Tummy Tuck
Dr. Kress performs abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) for those with loose or sagging abdominal skin. This excess skin and fat, along with stretched abdominal muscles, can result from multiple pregnancies, weight loss, or prior surgery. No amount of exercise can completely eliminate this problem. A tummy tuck offers a safe solution that will give you a smoother, flatter abdomen.
About the Procedure
An abdominoplasty consists of a W-shaped incision along the lower abdomen, well hidden within a bathing suit or even a relatively small bikini. The belly button is temporarily detached, and the skin from the lower abdomen is lifted up almost to the rib margin. While the skin is lifted, any separation or laxity of the abdominal muscles is tightened with a special suture. The skin of the abdomen is re-draped, the belly button is re-inserted and the extra skin removed. Small plastic drains are generally left in place for an average period of five days. The surgery is done under general anesthesia, and is most often done as an outpatient, but will require assistance at home for the first few post-operative days.
For patients whose abdominal laxity is entirely below the belly button, Dr. Kress can perform a mini tummy tuck. Men and women choose this form of the operation for a shorter scar and quicker recovery period. Other popular procedures that can be combined with abdominoplasty include thigh lift and liposuction.
Recovery Time
Most patients are easily able to return to work in 14 days from the surgery and vigorous sports activity can be resumed within a month.
Results
Patients who choose tummy tuck plastic surgery are able to achieve a smoother, tighter abdomen and a smaller waist. Also, they can eliminate a significant number of their abdominal stretch marks, and enjoy increased comfort when exercising or engaging in other activities.
Costs
Starting at $8,880.00 +
Tummy Tuck FAQs
Can I develop a hernia after the surgery?
No. In spite of the fact that we discuss the repair of the muscles, the muscles themselves are never actually cut. They are simply folded on themselves and tightened. Even if a stitch or two should pull out of the muscle, this will not result in a hernia, which by definition is a protrusion of the abdominal contents through an area of weakness of the abdominal wall.
Is there a weight requirement with abdominoplasty?
Yes and no. For abdominoplasty to be maximally effective, you should be within twenty pounds of your reasonable weight. If, however, you carry virtually all of your weight in the front, achieving stringent weight goals prior to surgery is less important. By incorporating aggressive liposuction in the procedure a lot of the abdominal fat can be removed simultaneously with the removal of excess skin.
Can I have children after I’ve had abdominoplasty?
This is not recommended, although there is no danger to your or your child’s health. In general, almost all laxity of the abdominal skin is removed. Having another child at that point could result in very severe stretch marks.
I have skin that hangs over on my abdomen that is worse when I bend over. Will the surgery correct this?
Partially. There really are two problems at work in the ptotic (sagging) skin requiring abdominoplasty. First there is excess skin, and we can deal with that with the specific surgical removal. The second problem is the loss of the elastic properties of the skin which cannot be repaired. So, even after the surgery, bending and certain positions will result in some wrinkling of the abdomen because the elastic properties of the skin have decreased.
“After four pregnancies, I had a very noticeable pouch. I stopped tucking in shirts or wearing jeans. I was very self-conscious about it. After my tummy tuck, I dress the way I want to—and look good!”
D.B. (Age 40)
Patient
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