Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
Tummy tuck surgery
Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin and, in most cases, restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.
A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals.
Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include:
Aging
Heredity
Pregnancy
Prior surgery
Significant fluctuations in weight
What tummy tuck surgery can't do
A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program.
Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies would be advised to postpone a tummy tuck.
A tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised.
Anesthesia
The type of anesthesia that is used for tummy tuck depends on the individual patient. However, tummy tucks can be done with local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia.
Cost
The total cost of a tummy tuck depends on the individual patient, but can range from $5500 to $7500.
Recovery
During your tummy tuck recovery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your abdomen as it heals following surgery.
Small, thin tubes with drains may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.
You will be given specific instructions that may include:
How to care for the surgical site and drains
Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection
Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
When to follow up with Dr. Rhee
Be sure to ask your tummy tuck surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period:
Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery? When will they be removed?
When will the stitches be removed?
How will I bathe?
How long will I wear the pressure garment?
When can I resume normal activity and exercise?
When do I return for follow-up care?
Risks
The decision to have plastic surgery is extremely personal, and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications of tummy tuck surgery are acceptable.
You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks.
Tummy tuck risks include:
Anesthesia risks
Bleeding
Infection
Fluid accumulation (seroma)
Poor wound healing
Skin loss
Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
Unfavorable scarring
Recurrent looseness of skin
Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
Asymmetry
Suboptimal aesthetic result
Possibility of revisional surgery
Persistent pain
These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It’s important that you address all your questions directly with Dr. Rhee.