Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty
The tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, slims down the abdomen and narrows the waist by tightening the abdominal muscles. Women in particular, who have stretched abdominal tissues caused by previous pregnancies, can benefit from abdominoplasty. Both women and men can benefit from this procedure after significant weight loss.
If you are in generally good physical shape but are concerned about abdominal fat deposits or loose skin that does not respond to diet and exercise, a tummy tuck can help. However, the procedure will produce a permanent scar that can possibly extend to both sides of your hips, although the scar will likely be designed to hide below the bikini or bathing suit line.
A modified abdominoplasty or short-scar tummy tuck can sometimes be performed when the full procedure is not required, resulting in a shorter, less visible scar.
Are You a Candidate for Abdominoplasty?
As stated, abdominoplasty is for men and women who exhibit loose skin, stretched abdominal muscles, and a protruding abdomen. If you’re considering a tummy tuck / abdominoplasty, you should also meet conditions such as the following:
- Stable and healthy body weight (not obese)
- Not planning a future pregnancy
- Non-smoker or willing to quit well in advance
During a tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Ljung, you and the doctor can discuss the benefits, risks, costs, and other details of the procedure. He will inquire about your medical history and general health to determine if you can safely undergo abdominoplasty surgery.
How Tummy Tuck Surgery Works
Abdominoplasty requires about 2 to 5 hours of operating time, typically under general anesthesia. In some cases where muscle repair is performed, a muscle relaxing medication is also administered.
Before surgery, Dr. Ljung marks the areas of your midsection where incisions and liposuction will be performed. A horizontal incision is made above the pubic hairline, where excess skin is trimmed and pulled down. The doctor repairs the muscles of your abdominal wall using sutures. If necessary, liposuction is performed on the lower abdomen and flanks to improve your aesthetic results. Before the incisions are closed, the umbilicus is often remodeled or relocated. Dissolvable sutures are then placed in layers to close the surgical incisions.
What Happens After Abdominoplasty
Immediately after your tummy tuck, you will be wrapped in gauze and a loose-fitting elastic garment. Dr. Ljung will probably advise you to ambulate (walk around) within 12 to 18 hours of your surgery. For discomfort, he will prescribe a pain medication. Surgical drains if used will be removed within 24 hours and sutures will typically be removed within 7 days.
Dr. Ljung will monitor your results during follow-up appointments. He may instruct you to wear a compression garment for about 6 weeks to help control swelling and promote optimal skin contraction. Total recovery time is approximately 1 to 3 weeks.
Possible Adverse Events / Complications
Like all surgical procedures, abdominoplasty carries a risk of complications and adverse events. Possible complications include but are not limited to the following (in order of frequency): hematoma, seroma, scarring infection, tissue loss, bleeding, intra abdominal hypertension (rare), DVT, and pulmonary embolus. Ask Dr. Ljung for more details if you are concerned about these events.
Your Tummy Tuck Results
Each patient presents aesthetic goals and considerations that are somewhat unique. However, there are general goals a plastic surgeon will aim to achieve with every abdominoplasty. With a successful procedure, you may achieve a flatter abdomen with fewer stretch marks or scars, a more youthful lower abdomen and mons, a navel without hooding, and enhanced abdominal muscle contours.
Contact Azalea Plastic Surgery Laser & Skin Care Center to learn more about abdominoplasty / tummy tuck in Wilmington and Jacksonville, NC.
