Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) helps flatten the abdomen by removing excess fat and skin, and tightening muscles. The best candidates for a tummy tuck procedure in Salem, OR are in good physical condition, with pockets of fat or loose skin that have not responded well to diet and exercise. Abdominoplasty can also be appropriate for slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity, and for women with skin and muscles stretched from pregnancy. Anyone planning on losing a significant amount of weight, and women planning on having (more) children, should wait before undergoing abdominoplasty.
What is the Tummy Tuck Procedure?
Abdominoplasty takes approximately 3 to 5 hours to perform; the patient is placed under general anesthesia. Two incisions are made: one from hipbone to hipbone close to the pubic area, and another around the navel. Skin is separated from the abdominal muscles, which are then pulled together and stitched into place for a firmer abdomen and narrower waist. The skin flap is then stretched down over the newly tightened muscles, excess skin is removed, and the navel is reattached where it looks natural. The incisions are then closed, and sterile surgical dressings are applied over the sutured areas.
Abdominoplasty - Before & After
Recovery After Abdominoplasty
After surgery, a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site. An overnight hospital stay may be necessary. Recovery time ranges from 3 weeks to 2 months. Abdominoplasty leaves a scar spanning the lower abdomen from hip to hip, although it is low enough to be concealed by a bikini. Maintaining weight with a balanced diet and regular exercise provides long-lasting results.
Tummy Tuck Results
The results of a tummy tuck can be long-lasting, provided you maintain a stable weight. Significant weight fluctuations or pregnancy after the procedure can affect the outcomes. It is advisable to wait until you are done having children to have tummy tuck so that you do not undo the positive benefits achieved with the surgery.
Tummy Tuck Is Not a Weight Loss Procedure
Tummy tuck is often mistaken for a weight-loss solution. However, it is crucial to understand that this procedure is primarily designed to contour and tighten the abdominal area, not to significantly reduce body weight. The goal of tummy tuck is to create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile by removing excess skin and tightening the underlying muscles To lose a significant amount of weight, your best options remain diet and exercise, or perhaps bariatric surgery.
Combining Treatments for Enhanced Results
Abdominoplasty can be effectively combined with other cosmetic procedures to achieve comprehensive body contouring results. Common combinations include liposuction, to further refine and shape the body contours, or breast lift, which is often part of a treatment plan known as mommy makeover
Mommy makeover is a tailored set of cosmetic procedures designed to address the physical changes that can linger after pregnancy and breastfeeding. A tummy tuck as part of this package helps restore the abdomen to its pre-pregnancy state, while additional procedures like breast augmentation, breast lift, and/or liposuction can rejuvenate other areas of the body. This customized approach ensures that each patient’s individual concerns are addressed, helping mothers feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin.
At What Age Should You Have Tummy Tuck?
There is no ideal age for a tummy tuck; however, it is best performed when an individual has reached a stable weight and does not plan any future pregnancies. It is also important that the patient is in good general health to minimize any surgical risks.
Continuous Support and Aftercare
We believe that ongoing post-operative care is as crucial as the surgery itself. Our dedicated team provides ongoing support and monitors your recovery, ensuring that your healing process is on track. We are committed to being accessible to our patients, providing them with peace of mind and ensuring that they have a resource for any concerns that arise post-surgery.
What Are the Risks of Abdominoplasty?
In addition to the usual risks associated with surgery and anesthesia, risks associated with tummy tuck include the following:
- Asymmetry
- Poor aesthetic result
- Unsightly scarring
- Loose skin
- Numbness in skin sensation
- Need for revisional surgery
Patients who have had previous abdominal surgery may find that their old scars look more raised, have stretched or are more noticeable in general. Undergoing a scar revision may minimize their prominence. For more information on our tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedure, please contact the Salem plastic surgery office of Dr. Austin, or click here.
Patient Testimonial:
“After bariatric surgery I lost a lot of weight. My thoughts turned to plastic surgery. I asked medical friends for their recommendations & Dr. Austin’s name was always mentioned first. They praised his meticulous work. They also added that I not only would be getting top notch work but that he is also and all around caring and nice guy. They were right! I had a tummy tuck & breast lift and then my arms and thighs. Dr. Austin & his staff took me through my first consultation and on the follow ups flawlessly.”
~ Laura“I could not be happier with my surgery and the experience was better than I could have anticipated. Thank you to the kindness and professionalism of Dr. Austin and his amazing staff. I recommend them to everyone.”
~ Wendy P.
Does Tummy Tuck Leave Scars?
A standard abdominoplasty is performed through a low transverse abdominal incision. The placement of the incision is low on the abdomen, at or below the level of a standard C-section incision. The sutures utilized are absorbable sutures that do not need to be removed and are placed beneath the skin to minimize scarring. Post operatively we continue to work closely with you to improve final scar outcome.
Candidacy for a Tummy Tuck
Tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) are most effective in helping those with abdominal wall laxity and skin excess. Most commonly this is after weight loss and/or following pregnancy. With weight loss, the closer one can get to their goal weight, the better the result and the longer the results will last.
How is your Tummy Tuck Procedure performed?
A tummy tuck procedure addresses wall laxity and skin excess. During the procedure, the abdominal wall is tightened and the excess skin is excised from the lower portion of the abdomen. Frequently, liposuction is utilized to improve abdominal contour. The procedure is most commonly performed as a surgical outpatient under general anesthesia at an accredited surgical facility.
Working Out After Your Tummy Tuck
Most patients are able to resume some form of exercise approximately 3-4 weeks after surgery. It usually takes a few more weeks before beginning more aggressive exercise such as running or core exercises. Dr. Austin works closely with each patient to get you back to full activity as soon as possible.
Why You Should Choose Dr. Austin for Your Tummy Tuck
Choosing the right surgeon and facility for your abdominoplasty is crucial. At our clinic, Dr. Austin combines advanced surgical techniques with a compassionate approach to patient care. Here’s why our clinic stands out:
- Expertise and Experience: Dr. Austin is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in body contouring surgeries.
- Personalized Care: We believe each patient deserves a unique treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and aesthetic goals.
- State-of-the-Art Facility: Our clinic is equipped with the latest in medical technology, ensuring safe and effective procedures.
- Comprehensive Support: From the initial consultation through recovery, our team provides continuous support and guidance to ensure the best possible outcomes.
If you have any questions or comments, or if you want to learn more about the services Dr. Austin provides, please call 503-561-7000 or submit an online form by clicking here.
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