What is a Tummy Tuck?
(Abdominoplasty), alternatively known as a Tummy Tuck, is a surgical procedure done to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen while tightening the abdominal muscles. Patients who consider a Tummy Tuck procedure may have recently given birth or lost a significant amount of weight. The excess skin in men and women encounter from various reasons typically cannot be reduced solely through diet or exercise; this is where a Tummy Tuck can aid in contouring your midsection.
A tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) not only improves the contour of your abdomen and waistline, but heightens self-esteem as many women feel more confident wearing fitted clothing or sporting a bikini. A tummy tuck procedure at M-E CLINIC will make you look good, and feel good too.
Many people feel frustrated with the appearance of their abdominal region, despite a routine of diet and exercise. Fortunately, Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) surgery can dramatically slim your waistline to reveal a more toned look. At M-E CLINIC, we strive to give you a better-contoured figure that can enhance your overall image and self-esteem.
A tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) is is designed to excise lax skin and localized fat deposits and tighten the abdominal muscles to create a beautifully defined, flat midsection. This procedure can also remove stretch marks caused by weight loss or pregnancy. A tummy tuck is often paired with breast augmentation for a dramatically enhanced body contour.
This surgical procedure is reserved for patients who have not been successful in reducing their protruding abdomen or tighten abdominal skin through diet or exercise. In some cases, muscle and skin is stretched from weight gain or pregnancy to the point where only a surgical procedure can restore a flattened, defined abdominal wall.
A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) can be performed on its own, but often times it is paired with liposuction to remove additional fat. It can also be part of a Mommy Makeover, combining body and breast work to restore mother’s pre-baby bodies.
Skin can become lax or abdomen muscles stretched because of pregnancy, significant weight loss, aging, or genetics. These patients must be at a stable weight; if you are obese this procedure may not be appropriate for you. Tummy tuck patients should not plan on becoming pregnant in the future as this will reverse results. During your consultation examination, your surgeon will be able to determine whether you could benefit from liposuction as well, or just need liposuction instead of a tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty).
This procedure is popular among women who have undergone multiple pregnancies and now have leftover stretched out skin. Those that have given birth or have lost a significant amount of weight usually gain the appearance of a protruding abdomen. Unfortunately for some of these individuals, dieting and exercise cannot reduce this appearance. The abdominal skin and muscle have been stretched to a point where it cannot return to normal without undergoing a surgical procedure.
If men have weakened abdominal muscles and excess skin, they can benefit from a Tummy Tuck as well. Abdominoplasty will help to shrink a person’s midsection, and in offering dramatic results, it can be life altering for many people. Depending on your condition, liposuction may be done in conjunction with this procedure.
What to Expect During the Consultation ?
During your private consultation at M-E CLINIC with Dr Mohamed ElAssal, you will explain any concerns you have with your abdomen and your desired results. He will then perform a detailed examination and determine the ideal personalized technique that will provide you with your desired results. Once your candidacy are technique are confirmed, Dr Mohamed ElAssal will go over personalized preparation and postoperative instructions to help ensure your aesthetic goals are achieved. Please share any questions or concerns you have about the procedure; Dr Mohamed ElAssal will be more than happy to answer them.
Preparing for your Tummy Tuck
We know that each patient’s desires are different,
so at M-E CLINIC we will provide you with an individualized preparation plan to help meet your individual goals.
If you are a smoker you will be required to stop a few weeks prior to surgery, as well as continuing stopping for an allotted amount of time post-surgery. Certain tests and examinations will need to be completed as well to ensure that you are in good health to undergo your procedure. Arrange for a family member or friend to drive your home after your surgery as you will be unable to drive yourself. You will need someone stay overnight with you.
Rest is important for the healing process. Make sure you take at least a week off from work; this may vary depending on the individual case. Most people are able to return to a desk job within 1-2 weeks. Following all preparation instruction will help ensure optimal results.
Each patient will receive personalized preparation instructions that will aid in providing you with optimal results. Generally, you will be asked to:
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Stop smoking 3 weeks before your procedure.
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Make sure to complete all assigned medical examinations prior to your procedure.
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Avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications a month prior to your procedure.
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Make sure to drink a lot of water leading up to your surgery. Hydration is key for a successful procedure and recovery.
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Schedule at least a week off from work.
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Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery, someone to stay with you overnight, and someone to help watch your children.
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Make sure recovery items (ice packs, food, toiletries, etc.) are at counter level.
Procedure Techniques
A Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) is a serious surgical procedure and should be handled with the utmost care and delicacy. Our doctors are dedicated to helping you achieve your ideal look and will do so with compassion and class. They are trusted by peers and patients alike, sharing a keen eye for aesthetic beauty.
There are several different techniques used for a Tummy Tuck. During your examination at your private consultation, one of our board certified surgeons will have assessed which technique will give you optimal results.
They are performed under local or general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The goal is the make the incision as low as possible so it can easily be hidden with jeans or a bikini.The procedure begins will your surgeon marking where the incision will be made on your lower abdomen. Depending on the technique used, the incision will either run from hip to hip and around the bellybutton, or a smaller pubic incision generally about half that size. The skin is then loosened from the abdominal wall and the muscles are sutured together as appropriate. An incision will then be made (if necessary) in the redraped skin for the new positioning of the bellybutton. The incisions are then closed and drains are generally inserted to prevent fluid buildup.
Depending on the extent of your specific case, you will either require a:
Full Tummy Tuck
A full tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) is a technique that tightens the abdominal muscles and excises lax skin and fat deposits from above and below the bellybutton. The bellybutton gets released from the surrounding skin, and a new circular incision is created for the bellybutton when the skin is re draped since the old positioning gets removed in the excision process. This presents the opportunity of creating a smaller, proportionate bellybutton.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) generally addresses lax skin and muscle tightening underneath the bellybutton, but can be performed above the bellybutton as well. The excising and tightening of skin and muscles is not extensive enough to require release of the bellybutton. A mini tummy tuck is reserved for those who are in fairly good shape and only need minimal correcting, and as a results the incision will be shorter than that of a full tummy tuck.
TULUA Tummy Tuck
A novel approach to Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty) which decrease post operative complication with Excellent results transverse plication, no undermining, full liposuction, neoumbilicoplasty, and low transverse abdominal scar.
What to Expect During your Recovery
Tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) recovery begins once the procedure is completed and you are brought to the recovery room. Friendly and attentive nursing staff are there to keep you as comfortable as possible as you slowly wake from the anesthesia
Preventing clotting is important after surgeries and can further be avoided by walking. Drains are typically placed to catch any excess fluid from your procedure; your surgeon will advise you on how to care for them. They are generally removed at your first follow-up appointment.
You will go home in a compression garment to help the abdomen form to its new contour and fight against swelling; it should remain on until instructed otherwise. Please have someone drive you home since you will not be able to drive for at least a week. When sleeping, it is necessary to be propped up at a 45 degree angle with your legs slightly elevated. You should be able to return to normal daily activities and work between 1-2 weeks, and strenuous activities in 4-6 weeks. Some side effects of tummy tuck surgery may include swelling, bruising, redness; these will go away on their own with time.
