Procedures - Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) - Radiant Rejuvenation - Seattle
What is Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) is a surgical procedure aimed at the reduction of excess skin and fatty tissue from the middle and lower abdomen, and may include a tightening of midline muscles of the abdominal wall. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) is not a procedure which can treat obesity, and should not be entered into with weight loss as the primary goal. Obese individuals are advised to seek qualified counseling by a physician and staff who offer comprehensive weight management programs. If you feel the need to lose weight, it is suggested that you do so prior to having a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty). Loss of weight after such surgery may reduce the effectiveness of such treatment.
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) is performed under IV sedation or general anesthesia in outpatient surgery centers or hospitals. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) can be combined with other forms of body-contouring surgery, including limited volume suction-assisted fat removal, or performed at the same time with other elective surgeries. There are several types of abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedures, including limited ("mini-"), modified, or full abdominoplasty. Mini-abdominoplasty can only help tighten the lower abdominal skin (below the belly button), and the final scar is shorter than the modified or full abdominoplasties. Full abdominoplasties include additional muscle tightening and skin removal, with incisions extending to, or beyond, your hip bones. Some fat removal (liposuction) may be done at the same time, but cannot be as extensive as could be provided after your abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) has healed. Liposculpture is often performed 6-12 months after the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) to reach best results.
Recuperation time will depend on many factors, but is usually 2-4 weeks following the full abdominoplasty. You will be given specific instructions as to extent and types of activities recommended for the first several weeks. Having someone to assist you for the first 2-3 days is often an advantage, as you will have stiffness and limited mobility in the early days following surgery of this type.
Alternatives to Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Surgery
Suction assisted fat removal (liposuction) may be an effective surgical alternative to abdominoplasty providing that you do not have defects in the muscle wall (hernias, widening of the midline, etc.) or very limited amount of fat under the skin surface. Diet controls (including medical management tools) and planned exercise programs to strengthen the abdominal muscle wall may be of benefit in improved tummy wall shape and size. As this is an elective procedure, you may elect the option of not having any treatment.
All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. In this type of surgery, you should weigh the potential gain against the possibility of risk. Minor or unexpected complications may occur which have a relatively small impact on the results. Major complications are possible, but are considered relatively unusual.