Tummy tuck surgery, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that helps to restore the body to a more youthful appearance in the abdominal region. This procedure is usually performed on women who have gained an excess of loose skin and fat due to pregnancy, natural again, and gravity.
Tummy Tuck Procedure
A tummy tuck procedure with one of Dr. Jacono's board certified plastic surgery associates, removes the excess skin and fat from the abdomen region. In most cases, we will restore the separated and weakened muscles to create a smoother and firmer abdominal profile.
An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a good surgical option for patients who have a loose and sagging abdomen that protrudes. Common causes include:
- Pregnancy
- Significant weight loss
- Aging
- Heredity
Tummy tuck procedures typically take around three hours involves an incision around the naval and an incision from hipbone to hipbone just below the bikini line near the pubic bone region. After the incisions are made, we will then remove the excess fat and skin from the abdomen muscles. Using sutures, we will then tighten the abdomen muscles to keep them in place. Once the sutures are in place, sutures will be used to re-secure the outer layer of skin and then relocate your belly button (naval) so that it is located naturally on your abdomen again. Sutures will be used to close the incision and a surgical binder will be used to keep the sutures in place.
In many cases, your surgeon will combine a tummy tuck with a breast augmentation, liposuction, and facelift procedures to create the mommy makeover procedure.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Following your tummy tuck procedure, you will be allowed to return home to recover. Drain tubes will remain in place to help any excess fluid to drain out of the surgical site. Pain medication will be prescribed to help with the discomfort. During the first week, patients will be instructed to sleep on their back to allow the waist to stay slightly flexed during sleep. The use of pillows under your back and knees will help to support this position.
Patients are also encouraged to take small walks around the house, but no strenuous activities or heavy lifting should be done as this will put a strain on the sutures and the surgical site.
A post-surgical follow-up will be scheduled to remove the drains and insure that everything is healing up as expected.
Tummy Tuck Candidates
Men and women who are in good physical shape with no major health issues are typically the best candidates for a tummy tuck procedure. It is best for patients who are at or near their ideal weight and have realistic expectations for their surgical results.
Good Candidates Also Include:
- Completed any weight loss goals they may have had.
- Anyone who has problematic fat pockets or loose skin that protrude from the abdomen region
- Non-smoker or willing to stop smoking for a period of time prior to the surgery and during the recovery period
- Able to take about a week off from work or other obligations
- Willing to follow post-surgical care requirements to ensure optimal results
Men and women who meet these criteria are likely a good candidate for an abdominoplasty procedure.
Tummy Tuck Consultation
To learn more about a tummy tuck or see if this is the right procedure for your goals it is best to schedule a consultation. During the consultation, you can share your goals and expectations with our team and we can determine what is the best surgical approach to help you meet those goals.
To schedule your consultation, simply complete an online consultation form or call our New York City location at 212-570-2500 or our Long Island office at 516-773-4646.