Treatment Information
Tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is often combined with other types of cosmetic plastic surgery procedures to achieve the ideal body contouring result. Other procedures may include:
While tummy tuck surgery is most often performed on women who are finished having children, it can be performed on both women and men who would like to have a smooth, flat and more fit abdominal area.
Tummy Tuck After Pregnancy
Tummy Tuck after pregnancy is a lasting surgical solution to get rid of loose and sagging skin and restore the body to a more flattering shape. For many women, having children and becoming a mother is one of the most rewarding experiences of a lifetime. However, for many women balancing the exciting demands of motherhood with the lasting-effects of pregnancy on the body can cause low self-esteem and insecurity about the way she looks. A tummy tuck surgery can help restore a sense of self-confidence by correcting post-pregnancy abdominal problems that cannot be improved through conventional weight reduction methods.
It is best to wait to have surgery until you no longer plan to have additional children. While it is possible to have children after the surgery, the effects of the pregnancy may significantly alter the results of surgery.
Types of Tummy Tuck Surgery
The type of tummy tuck performed depends upon the amount of loose skin that needs to be removed and if the abdominal wall requires tightening. Abdominoplasty surgery is performed under IV sedation and may take two hours or longer, if combined with other cosmetic plastic surgery procedures.
The following are types of abdominoplasty performed at The Skin Center Medical Spa:
Mini Tummy Tuck
The purpose of a mini tummy tuck surgery is to remove excess skin through an incision, about 12 inches long, that is concealed just above the bikini line. This surgery is combined with a small amount of liposuction to smooth and tighten the lower portion of the abdomen.
In Columbus, tummy tuck surgery is performed by Fernando Colon, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Colon feels that the mini tummy tuck is an effective option for women who just want to tighten the skin on their belly but do not want to remove fat. He believes many women aren’t aware of the different types of tummy tuck surgery; and women who think they do not need a full tummy tuck, yet are dissatisfied with excess skin after pregnancy, would be happy to learn there are surgical options available.
Full Tummy Tuck (traditional abdominoplasty)
A full tummy tuck requires an incision from hip to hip bone, hidden beneath the bikini line, to remove loose skin. During this surgery the abdominal wall is tightened with sutures and the abdominal skin is pulled taut and excess skin trimmed, the navel is repositioned and liposuction on the belly and love handles is performed, if needed.
Dominic Brandy, MD, board-certified cosmetic surgeon, performs surgery in our state-licensed and nationally-accredited, AAAHC surgery center in Pittsburgh. A tummy tuck, for Dr. Brandy, is one of the most rewarding surgeries to perform. He enjoys seeing the excitement of his patients when they see the final results of the surgery and hearing about their renewed sense of self-confidence and excitement over their firmer, more flattering shape.
Extended Tummy Tuck
An extended abdominoplasty is the same as a full tummy tuck surgery except the incision extends beyond the hip bones. An extended incision may be necessary to remove excessive amounts of sagging skin. As with a full tummy tuck, liposuction or laser liposuction is often combined with the extended tummy tuck surgery to achieve ideal body contouring results.
Recovery from a Tummy Tuck
When recovering from a tummy tuck, the abdominal area will be swollen and sore with slight bruising for the first few days and possibly a week or longer. Pain medication and bed rest are prescribed for five to seven days, after which time patients may feel well enough to resume work and light daily activities.
Patients are asked to wear a compression garment for two or three weeks following the surgery to keep bruising and swelling to a minimum. In addition, heavy lifting and exercise should be avoided for up to four weeks.
Most patients are thrilled to immediately see the results of the surgery. However, the healing process will continue for three to six months before the final result of the surgery is seen.*
