Our body changes with aging, pregnancy, or weight gain or loss. The abdomen often becomes the focus of dissatisfaction due to these changes despite our attempt to maintain a healthy diet and stay active. Dissatisfaction is resulted from excess skin with or without excess fat and laxity of the abdominal wall (diastasis) causing contour deformity. Tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, removes the excess skin and fat of the lower abdomen below the belly button and tightens the abdominal wall to achieve the aesthetic contour for the abdomen. (See before and after photos of tummy tuck surgery)
Tummy Tuck Procedure Details
The surgery is done under general anesthesia. The incision is typically from one hip to the other low in the pubic area and around the belly button. The tummy tuck or abdominoplasty removes the excess skin and fat of the lower abdomen and tightens the abdominal wall after the skin flap is raised from the abdominal wall. The belly button will be transposed through the skin at about the same position on your abdominal wall. There will be two drains placed during the surgery to help remove the fluid after surgery.
Tummy tuck surgery can be combined with liposuction to improve the contour of the flanks/love handles.
Can tummy tuck be combined with other surgery?
Tummy tuck can be combined with other surgeries including liposuction, breast surgeries, arm tuck and more. A surgical plan will be customized to your specific need after evaluation. Liposuction specifically should only be done in the flank and back areas and only minimally in the abdomen at midline to reduce the risk of tissue necrosis.
Who are Candidates for Tummy Tuck?
Ideal candidates are non-smoker, healthy individuals who have maintained an active lifestyle but are unable to get rid of the excess skin mainly and some fat of the lower abdomen. If you do smoke/vape or use any nicotine product, you need to stop using for at least 2-3 months prior to surgery and remain nicotine free for 3 months after surgery to optimize healing. It’s essential to have your diabetes controlled and stop using nicotine products before and after surgery. Otherwise, your risk of skin and tissue necrosis and open wound is extremely high that surgery should not be pursued. Hypertension must also be well controlled because of high risk for bleeding and hematoma after surgery if blood pressure remains high.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Patient typically goes home on the same day. Pain is controlled with pain medication and typically patients only take tylenol and ibuprofen after 2-3 days. Bruising usually resolves by 2 weeks, but swelling can take 6-8 weeks to resolve. The drains remain in place for 1-2 weeks. Most patients feel back to base baseline around 1 week. Abdominal binder or compression garment is worn for about 6 weeks to help reduce swelling and improve the contour. Walking is extremely important immediately after surgery to reduce risk of blood clot forming in the legs. Having assistance at home to help you move around and walking is essential to your recovery. Strenuous exercise is not recommended for at least 6 weeks.
What are the complications of a tummy tuck?
As with any surgery, there is risk of bleeding, infection, hematoma, fluid collection despite drain placement and after drain removal, tissue necrosis, open wound, contour deformity, scarring, asymmetry, decrease or no sensation in the surgical area, and need for further surgery. One of the most serious complications is blood clot forming in the legs and traveling to the lungs. Hence, it is extremely important to mobilize and walk immediately after surgery to reduce this risk. It’s essential to have your diabetes controlled and stop using nicotine products before and after surgery. Otherwise, your risk of skin and tissue necrosis and open wound is extremely high that surgery should not be pursued.
Why Choose Dr. Tran for a Tummy Tuck?
With over 15 years of happy patients and outstanding surgical results, double-board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Baotram Tran is Fort Lauderdale’s go-to body goals expert.
Renowned for her extensive clinical and surgical expertise, Dr. Tran also helped guide the next generation of plastic surgeons as an instructor and professor at the University of Miami before launching her private practice in 2020.
Dr. Tran is a highly pro-patient physician who takes the time to have open, honest discussions about expectations and results. Serving Plantation, Miami, and Greater Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Tran focuses on natural-looking results that improve confidence and overall well-being.
Tummy Tuck Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is a Tummy Tuck, and How Does It Work?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, removes loose, sagging, or draping skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the underlying muscles. This procedure creates a firmer, flatter midsection. It is often chosen by people who have lost weight, experienced pregnancy changes, or struggled with sagging skin that won’t tighten with diet and exercise.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Good candidates are healthy adults with a stable weight who have loose skin or weakened abdominal muscles. Women with children and individuals with excess skin after major weight loss often benefit. Smokers should quit before surgery, and patients should have a realistic understanding of what procedure and recovery involve.
How Long Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Take?
A standard tummy tuck takes about two to three hours. More complex cases, such as those involving muscle repair or extensive skin removal, may take longer. The exact time depends on the patient’s anatomy and the type of tummy tuck performed, whether full, mini, or extended.
What Is the Recovery Process Like After a Tummy Tuck?
Most patients go home that same day. Many patients feel back to normal in a week or so, but it may take longer for others. Time off work can vary with the job, with many people taking a couple of weeks. You must avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks. Swelling and tightness are common but improve over time. Wearing a compression garment helps heal, and following Dr. Tran’s post-op instructions ensures the best results.
Will I Lose Weight With a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tucks aren’t intended for weight loss. It removes excess skin and some fat, but the primary goal is body contouring, not reducing body weight. Patients should be at a healthy weight (or very close to it) before surgery to achieve the best results. A healthy lifestyle helps maintain the outcome.
How Long Do Tummy Tuck Results Last?
A tummy tuck can last a lifetime with proper care. Maintaining a stable weight and staying active helps preserve a flat stomach. Future pregnancies or significant weight gain can stretch the skin again, so patients should plan surgery when they are done having children and close to their goal weight.
What Are the Risks or Complications of a Tummy Tuck?
Like any surgery, a tummy tuck carries infection, bleeding, and poor healing risks. Other possible complications include fluid buildup, numbness, and scarring. Choosing an experienced surgeon like Dr. Tran reduces risks, and following post-surgical instructions helps with a smooth recovery.
Do Tummy Tucks Leave Scars?
A tummy tuck scar runs low on the abdomen, usually from hip to hip. The scar fades over time and is easily hidden under clothing or swimwear. Scar treatments and proper care help minimize its appearance. Dr. Tran places incisions strategically to achieve the best cosmetic outcome.
Can I Combine a Tummy Tuck and Another Surgery?
Yes, combination procedures are common and very popular. For example, many women add liposuction to their tummy tuck to eliminate extra fat. Mommy makeovers, which include breast surgery and a tummy tuck, are another popular choice. Combining procedures saves recovery time and enhances overall body contouring results.
How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost?
The cost varies based on the complexity of the surgery and your unique needs. Factors like anesthesia, facility fees, and post-surgical care also affect pricing. If you can’t cover the whole procedure at once, there are financing options to help make the procedure more affordable. Dr. Tran provides a personalized cost estimate after your consultation.
Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
Thinking about a tummy tuck? You deserve to feel confident in your body! Dr. Tran can guide you to a flatter, more toned abdomen you love. Call 954-499-4954 to schedule a consultation at our Plantation or Miami office.
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