Please visit our Photo Gallery Page to see examples of Tummy Tucks
TUMMY TUCK GENERAL INFORMATION
Tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is the gold standard for rejuvenation of the abdomen. Excess skin is removed which may greatly benefit those with stretch marks. Fat is removed directly and with liposuction, and usually the muscle is tightened as well. The vast majority of women that have had children can benefit from all three aspects of this approach. Modern abdominoplasty greatly tailors this procedure to the individual's needs. Scar location and pattern are chosen based on underwear or bathing suit preferences. Fat removal and muscle tightening are also very much individualized.
Often the decision is a choice between a tummy tuck and liposuction of the abdomen. Fortunately, there is an option that lies in between. This is referred to as "marriage abdominoplasty". The liposuction can be more extensive than with a full tummy tuck and skin is still removed. The patient benefits from aspects of both tummy tuck and liposuction; however, only certain patients are good candidates for "marriage abdominoplasty".
Indications: Excessive, loose or sagging abdominal skin, bulging, relaxed abdominal muscles and in some cases stretch marks on the lower abdomen.
Intended Results: A smoother, flatter abdomen. Sometimes back pain is improved.
Procedure Description: This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. The incision is usually designed to be covered by one's underwear or bathing suit bottom, although there may also be a scar around the belly button. Permanent sutures tighten but do not weaken the muscle.
Recuperation and Healing: The discomfort of a tummy tuck may require stronger oral medication for one to two weeks, depending on the surgery. Some patients return to work in one week but most should take 2 weeks off. The initial, red to pink scars usually fade somewhat with time.
Other Options: Considerable discussion is sometimes necessary to decide between liposuction of the abdomen and tummy tuck.
More Information:
Abdominoplasty or "tummy tuck" is the surgical procedure that improves all three of the problem areas of the abdomen.
- Extra skin is removed.
- Extra fat is removed.
- Relaxed muscle is tightened.
The tradeoff for all of these benefits is a scar extending across the lower abdomen, and in most cases around the belly button. This operation is thoughtfully tailored to the patient's needs. If there is less excess skin, the scar can be made shorter. Dr. Hubbard prefers the patient bring his or her underwear or bikini bottom the morning of surgery to optimize scar design. Some patients, especially those that have had few children, find that the muscle can be tightened by exercise alone. That makes for a quicker recovery and less expense. Obviously, there are many options and a consultation with Dr. Hubbard will provide you with honest, straightforward answers to all of your questions and concerns. At Hubbard Plastic Surgery, our commitment to excellence demands a personalized approach to each patient.
Extended Tummy Tuck:
Many patients are surprised that there are a wide variety of types of abdominoplasties. For some individuals, there is a whole world of options extending the excision of skin around the side or flank and on into the back at varying distances. "Extended Tummy Tuck," "Belt Lipectomy," "Around the World Abdominoplasty," "Flankplasty," and "Buttock Thigh Lift" are among the many choices extending the excision of skin. Any one of a variety of patterns can have extremely powerful body contouring possibilities. Excising a swath of skin over the flank and into the back will always produce a bigger reduction in measurements across the waist than liposuction alone.
As the skin excision proceeds towards and sometimes all the way across the back, most often it is tapering to less and less skin excision until the middle of the back is reached. This has the most impact to the flank and measurements around the waist. Another variation excises the widest part of skin, not at the side or flank but more on the backside above the buttock and this has the most powerful effect on lifting the buttock and thigh. Lifting the buttock and thigh with such a skin excision is very powerful and effective on weight loss patients who have light excess skin. Lifting the buttock and thigh is not very effective in patients that remain overweight with heavy full buttocks and thighs. There is no standard skin excision pattern as every patient is unique in his or her location and distribution of excess bulging skin, sagging skin, or lax skin. The planning and design of such a procedure is as important as the actual surgery and Dr. Hubbard often meets the patient the day before surgery for a 45 minute to 1 hour session of final planning and marking the skin.
Please visit our Photo Gallery Page to see examples of Tummy Tucks or click on the following links for information on other procedures.
 Before Tummy Tuck |
 After Tummy Tuck |
 Before Tummy Tuck |
 After Tummy Tuck |
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