Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
I work out several times a week but still have a bulging abdomen and loose skin since my pregnancy. What can I do?
Pregnancy puts a lot of stress on the abdominal wall. Even women who do not exceed normal weight gain (25-30 pounds) and exercise throughout their pregnancy can still develop loose skin and abdominal wall weakness after their delivery. Genetic predisposition, multiple births, large babies, excessive weight gain and lack of exercise can all contribute to the extent of the abdominal laxity. Unfortunately, if this looseness develops, dieting and exercise seldom restore the abdomen to the pre-pregnancy state. The abdominal wall between the sit-up muscles, once stretched, cannot be strengthened through workout alone. Surgery such as abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck”, is required to correct this “diastasis recti” defect.
How do I know whether or not a tummy tuck is right for me?
During your complimentary initial consultation with us we will determine the extent of skin laxity, excess fat and loose abdominal wall that is present. If the skin is tight and the bulge is primarily the result of localized fat that is diet resistant and in a normal weight individual, then liposuction alone may be sufficient to correct the problem. If there is only mild skin and abdominal wall laxity in the lower portion of the abdomen, then a “mini-abdominoplasty” may be helpful. This procedure tightens only the skin and muscle that is below the navel, through a conservative incision above the pubis. More commonly, the abdominal looseness is diffuse and a standard tummy-tuck is required.
What can be expected from a “tummy - tuck”?
The goal of an abdominoplasty is to restore the abdomen to a more youthful, well-contoured and flat appearance through incisions that are camouflaged by bathing suits. Typically the incisions follow the “French-cut” bikini line: above the pubis in the center and extending up like a handlebar to the side of the hips. A smaller incision around the navel is also required so that the loose skin of the upper abdomen can be “tucked” down to replace the removed excess fat and skin. In addition, the stretched abdominal wall is tightened like an internal “corset” with permanent sutures. The skin is closed with delicate absorbable stitches, allowing for a relatively fine scar once it fades.
How much time do I need to take off from work if I have an abdominoplasty?
We recommend scheduling your procedure at the beginning of a one-week vacation. The surgery itself takes 2-3 hours and is usually done as an outpatient procedure either at the hospital or in the office surgical suite. Although you can get up out of bed the next day, there is a significant amount of discomfort for the first few days. Pain medicine helps, but don’t expect to do much during your week off. It takes about a month before you will be back to “full steam”. After that, get ready to enjoy your great-looking tummy as hundreds of patients have.
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