Tummy Tuck

Tummy Tuck – Abdominoplasty: Technical Aspects

A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes excess or sagging skin and fatty tissue from the middle and lower abdomen and tightens muscles of the abdominal wall. In some cases, a tummy tuck can help repair hernias or separated muscles. The procedure is very effective in changing the appearance of your abdomen. An abdominoplasty will help you achieve the flat tummy that you’ve always dreamed of!

Surgery

Bring your desired undergarment or bikini wear to surgery. Dr. Chen Lee will mark your incision lines while you are still wearing these undergarments. Tummy tuck incisions are planned so that the scars will eventually be concealed by your clothing. In most cases, it is necessary to plan a horizontal lower abdominal incision and a circular incision around the navel. During the abdominoplasty procedure, the skin is surgically lifted from the abdominal wall all the way up to the ribs, exposing the abdominal muscles. These muscles are tightened by bringing them close together and joined in the middle vertical line; this will make your abdominal muscles firmer and your waist narrower. The skin that was separated is stretched towards the pubis, the excess skin is removed and the navel is placed in its new position. Dr. Chen Lee will usually leave temporary drainage tubes to eliminate tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) excess fluid that may otherwise accumulate in the early days after a tummy tuck.

Recovery

Following a tummy tuck, patients are discharged with drains in place for several days. Dr. Chen Lee usually performs the abdominoplasty procedure as an outpatient. Patients will return for follow-up visits on a weekly basis for the first month. Return to normal activities requires up to 6 weeks. Most people remain out of work for 2-3 weeks.

Results

Abdominoplasty, whether partial or complete, produces excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. Some women may choose to also undergo liposuction of their hips or other regions at the same time in order to achieve an enhanced result. In most cases, the results following tummy tuck and abdominoplasty are long-lasting, provided you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly. Depending on the complexity of the problem and the requisite surgical procedure, this scar may extend across the entire lower abdomen.

Tummy tucks can be combined with other forms of body-contouring surgery, including liposuction, or performed at the same time with other elective surgeries. Dr. Chen Lee is a board-certified plastic surgeon. He will perform a complete evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for abdominoplasty.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) FAQ

Dr. Chen Lee is a board-certified plastic surgeon. He will perform a complete evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for surgical correction of inverted nipples. For many women, a simple, comfortable procedure under local anesthesia is an incredibly effective solution to the physical and emotional impact of inverted nipples.

Reading answers to common tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedure questions can provide you with valuable information that you can use during your consultation with Dr. Chen Lee.