A “Tummy Tuck” surgery is mostly known as an abdominoplasty. Patients often include post-pregnancy women, patients with poor muscle tone and patients who have experienced weight loss, in some cases weight loss associated with bariatric surgeries. The removal of sagging, loose skin also eliminates fatty deposits in the abdomen with an incision that leaves a thin fine scar hidden behind the bikini line.
Excess fat and loose skin located in your midsection may interfere with your physical flexibility and personal range of motion. Once the excess skin is removed most patients find they are able to lead a more active lifestyle and experience an enhanced feeling of comfort, movement and self-esteem. Patients find they are able to further strengthen their abdominal muscles allowing them to define and contour their midsection.
Consultation with Dr. Steinbrech for Your Tummy Tuck
Dr. Steinbrech is committed to your full understanding of the possibilities associated with abdominoplasty. It is important to Dr. Steinbrech that you understand your aesthetic and physical goals and are able to align those with potential procedure outcomes. “Tummy Tuck Before and After Images” are reviewed to enhance your vision of your potential surgical outcomes. By listening to patients rather than performing a one-size-fits-all procedure on every patient, Dr. Steinbrech provides patients with customized treatment tailored to your aesthetic vision.
Before
After
I feel tired. I look tired. But I want to look natural appearing.
Patient Response
“Thanks for understanding my wishes. I feel great. Refresehed. I am very happy”
A tummy tuck both sculpts the waistline and in most cases repairs weakened muscles in the abdominal wall. Excess abdominal fat is removed but patients with significant tummy rolls may want to consider liposuction and may benefit from a combination of the two procedures.
Dr. Steinbrech will discuss your surgical options, explaining the difference between a full tummy tuck and a mini tummy tuck. A full tummy tuck addresses both the upper and lower belly. A mini tummy tuck tightens only the area below the navel. By toning a larger part of your abdomen, the full tummy tuck procedure may best meet your aesthetic goals. The mini tummy tuck is less invasive and less expensive while exclusively addressing the area below the navel.
Tummy tuck procedures for post-bariatric patients who have lost a large amount of weight, which is typically 100 pounds or more, require patients to be sufficiently healthy to withstand the rigors of major surgery together with the experience of an extended recovery period associated with a tummy tuck. A post-bariatric tummy tuck surgery is not a weight loss procedure, although patients generally lose some weight as skin, tissue, and minor fat deposits are removed. Post-bariatric patients who are good candidates for a tummy tuck are patients who have at the time of their procedure lost most of their excess body fat generally with the exception of a few localized deposits. This procedure can take several months for a full recovery.
Dr. Steinbrech wants you to be comfortable that your consultation has provided the opportunity to develop a full understanding of your surgical options and risk by addressing all questions and concerns patiently and completely.
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
Your Tummy Tuck Procedure
During your procedure Dr. Steinbrech will make an incision horizontally along the lower abdomen. A tummy tuck surgeon allocates between two and three hours to complete the procedure which is performed under general anesthesia. Liposuction is a second procedural option that can be included in to further sculpt the abdomen.
Dr. Steinbrech will make two incisions: one from hipbone to hipbone close to the pubic area, and another around the navel. After Dr. Steinbrech separates the skin from the abdominal muscles they will be pulled together and stitched into place for a firmer abdomen and narrower waist. The skin flap will be stretched down and over the newly tightened muscles, excess skin removed and the navel will be reattached in a natural position. The incisions will be closed and sterile surgical dressings will be applied over the sutured areas. Liposuction is also an option which may be combined with a tummy tuck.
Tummy tuck recovery
A tummy tuck recovery always involves moving about on the day of your surgery and certainly following. Moving about prevents blood clots while encouraging a more rapid body healing. Most patients are able to resume light activity 10 to 15 days’ post-procedure although a wait of six weeks is suggested before you engage in rigorous exercise.
With a balanced diet and regular exercise, tummy tuck procedures are typically long lasting. Abdominoplasty will likely leave a permanent scar stretching between the hips, although it is concealed by a bikini line coverage. Recovery time ranges from two weeks to a few months.
Pain control and management has been enhanced with a new drug known as Exparel. This is a non-narcotic based pain reliever that is injected directly into the tissue, fascia, and muscles during surgery. It is effective in managing pain for up to 72 hours’ post-procedure. Exparel provides our patients the opportunity to greatly reduce the use of narcotic pain medications.
Frequently Asked Tummy Tuck Questions
As with most body contouring procedures, the results produced by tummy tuck surgery can profoundly impact how your view your body. Confidence and feelings of self-worth may be enhanced. Studies indicate a positive attitude in combination with improved physical activity may combine to enhance a person’s overall quality of life. While it is impossible to guarantee this particular result it is important to be mindful of the need to maintain a healthier lifestyle following your tummy tuck surgery which can certainly help pave the way for your potential life-enhancing benefits.
Though rare, post-operative complications from surgery may be possible. They may include infection, blood clots and poor healing, which may require further surgery. Previous abdominal surgery patients should know that their old scars could be stretched, raised or generally become more noticeable after the tummy tuck procedure. A scar revision procedure after abdominoplasty may minimize the appearance of an unsightly scar.
Patients with pockets of fat or loose skin not responding to diet and exercise are good candidates for abdominoplasty. Stretched skin and muscles from pregnancy responds well to abdominoplasty.
Patients who have lost the weight they want to lose and are left with excess skin are also good candidates for abdominoplasty. This includes patients who have experienced bariatric surgery.
Good tummy tuck candidates are in good physical condition with pockets of fat or loose skin that does not respond to diet and exercise. Older and slightly obese people whose skin has lost some of its elasticity are also good candidates for abdominoplasty.
“Tummy Tuck Before and After Images” will help you decide whether a tummy tuck procedure will help you obtain your aesthetic goals.
Related Articles
- Who Benefits Most From a Breast Lift?
- What to Avoid Before Your Liposuction
- The Male Tummy Tuck: What You Need to Know
- What Activities Should Be Avoided After Tummy Tuck Surgery?
- Busting the Myths About Your Tummy Tuck
Reviews from Patients
Why Choose Dr. Steinbrech
- Dr. Douglas Steinbrech has been ranked in the top 10 plastic surgeons in NYC.
- Dr. Douglas Steinbrech is a Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons under the American Board of Medical Specialties.
- Dr. Steinbrech underwent eight years of surgical training at New York University in General Surgery and Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive surgery.
- He has been awarded grants from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation.