The Tummy Tuck Procedure

An abdominoplasty is a major surgical procedure.  A tummy tuck involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the lower region of the abdomen. This procedure produces a permanent scar and can take patients up to six or even eight months to fully recover.  Having said that, the procedure itself is relatively straightforward, with thousands of operations successfully carried out each and every year.

If you are considering a tummy tuck, it is important to meet and consult with your surgeon before and after treatment.  He will be particularly equipped to answer questions relating to your specific condition, and will be able to inform you of the necessary pre-op preparation and post-op care as relates to your physical condition.

The procedure usually lasts several hours, and is largely conducted under a general anaesthetic.   In some instances, the surgeon may opt for a localised anaesthetic and a sedative to relax the patient and desensitise the abdominal region.  With a localised anaesthetic, the patient may still feel a pulling sensation, although the area will not be responsive to pain for the duration.

In a complete abdominoplasty, the surgeon begins by making an incision spanning the whole of the lower abdomen (i.e. from hip to hip, above the pubic bone).  In a partial procedure, the incision is significantly reduced.  After the first incision, a second incision is made to remove the navel from the surrounding tissue.  This is to allow the surgeon to restore a natural looking shape to the area after the excess skin is removed.  The surgeon next separates the skin from the surrounding tissues to reveal the abdominal muscles, which extend vertically up as far as the rib cage.  The abdominal muscles are then pulled to tighten, before being stitched into place to hold their new shape.  The overall aim of the operation is to promote a firmer, tighter abdominal wall.  This is largely achieved by tightening theses long abdominal muscles, or the 'tucking' process.  The skin is then stretched over the tightened abdomen, with excess skin then removed.  A further incision is made for the navel, which is then replaced before the incisions are stitched and dressings applied. 

Patients may be kept in hospital for several days after the procedure to ensure there are no major complications.  In some cases, patients may even be released the same day, although it is important to take it easy until the body has begun to heal.  Activities such as driving and heavy exercising are to be avoided before total recovery, although your surgeon will detail specific requirements to you at the time of your operation.

In the immediate aftermath of surgery, patients will feel some degree of localised discomfort and pain.  This should subside soon after with the help of controlling medication.  However, the larger healing process takes significantly longer, with some patients requiring several months before resuming physical activity.  All things considered, the tummy tuck procedure really does produce effective, long term results.  Despite the permanent scarring, patients can benefit from feeling and looking better, and can maintain the results indefinitely with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Tummy tucks news on the Web

Pair accused of operating clinic without a license Two women walked into the offices of Victoria Med Spa on Broadway Aug. 4 for a consultation with Victor H. Hernandez and Maria Jose do Nascimento, who ran the clinic specializing in liposuction and other cosmetic procedures. Hernandez told one of the customers that a tummy tuck would cost about $2,500 and he could provide strong prescription-grade painkillers ... Surgery - Liposuction - Medicine ...

Sunrise course reopens with notable features Here in the plastic surgery capital of the United States, Springtree Golf Course underwent the equivalent of a face lift (beautification), tummy tuck and breast enhancement (added curves and hills) during the past year.

Zeltiq™ Liposuction Alternative in Los Angeles Now Approved by FDA CoolSculpting™ by Zeltiq™ has recently gained approval from the FDA for the removal of unwanted fat in stubborn areas. People who do not need an invasive procedure such as liposuction are considering Zeltiq treatments offered by Dr. Grant Stevens.

Nip and tuck on the increase POST weight-loss procedures such as the tightening and removing of excess skin are becoming increasingly popular, according to two Ipswich plastic surgeons.

San Diego Plastic Surgeon Steve Laverson, MD on How Artistic Ability and 3D Visualization Lead to Natural-looking ... At his San Diego plastic surgery practice, Feel Beautiful, Dr.

Mourners’ farewell for rabbit rescuer NAOMI the rabbit was among the well-wishers paying her last respects at an animal lover’s funeral service yesterday.

Troy Treasurers: Uncle Sam Day Parade ready to step off It's that time of the year again when Shirley Kelly, queen of the parade, gets her hair colored and practices her parade wave. John Rustin has been greasing up his knee and hip replacement parts, and checking out his new face lift. Spanish American War veteran Gus Demars is shining up his vintage Cadillac convertible, while anxiously awaiting a response from his letter to President Roosevelt to ...

The Light Touch / Here comes the dolls Brides and grooms everywhere are doing it: not just tying the knot, but having pre-wedding plastic surgery making them look like gorgeous, artificial dolls.

"Back to School" Plastic Surgery Season about to Begin The office of Dr. Eric Mariotti, serving San Ramon, Danville and Walnut Creek plastic surgery patients, is beginning to see an increase in consultation appointments as summer vacations wind down and kids go back to school.

Survival tips for (very) tall teenage girls If ever there's a time when a girl longs to blend in, it's when she's perching on the brink of adolescence. Malia Obama, 12, is already 1.73m tall. So what's it like to be a tall, young girl?