The tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is cosmetic surgery designed to remove excess skin from the abdomen and, at the same time, tighten the abdominal muscles. With this procedure, Dr. Ben can correct loose abdominal skin and stretched abdominal muscles following pregnancy or significant weight loss.
This cosmetic surgery involves removing skin and fat and tightening of the abdominal muscles. The actual extent of this cosmetic surgery will depend on the amount of excess skin and the looseness of the abdominal muscles.
Before a tummy tuck, Dr. Ben marks the amount of skin to be removed. The procedure then is done under general anesthetic.
An incision is made near the bikini line and the excess skin is pulled tightly, down and inward. Then, it is removed along with underlying fatty tissue. The muscles are tightened and the skin is skillfully re-draped. The incision is closed with a requisite number of layers of dissolvable sutures. Usually, the belly button will have an incision around it due to of the amount of skin removed.
Following tummy tuck cosmetic surgery; a compression garment, similar to a girdle is worn for a few weeks. Dr. Ben will advise on how long to use this garment. Tummy tucks result in a sizable scar, which, though hidden, may thicken or widen requiring later revision. Also, it takes many months for the scar to fade.
Recovery from a tummy tuck may take several weeks. Swelling in the area may take several months to go down and patients may not fully realize final results for many months following the surgery.