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Tummy Tuck Procedure

 

Dr. Gibson performs three kinds of Tummy Tucks

• Standard/classic abdominoplasty

• Modified classic abdominoplasty

• Mini-abdominoplasty

 

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Standard/classic tummy tuck

Dr. Gibson makes an incision from hip to hip along the bikini-line to minimize the appearance of the scar. A second incision is done around the belly button to separate it from the adjacent skin. The skin and fat are released from the muscles between the pubic area and the ribs. The muscles are then tightened re-establishing their original position (before pregnancy and weight gain). Dr. Gibson then removes excess skin and fat from the belly button to the pubic region and then proceeds to close the incision. 

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Modified tummy tuck

The modified tummy tuck is performed when there is not enough skin and fat to be excised from the belly button to the pubic region. This procedure requires the belly button to be slid down to help with the removal of excess skin; then the abdominal wall muscles are tightened.

 

Mini-tummy tuck

The mini-tummy tuck is the least invasive procedure of the three options. It is only performed when the treated area is located between the belly button and pubic region. With this procedure only the lower half of the muscle wall is tightened, excess skin is removed needing a far smaller incision.  The mini tummy tuck is an excellent body contouring option for people with a reduced amount of excess skin and minor muscle flaccidity in the lower abdominal region.

 

During your initial abdominoplasty consultation, Dr. Gibson will determine which type of tummy tuck will be the best choice to achieve your aesthetic goals.

 

 

Tummy Tuck Recovery:

 

Usually, you should be able to return home the same day of your procedure.  Dr. Gibson will provide you with detailed after-care instructions; It is critical to follow them in detail to achieve adequate healing and optimal results from your surgery.

 

You will be required to wear a compression garment for a few weeks following your surgery to aid the healing process. Usually, you can expect to resume light activity the same day of your procedure, but it will take approximately 2 weeks to return to work. Nevertheless, it is essential to avoid vigorous activities and heavy lifting for about a month.

 

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Am I an ideal Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

 

The ideal candidate for a tummy tuck is in good health and close to their recommended weight. People that can benefit from this procedure include: 

Women who have gone through pregnancy or massive weight loss and as a result  the skin and muscles have been stretched 

Men who have experienced massive weight loss and have loose skin in the abdominal area

 

In general, the best abdominoplasty candidates:

 

• Have loosened abdominal muscles

• Are near their ideal weight

• Are in good overall health

• Are not smokers or are willing to quit smoking before and after surgery 

• Present excess fat and skin in the abdominal area

 

Not meeting these criteria doesn't necessarily exclude you as a candidate. During your first appointment, Dr. Gibson will review your unique case, aesthetic goals and expectations to determine if abdominoplasty is the right option for you. 

 

Remember that abdominoplasty is a procedure specifically designed to remove excess fat and skin from the abdominal area while tightening muscles to create a more toned appearance. 

 

If you are mainly interested in removing fat from the abdominal area, then liposuction might be a better way to achieve this goal 

 

If you are thinking about getting pregnant, it's recommended you wait on getting your abdominoplasty until after your pregnancy, since it will re-stretch your abdominal wall.

 

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Tummy Tuck after Pregnancy or Weight Loss

 

Often abdominoplasties are part of mommy makeovers to restore the pre-pregnancy body shape. Pregnancy frequently stretches the abdominal muscles; this makes difficult to regain a toned, flat abdomen after childbirth.  A Tummy-tuck is an ideal procedure to tighten the loose muscles to create a firmer, more sculpted abdominal appearance.

 

Dr. Gibson also often recommends tummy-tucks for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight. Massive weight loss will tend to create excessive sagging and loose skin in the stomach region. Abdominoplasty can be done to remove this excess skin giving your that great appearance you are aiming for after weight loss.

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The Day of Your Procedure

After an abdominoplasty procedure, patients are closely monitored before leaving the surgical center. It is necessary that you have someone with you after the surgery to drive you home and stay with you for 12-24 hours in case you need assistance.

 

It is recommended that you stay absolutely rested the first 24 hours after the surgery so your body can heal properly; it's also critical that you drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. 

 

 

After Surgery and Follow-Up Care

Dr. Gibson will apply a dressing in the surgery area, which will be kept in place by an abdominal binder. You will need to wear the abdominal binder for at least a month after the surgery to help the body heal and produce the desired results.

 

Usually, you can expect to resume light activity the same night of your surgery. However, it is critical to avoid completely any activity that requires the use of your abdominal muscles. 

 

Walking is considered one of the best exercise after an abdominoplasty. Your body is expected to develop enough strength to support the abdominal wall six weeks after your surgery; therefore, you should abstain from rigorous activities during that period.

 

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Final Tummy Tuck Results

 

You will gradually see the results of the surgery over a 6-8 week period after the operation when the body has completely healed. At this point, you will enjoy a more toned, flat stomach. 

 

Make sure you keep a healthy diet and exercising regularly to ensure that your results last for a long time.