Tummy Tuck

For many patients, diet and exercise are unable to fulfill their goals of a better body. To assist patients in attaining their ideal figures, tummy tuck surgery may be utilized. Commonly referred to as "abdominoplasty," tummy tuck surgery is a surgical procedure in which the protruding abdomen and flanks can be slimmed for a shapelier appearance.

Ideal candidates for the procedure are men or women who are experiencing weakened abdominal muscles, loss of skin elasticity, excess skin with stretch marks, and fat in the abdominal region due to:

• Age
• Childbirth
• Heredity
• Extreme weight loss or weight gain
• Poor lifestyle choices

Although tummy tuck surgery can enhance the patient's features, it is not meant to be an alternative to traditional diet and exercise.

Procedural Steps:

The tummy tuck procedure requires general anesthesia and a horizontal incision in the lower abdomen from hipbone to hipbone that is well hidden.

The abdominal wall is tightened with the use of sutures placed deep within the muscles to hold the new, slimmer shape. Excess skin and fat causing the protrusion is excised to attain the flatter appearance. Should there be excess skin and fat in the upper region of the abdomen, a second incision around the naval and liposuction may be necessary to further contour the midsection.

The Results:

Tummy tuck surgery usually lasts two to five hours and will immediately provide the patient with a smaller and firmer abdominal region.

During the first few days following the procedure, small drainage tubes may be placed under the skin to evacuate excess blood and fluid. A compression garment will be placed around the patient to help lesson swelling and bruising, and promote healing.

Patients may be able to return to work after two weeks, and can resume physical activity after six weeks. Scars from the procedure could take as long as one to two years to fade and flatten. Tummy tuck surgery can possibly provide permanent, long-term results if a healthy lifestyle is maintained.