Tummy Tuck

Before and After Pictures of Tummy Tuck by Dr. LaTrenta

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Tummy Tuck General Information

Abdominoplasty, or a “tummy tuck” as it is often referred to, is a method of removing excess fat and skin from the abdomen area

A tummy tuck tightens muscles and fascia that have been weakened by pregnancy.

Diastasis recti, or separation of the abdomen wall muscle, is repaired as well as all ventral and umbilical hernias.

The procedure will improve the appearance of stretch marks: those above the navel will be tightened while those located below the navel will be removed.

Tummy Tuck - The Procedure

Generally, a horizontal incision is placed just within or above the pubic area which obliquely runs upward toward the hip bone on each side. If there is a large amount of loose skin above the navel, a second incision may be made around the navel.

Excess skin in that area is then separated from the abdominal wall by undermining.

To tighten the abdominal wall, loose underlying tissue and muscle is brought together with sutures.

A small opening is made to bring the navel through. The width of the scar is proportional to the amount of extra skin.

The procedure is usually performed in the office under general anesthesia, however, it can be performed under intravenous sedation.

Tummy Tuck Best Candidate

You may wish to consider a tummy tuck if you have excess abdominal fat, sagging abdominal skin, or an abdomen that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of you body.

It is best for the patient to have completed all their pregnancies before proceeding with surgery so that the results will be preserved.

You should not be alarmed in the event of an unplanned pregnancy post surgery, as the pregnancy and delivery should go smoothly. However, you may require revisional abdominal surgery to enhance your results after this additional pregnancy.

As with most plastic surgery, patients should be within 20-30 pounds of their ideal body weight and in good general physical condition to optimize results.

The woman considering these procedures should be aware that abdominoplasty surgery often results in scars. Most often, these heal well and are placed in an inconspicuous location (such as the bathing suit line). On rare occasions, scar revision surgery can be necessary.

Tummy Tuck Recovery Time

Most sutures used in this surgery are biodegradable. However, some do need removal in 7 – 10 days.

Usually, wearing an abdominal stretch binder (or SPANX) is necessary for 2-3 weeks.

Return to normal life activity after a week off is usually allowed. However, 3 weeks off from exercise and 4 weeks off from sports is usually required.

The scars may take anywhere from 2 months to a year to heal.

LOVE! I can’t imagine using any other plastic surgeon. I did a breast reduction with him and a tummy tuck and he is truly masterful. There is the technical medical side and there’s the artistry of the surgery. He has an incredible eye and has re-sculpted my body naturally and restored a youthful look I never thought I’d have again. And his staff makes it so comfortable and even fun. I feel like they’ve gone on this journey with me. I trust them completely.”

–B.H.

LOVE! I can’t imagine using any other plastic surgeon. I did a breast reduction with him and a tummy tuck and he is truly masterful. There is the technical medical side and there’s the artistry of the surgery. He has an incredible eye and has re-sculpted my body naturally and restored a youthful look I never thought I’d have again. And his staff makes it so comfortable and even fun. I feel like they’ve gone on this journey with me. I trust them completely.”

–B.H.