Tummy Tuck
"Tummy tuck" is a more casual term for "abdominoplasty," the medical term for a surgical procedure that is performed to make the abdomen flatter, tighter and better-toned. Dr. Charles Slack's plastic surgery practice in Allen, Texas provides a number of safe and well-established tummy tuck procedures for adult men and women.
Dr. Slack has performed many tummy tucks, and he knows that there are a variety of reasons that people seek this procedure, including:
- post-pregnancy (or pregnancies) loss of muscle tone
- after a Cesarean section delivery
- after significant weight loss, when further weight loss will not flatten the abdomen or reduce the waistline
- a genetic predisposition to a "pooch" in the abdomen that cannot be changed by diet and exercise alone
- "love handles" that won't go away
- normal aging that results in a body contour that can't be corrected with diet/exercise
A tummy tuck may also be performed in conjunction with liposuction or another procedure such as a thigh lift. Each patient has different needs, and Dr. Slack can advise you about the options that are right for you.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
A good candidate for a tummy tuck is a healthy adult:
- who is not far from his or her ideal body weight
- with an abdominal area that has not adequately responded to modification by diet and exercise
Because there are a number of different tummy tuck procedures, each with its own indications, benefits and risks, Dr. Slack will want to discuss your goals with you in depth. He knows from experience that every patient is clearly unique, and each patient will benefit from an extensive discussion of his or her tummy tuck concerns his Dr. Slack’s office.
Tummy Tuck Procedures
Each tummy tuck procedure involves the surgical removal of skin and fat from the abdominal area, and, in some procedures, the tightening of abdominal muscles. The tummy tuck technique used will depend in part on the individual needs and anatomy of the patient.
Anesthesia, Incisions
A tummy tuck is most often performed under general anesthesia (total sedation), but for some procedures, local anesthesia and partial sedation are an option. The incision(s) for the different tummy tuck procedures also differ. In a "full" or "traditional" tummy tuck, Dr. Slack cuts the navel from the surrounding tissue, since it will need to be repositioned after the abdominal skin has moved into place.
If the abdominal muscle wall is to be revised, Dr. Slack moves and permanently places the muscles into their new position. He then stretches the skin and shapes it, cutting away the excess and stitching it into place. A hole for the navel is made, and the navel is stitched into place. A tummy tuck surgery can take anywhere from two to five hours.
The "Mini" Tummy Tuck Procedure
The "mini" tummy tuck, sometimes called the "scarless tummy tuck," is an abdominoplasty surgery in which the navel does not have to be repositioned. The necessary incision is smaller than that used for a full tummy tuck, and the amount of the abdominal skin and fat removed is also less. A mini tummy tuck is appropriate for some patients who need a relatively slight revision of their abdominal area and waistline.
In many cases, temporary drains will be inserted as a later step in the surgery, to allow any excess fluid to drain. A patient may experience temporary swelling, bruising, and/or tenderness at the incision site(s). A post-operative antibiotic and pain medication will be provided by Dr. Slack.
Recovery after a Tummy Tuck
A traditional tummy tuck has a significant recovery period. A patient who has had a full abdominoplasty can expect to be "on bed rest" for a few days, and he or she will need to forego most physical activity for a week or more, depending on the particular circumstances of the tummy tuck procedure and the patient's physical condition.
Dr. Slack will give you the post-surgery guidelines to follow regarding rest, changing your surgical dressings, bathing, etc. He usually recommends that his tummy tuck patients start walking as soon as is comfortably possible after their surgery. Easy exercise helps prevent the formation of blood clots and aids the healing process.
Your post-surgery visits to our office will be scheduled ahead of time to monitor your progress and to make sure that your recovery goes well— both physically and emotionally. Stitches are usually removed within a week of the tummy tuck surgery, possibly in stages.
Contact Dr. Slack about a Tummy Tuck
If you have questions about tummy tuck procedures or you're sure that you'd benefit from this procedure, schedule a private consultation with Dr. Slack at his Allen, Texas offices to discuss your goals and concerns. He looks forward to speaking with you.