A Tummy Tuck is also referred to as Abdominoplasty. Abdominal Lipectomy.
It is often understood as a surgery that will help a person lose inches or weight. While this is certainly a result of the surgery, it should not be the underlying reason for it.
A tummy tuck can benefit a woman who has had multiple pregnancies, or anyone who has undergone extreme weight loss or simply has that one “problem area” where the skin simply won’t tighten.
Patients who are dealing with excess fat but otherwise do not have sagging or excess skin are generally not candidates for tummy tuck surgery, but could benefit tremendously from liposuction or even medical weight loss programs.
During tummy tuck surgery, excess fat, tissue, and skin are removed, the muscles are tightened, and the remaining skin is repositioned to give the abdomen a flatter, more attractive contour.
A tummy tuck falls under 3 categories, the mini tummy tuck, the standard tummy tuck, and the extended tummy tuck.
During your consultation with, Dr. Alexander Sinclair MD, he will evaluate the extent of your unique case and determine what category you fall under.
Tummy Tuck Categories:
Mini: Tightens the lower abdominal wall skin only (shortest scar)
Standard: Tightens all of the abdominal wall skin (standard or moderate scarring)
Extended: Extreme cases of excess skin and tissue. Tightens the abdomen and the flanks or sides (longest scar extending around the flanks onto lower back)
Time Required for Tummy Tuck:
It can take 2-5 hours to perform tummy tuck surgery. Time requirements vary with each situation, depending on the extent of surgery.
Is a Tummy Tuck an In Patient or Out Patient Procedure?
A tummy tuck is most often performed on an outpatient basis, though special cases and extended tummy tuck surgeries can require a hospital stay.
What are the Side Effects of a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck’s side effects include temporary discomfort, swelling, bruising.
How Long do Tummy Tuck results last?
Tummy tucks results can be permanent, but are subject to change with future weight fluctuation or pregnancy.
What is the recovery time for Tummy Tuck?
Day 1-3 It is usually required that patients rest in bed for up to about 3 days after surgery
Day 7-14 Most patients can return to work about 2-4 weeks into the tummy tuck recovery period
1-2 Months At least 4 weeks should pass before any strenuous activities are attempted. Depending on the extent of your tummy tuck surgery your surgeon, Dr. Alexander Sinclair MD, could recommend up to 8 weeks of no exercise or manual labor.
Will my insurance company cover Tummy Tuck?
Because of the cosmetic nature of a tummy tuck, insurance usually is not involved. In rare situations, sometimes ones involving gastric bypass surgery, there may be some partial insurance coverage.
Is there much discomfort for Tummy Tuck?
After a tummy tuck, discomfort is definitely evident. Your surgeon, Dr. Alexander Sinclair MD, will offer instructions for easing any pain, and prescription pain medication can be taken to help control it.
What happens during Tummy Tuck surgery?
Step 1 – Anesthesia
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your surgeon, Dr. Alexander Sinclair MD, will recommend the best choice for you.
Step 2 – The incision
A full tummy tuck requires a horizontally-oriented incision in the area between the pubic hairline and navel. The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the degree of correction necessary.
Through this incision, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and sutured and excess fat, tissue and skin is removed.
A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.
Step 3 – Closing the incisions
Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips close the skin incisions.
Step 4 – See the results
Your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate to your body type and weight.
The final results may be initially obscured by swelling and your inability to stand fully upright until internal healing is complete.
Within a week or two, you should be standing tall and confident about your new slimmer profile.