This depends on the normal level of activity that is expected of you at work. There is a difference in timing for those who have desk jobs, versus those who are required to stand, walk, bend, push, and pull constantly throughout their workday. Most people return to non-strenuous jobs within 10-14 days after a tummy tuck. If your job is very strenuous, you might have to take more time off, but usually no more than four to six weeks. For those who are having Body Lift and Thigh Lift procedures, it usually it takes longer to go back to work depending on their age, stamina, extent of surgery and job requirements. |
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