Tummy Tuck Operations

An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a cosmetic procedure that involves the removal of fat and loose skin from both the upper and lowers abdominal areas as well as tightening the abdominal muscles underneath. This procedure is generally sought out by women who have been unable to achieve their pre-pregnancy form or by either men or women who have lost a significant amount of weight though either diet and exercise regimens or through gastric bypass surgery. The procedures and time involved depend on the extent of the surgery and can take anywhere from one to five hours to complete but will include an incision along the bikini line, suturing any damaged muscles, stretching the loose skin and removing the excess, relocating the belly button, and resuturing the skin.

Many times this procedure is accompanied by liposuction to ensure adequate fat removal and minimizing scarring.

In a partial or mini tummy tuck operation, a smaller amount of fat and/or loose skin is removed and is generally limited to the lower abdominal region, though the upper abdomen and muscle tightening can occur. Liposuction is sometimes employed to ensure an even result since fat may be deposited unevenly and may create unsightly bulges. In a traditional tummy tuck procedure the entire abdominal area, both upper and lower regions, are targeted from fat and skin removal and muscle tightening or repair. It addresses all the same conditions as the mini tummy tuck with only the scope of the procedure changing.

Many times a pregnancy will cause the separation of the abdominal muscles that can only be fixed surgically. This condition is corrected during tummy tuck operations. An extended abdominoplasty is a complete tummy tuck and includes procedures to remove fat from the front or sides of the legs. Many times a tummy tuck procedure is performed in combination with other cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation, liposuction, or face lifts.

The recovery period for an uncomplicated tummy tuck can range from 1-4 weeks, with patients generally advised to remain out of work for the duration of the recovery. Any heavy activity is forbidden during the recovery period to facilitate speedy healing.

Lifting, moving heavy items, and carrying anything over ten pounds is strictly prohibited during this period. The patient can expect to have moderate pain and bruising at the surgery site and are expected to wear a supportive elastic garment around the abdomen to support the healing tissues. Final results are usually not readily apparent until swelling has subsided, approximately three to six months post operatively.

Tummy tuck costs range anywhere from $4000 and up depending on the extent of the surgery and the credentials of the surgeon performing the procedure. It is not advisable to price shop cosmetic surgeons as complications from this surgery can be life-threatening and the results the patient sees are permanent and depend solely on the skill and experience of the surgeon performing the procedure.Risks associated with tummy tuck surgery include:

• Unfavorable scarring
• Bleeding (hematoma)
• Infection
• Fluid accumulation
• Poor wound healing
• Skin loss
• Blood clots
• Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
• Anesthesia risks
• Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
• Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
• Major wound separation
• Asymmetry
• Recurrent looseness of skin
• Pain, which may persist
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Persistent swelling in the legs
• Nerve damage

Each of these risks must be evaluated in relationship to the benefits of surgery to determine whether or not tummy tuck surgery is right for you. Also, understand that tummy tuck surgery is performed on an outpatient basis most of the time, with minimal, if any, hospital stay.

Be prepared to need help in the days and weeks following surgery to optimize healing and generate the best results.

The results from a well performed tummy tuck procedure are dramatic and make a compelling argument for many people who have struggled to lose weight to have the procedure done in order to reap the maximum reward for their weight loss efforts.

Below you can see a tummy tuck surgery from beginning to end. It is not for people that get grossed out quick. The second movie is an animated movie discussing the techniques of tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), mini tummy tuck, risks of surgery and healing time.