Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
What is a tummy tuck?
Abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck” as it is commonly known, is a procedure that contours the abdominal area. With this procedure, the surgeon makes a long incision from one side of the hipbone to the other. Excess fat and skin are surgically removed from the middle and lower abdomen, and the muscles of the abdomen wall are tightened with sutures.
Who are candidates for tummy tuck?
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in good physical condition, but are bothered by large fat deposits or loose abdominal skin that does not respond to diet or exercise. Adominoplasty is especially helpful to women who have had multiple pregnancies that have left them with loose abdominal skin.
People who intend to lose weight, and women who plan future pregnancies, should postpone this type of surgery.
How do I get ready for a tummy tuck surgery?
Before surgery, you and Halifax Health’s plastic surgeon will discuss several items which include:
- Discuss if you are sensitive to or allergic to any medicines, latex, tape, and anesthesia medicines (local and general).
- Tell your surgeon if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
- Tell them if you have a history of bleeding disorders. Let him or her know if you are taking any blood-thinning medicines (anticoagulants), aspirin, ibuprofen, or other medicines that affect blood clotting. You may need to stop taking these medicines before the procedure.
- Tell them about all the medicines you take. This includes both over-the-counter and prescription medicines. It also includes vitamins, herbs, and other supplements.
If you are a smoker, you should stop smoking at least 6 weeks before surgery.
You will be asked to not eat or drink anything (to fast) for a certain period of time before surgery. This often means no food or drink after midnight.
What happens during a tummy tuck surgery?
Complete abdominoplasty usually takes several hours, depending on the extent of work required, and is performed at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach. Most tummy tucks are an outpatient procedure, allowing for patients to leave and heal in the comfort of their own home the day of surgery.
Anesthetic options is discuss with your surgeon, which usually includes general anesthesia or local anesthesia/ IV sedation (depending on the extent of surgery).
Some possible short-term side effects of surgery:
- Abdomen is swollen
- Abdomen is painful
When will I see the final results?
Healing is a slow and gradual process. It may take weeks or months to reach a full recovery.
Scars may appear to get worse during the first 3 to 6 months as they heal. It may take up to a year for scars to flatten out and lighten in color, although they may never completely disappear. Our surgeon does his best to ensure the incision is as low as possible so it is not visible in most types of clothing, including underwear and two piece swim suits.