Why a Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen caused by excess fat and/or loose skin that will not respond to diet or exercise. It is particularly helpful for improving your appearance if:
You are a man or woman who is in relatively good shape.
You are a woman who, through multiple pregnancies,
has stretched your abdominal muscles and skin beyond the
point where they can return to normal.
You are an older patient who has lost skin elasticity through
slight obesity and subsequent weight loss.
Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
At your initial tummy tuck consultation, Dr. Steely will evaluate your health, determine the level of fat deposits in your abdominal area, and carefully evaluate your skin tone. Be sure to tell him if you are a smoker, and if you are on any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.
Be forthright in discussing your expectations with Dr. Steely and he will be equally honest with you, describing the types of tummy tuck procedures available and their associated risks and limitations.
If your fat deposits are mainly below the navel, you may need the less complex mini abdominoplasty (or mini-tummy tuck) which can be performed on an outpatient basis. On the other hand, if you have more extensive and wide spread fat deposits, full abdominoplasty may be the better body contouring solution, especially when combined with liposuction of the hips.
Dr. Steely will recommend the procedure that is best for you and will produce the most desired body contour. He will tell you about the anesthesia that he will use, where the surgery is to be preformed and all associated costs.
Preparing for Your Tummy Tuck
Dr. Steely will give you complete instructions on how to prepare for your tummy tuck surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins, and medications. Also:
No smoking at least one to two weeks before surgery (and do not resume smoking for at least two
weeks after your surgery as smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing).
Avoid overexposure to the sun, especially to your abdomen and do not go on a strict diet, as both
these factors can inhibit healing.
If you catch a cold or infection of any kind, Dr. Steely will probably postpone your surgery.
If you are in top physical condition and have strong abdominal muscles, recovery will be much faster.
Arrange for transportation home after surgery and for help a day or two at home, if needed.
Mini and Full Abdominoplasty Surgery Procedures
 When performing a full abdominoplasty, Dr. Steely typically makes an incision in your bikini line, immediately above the pubic area. Then a second incision frees the navel from surrounding tissue for repositioning. With mini abdominoplasty, he makes a much shorter incision and he may not move the navel.
Next, Dr. Steely separates the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs and lifts a large skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. He tightens these muscles resulting in a firmer abdominal wall and narrower waistline.
Dr. Steely then stretches the skin flap down and removes the extra skin. He creates a new site for your navel. Finally, he closes all incisions, applies the dressings, and may insert a temporary tube to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.
With a mini abdominoplasty, Dr. Steely separates the skin only between the incision line and the navel, tightens any loose muscle tone, and excises any excess skin.
Full abdominoplasty usually takes two to five hours, depending on the extent of work required. Mini abdominoplasty typically takes an hour or two.
After Your Tummy Tuck
After your tummy tuck:
Your abdomen will probably be swollen for the first few days.
You will likely feel some pain and discomfort for which Dr. Steely will prescribe medication.
Depending how extensive your surgery is, you may be released from the hospital within a few
hours or you may need to remain for one or two days.
Dr. Steely will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressings.
Dr. Steely will remove stitches in a week to ten days.
The dressing on your incision may be replaced by a support garment.
You may need a few weeks to feel normal again. Some return to work after just a few days;
others may take two weeks to rest and recuperate.
Start walking as soon as possible. Light exercise actually helps you heal better. If you have never
exercised before, it is advisable that you begin an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the
chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. You should, however, avoid vigorous exercise until you
can do it comfortably.
Scars may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but this is
normal. Expect it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten in color.
While they never disappear completely, the scars will not be visible under most clothing, even
under bathing suits.
Dr. Steely will keep you up-to-date and as at-ease as possible at every step of your tummy tuck procedure, from consultation to the final new you.
Call 713-622-6500 or email Dr. Steely for a complimentary initial appointment or for more information relating to the tummy tuck procedure. |
