The tummy tuck surgery
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Individual factors and personal preferences will determine the specific technique selected to smooth and flatten your abdomen.The abdominoplasty or tummy tuck procedure is performed with a horizontal incision in the lower abdomen within the bikini line. Most abdominoplasty incisions are kept just above the pubic area, and within the confines of the hip bones, so it can be easily camouflaged in most bikinis, thongs, and in low-rise jeans. Excess fat is removed directly, and the abdominal muscles and fascia (connective tissues) are tightened and repaired, and the excess skin is trimmed away. In the abdominoplasty procedure where there is moderate or considerable laxity or excess of skin and fat, the navel is maintained in its natural position, but is "re-inset" with very fine sutures. In the modified or "mini" tummy tuck, fat removal, skin tightening, and lower abdominal muscle tightening are performed through a horizontal bikini incision only. Dr. Tabriz will use liposuction techniques in conjunction with most tummy tuck procedures to produce the most natural and beautifully sculpted results. Most often, abdominoplasty or tummy tuck surgery is performed in Dr. Tabrizr's office-based surgical suite (Accredited by The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Cares, AAAHC). The tummy tuck or abdominoplasty procedure takes between three and four hours.
Your cosmetic surgeon will discuss with you the particular method that he or she recommends for achieving the best result in your particular case. Fortunately, significant complications from abdominoplasty are infrequent. Every year, many thousands of people undergo successful aesthetic surgery of the abdomen, experience no major problems and are pleased with the results. Anyone considering surgery, however, should be aware of both the benefits and risks.
The average surgery time for a tummy tuck is between two to five hours. Please keep in mind that the procedure time will vary from patient to patient. The time it takes to perform the tummy tuck surgery is also highly related to your tummy tuck technique used and the tummy tuck surgeon’s skill level. In addition, a tummy tuck surgery time will be prolonged if it is performed in conjunction with another procedures, such as liposuction or breast augmentation.
The Most Common Tummy Tuck Techniques
There are many variations both to the design of the incisions and the technique itself. In some instances, it may be possible to avoid an incision around the navel. When the amount of loose skin is minimal and the excess fat deposits are located below the navel, a short horizontal incision is all that is necessary. This procedure is called a partial, or "mini," abdominoplasty. Sometimes liposuction may be used alone, or in conjunction with abdominoplasty, to remove abdominal fat. Endoscopic abdominoplasty is another technique for minimizing scars and may be useful when patients have only a mild degree of excess fat and muscle laxity.Your cosmetic surgeon will discuss with you the particular method that he or she recommends for achieving the best result in your particular case. Fortunately, significant complications from abdominoplasty are infrequent. Every year, many thousands of people undergo successful aesthetic surgery of the abdomen, experience no major problems and are pleased with the results. Anyone considering surgery, however, should be aware of both the benefits and risks.
The average surgery time for a tummy tuck is between two to five hours. Please keep in mind that the procedure time will vary from patient to patient. The time it takes to perform the tummy tuck surgery is also highly related to your tummy tuck technique used and the tummy tuck surgeon’s skill level. In addition, a tummy tuck surgery time will be prolonged if it is performed in conjunction with another procedures, such as liposuction or breast augmentation.
The Tummy Tuck Incision
Abdominoplasty may be performed on an outpatient basis. If this is the case, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you for at least the next day or two. When abdominoplasty is performed in conjunction with medically necessary procedures such as hysterectomy or hernia repair, a short hospitalization may be required.
Your abdominoplasty may be performed in a hospital, free-standing ambulatory facility or office-based surgical suite. Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. Often, a general anesthetic is administered, so that you will be asleep throughout the procedure. Abdominoplasty may be performed using local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. When surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. In many instances, small drain tubes will have been placed within the abdominal tissues to help avoid accumulation of fluids. Gauze or other dressings may be applied to your abdomen and covered with tape or an elastic bandage. Generally, a horizontal incision is placed just within or above the pubic area. The length of the incision, which extends laterally toward the pelvic bones, depends largely on the amount of skin to be removed. The contour of this incision will vary somewhat according to the structure of your abdomen and the style of bathing suit or undergarments that you prefer. Your plastic surgeon will try to keep the incision within your bathing suit lines, but this may not always be possible.
If there is loose skin above the navel, the surgeon may make a second incision around the navel. Skin in the shaded area is separated from the abdominal wall. Some patients have loose skin above the navel. In such cases, the surgeon may make a second incision around the navel so that the redundant skin above it can be pulled down. The excess abdominal skin is then removed. The position of the navel remains unchanged.
To tighten the abdominal wall, the surgeon brings loose underlying tissue and muscle together with sutures. Skin of the lower abdomen that contains stretch marks may be removed as well. Any remaining stretch marks may be somewhat flattened and improved, but you should not expect a dramatic change in their appearance. Abdominal skin is pulled downward, and the excess is removed. A small opening is made to bring the navel through.
The procedure may include tightening of the underlying abdominal muscles using sutures.
If there is loose skin above the navel, the surgeon may make a second incision around the navel. Skin in the shaded area is separated from the abdominal wall. Some patients have loose skin above the navel. In such cases, the surgeon may make a second incision around the navel so that the redundant skin above it can be pulled down. The excess abdominal skin is then removed. The position of the navel remains unchanged.
To tighten the abdominal wall, the surgeon brings loose underlying tissue and muscle together with sutures. Skin of the lower abdomen that contains stretch marks may be removed as well. Any remaining stretch marks may be somewhat flattened and improved, but you should not expect a dramatic change in their appearance. Abdominal skin is pulled downward, and the excess is removed. A small opening is made to bring the navel through.
The procedure may include tightening of the underlying abdominal muscles using sutures.
