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Also known as abdominoplasty, the tummy tuck addresses problems of excess abdominal skin and tissue that result after pregnancy or weight loss. The procedure may be conducted as a stand-alone procedure, or as a part of a comprehensive post-bariatric body contouring treatment. During a tummy tuck, skin and fat are surgically removed, and the muscles on the abdominal wall are repaired.
Individuals who seek tummy tucks frequently complain that their midsection will not shrink despite successful commitments to a healthy diet and exercise routine. The problem is often that they have lost a considerable amount of weight that has resulted in loose abdominal skin. Other indications for the tummy tuck include:
Relative contraindications may include diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiac conditions, and excess weight. Consult with a qualified surgeon like Dr. Ward to determine if the tummy tuck is the right procedure for you.
Your plastic surgeon will first mark the incision sites, as well as any areas in which liposuction may be performed. This step involves taking the time to place the incisions where the scar will be least visible.
Incisions are made in the bikini line, and the area just under the tummy and above the pubic hairline. The excess skin in this area is then pulled down and inward. Overstretched abdominal muscles are repaired and tightened with sutures. Your tummy tuck may include liposuction of the hips or flanks.
Dr. Ward will re-drape the skin and close the incisions with layers of dissolvable sutures. The navel may also be remodeled to achieve the best possible results.
Your tummy tuck surgery should last between 2-3 hours and will be conducted using general anesthesia.
You can expect recovery from the tummy tuck to last between 2-3 weeks. Directly after surgery, a gauze dressing and mild compression are applied. A drain will be placed at the time of surgery and will be in place for 5-7 days. The compression garment that you are given should be worn for up to three weeks, per the instructions given to you by Dr. Ward and his staff.
Dr. Ward specializes in body contouring procedures like the tummy tuck, and performs all surgeries at the USMD hospital in Arlington, a fully-accredited surgical facility. Please give us a call if you are interested in learning more about the costs, risks and benefits of the tummy tuck. You can call out Arlington office at 817-861-0505 or by contacting us with the online email form.
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