Tummy Tuck

What is tummy tuck (abdomnimoplasty) surgery?

Through our lifetimes various factors, such as weight gain or loss, pregnancy, aging, smoking, and others, contribute to a decrease in the tightness of our abdominal wall. Despite conservative measures, such as a healthy diet and smoking cessation, and even with thousands of sit-ups, in many women and some men, the lower abdominal region just doesn’t respond. Tummy tuck surgery, or abdominoplasty, is a surgical procedure that helps to flatten and shape the abdomen and waist by removing excess fat and skin from the lower abdomen, and tightening the abdominal muscles.

Am I a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery?

The best candidates for abdominoplasty are individuals in good physical condition with fat and loose skin at the lower abdomen that hasn’t responded well to diet and exercise. Abdominoplasty can also be useful for women with stretched skin and muscles from pregnancy, although results from the procedure will diminish if they continue to bear children. Generally, Dr. Glick recommends that you have your children prior to abdominoplasty surgery, although different forms of abdominoplasty, such as mini-tummy tuck can be done without untoward consequences. Patients who have lost massive amounts of weight are also ideal candidates for tummy tuck surgery. Dr. Glick will consult with you on whether abdominoplasty surgery is right for you.

THE TUMMY TUCK SURGERY PROCEDURE

Initial Consultation Prior to Abdomioplasty Surgery

At your initial consultation, Dr. Glick and you will carefully discuss your aesthetic concerns, and define a tailored plan to improve the appearance of your abdomen and flanks. Your goals and expectations will be carefully considered and clarified. Your medical, surgical, and gynecological history will be reviewed in detail, and a physical examination will be conducted. Depending on your aesthetic concerns and surgical feasibility, tummy tuck is sometimes combined with other procedures such as liposuction or cosmetic breast surgery. Dr. Glick will advise you which type of cosmetic abdominoplasty surgery technique is best for you, and also discuss whether any additional procedures are appropriate.

Preparation for Tummy Tuck Surgery

Abdominoplasty surgery is major surgery and appropriate preparation is needed. Dr. Glick may request that you visit your private medical doctor for a check-up and for any necessary lab work and x-rays. Precise preoperative instructions will be reviewed, and all necessary prescriptions will be given to you in advance of your tummy tuck surgery. You will be instructed to avoid smoking, blood thinning medications, and all aspirin, aspirin-containing products, and anti-inflammatory products (Advil® or ibuprofen, and Aleve®) at least ten days before surgery. In order to promote optimal healing, a complete and comprehensive preoperative instructions will be provided for you, detailing which medications to avoid, and which vitamins , minerals, and homeopathic preparations are ok to take prior to and after cosmetic abdominoplasty surgery. For your own safety and comfort you will need to designate a chaperon/care taker that can escort you home after the procedure. You should plan to have some help with house-hold chores, such as cooking and cleaning, as these activities are fairly difficult in the immediate postoperative period. Get plenty of rest, and dress in comfortable layered clothing.

What Type of Anesthesia do you need for tummy tuck surgery?

Tummy tuck surgery is performed under general anesthesia, but is usually an ambulatory surgery procedure. Dr. Glick and our Board-certified anesthesiologists will help you make the decision of which type of anesthesia is best for you.

How does Dr. Glick do a tummy tuck?

There are several different techniques for performing abdominoplasty. Common to all is the removal of fat and excess skin from the lower abdominal wall. The scar is hidden below the bikini line, enabling you to show off your results in shorts and jeans. Tightening of the abdominal muscles may or may not be performed, depending on your specific situation. Tummy tuck can be combined with liposuction, or other procedures, and is done under general anesthesia. Dr. Glick specializes in the latest technique in abdominoplasty surgery, the Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty, a revolutionary form of tummy tuck that uses surgical adjustments of the flanks that help contour the hips and waist, accentuating the feminine curves of abdomen and flanks. After careful consultation, Dr. Glick will help you decide on the best technique to optimize your results.

Recovery and the Postoperative Period

No overnight stay is needed after abdominoplasty surgery. Dr. Glick’s tummy tuck surgery is an outpatient procedure that requires only a short rest in our comfortable recovery suite. Once surgery is completed, you will recover fully from the effects of anesthesia, and be escorted home with your designated caregiver. Dr. Glick will instruct you thoroughly on your postoperative regimen and recovery period. You may have surgical drains, and a compression garment applied to the treated area. You will be encouraged to stay as active as possible at home for several days while maintaining appropriate positioning and posture. In most cases the bruising is minimal and resolves after the first week, at which time the drains are removed. Most patients return to work and social activities after 1 to 2 weeks. Dr. Glick recommends avoidance of strenuous physical exercise for approximately 6 weeks following cosmetic abdominoplasty surgery. As always, you are encouraged to stay active, eat a healthy diet, and exercise as tolerated. Dr. Glick and our medical team will closely follow up with you to make sure that your healing is going well.

Results of tummy tuck Surgery

The results of cosmetic abdominoplasty surgery are a new abdominal and flank region that is smooth and flat. Not only will you look great, you will also notice an immediate change in the way your clothes fit. In fact, it is not uncommon for patients report additional weight loss following tummy tuck, due to the increased level of physical activity. Abdominoplasty surgery results are permanent, though various lifestyle and hereditary factors may impact on your long-term results.

How much does tummy tuck surgery cost?

Tummy tuck surgery costs vary depending on exactly what technique is used and which areas are targeted. This will be outlined in detail during your consultation. Financing options are readily available.

What are Dr. Glick’s patients saying after abdominoplasty surgery?

Dr. Glick’s abdominoplasty surgery patients are thrilled with their flat and smooth abdomen, and curvaceous flanks. Read what they have to say about the benefits of being a patient at Dr. Glick Plastic Surgery.