An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure that removes excess skin and unwanted fat from the middle and lower abdomen. The abdominal muscles are also tightened, resulting in a flatter, smoother and firmer abdomen. There are multiple reasons for undergoing an abdominoplasty, including:
To enhance your appearance and self-confidence.
To remove excess fat and tissue that has not responded favorably to diet
and exercise.
To contour the abdominal wall after childbearing is completed.
To assist bariatric patients in removing excess tissue following weight loss.
Surgical Candidates
Good physical and mental health.
Maintain realistic goals for surgical results.
Have completed their childbearing or reached their weight loss goal.
Must have good support from family or partner.
Procedure
Performed under anesthesia within a hospital or surgery center.
Abdominoplasty patients may spend one night within the hospital or overnight center.
Actual surgical procedure depends on amount of tissue needing to be removed.
A mini-abdominoplasty involves a c-section type incision on the lower abdomen. It will improve only the appearance of the area from the belly button to the pubic region. The abdominal skin and fat is then lifted up to the belly button and the abdominal muscles are then tightened with permanent sutures. Liposuction may be performed above the belly-button area. The excess skin and tissue is then removed and the incision is closed with dissolving stitches. Two drain tubes are placed below the incision to assist in the evacuation of fluid.
A full-abdominoplasty involves a longer lower-abdominal incision in which the skin and tissue is lifted all the way to the base of the ribcage, above the belly-button area. The excess skin is pulled down and the belly button is brought through the skin, in a new skin opening. The excess skin and tissue is then removed. Liposuction may be done on the sides of the body, at waist level. Drains are also placed and removed in the clinic when the fluid level has reached an acceptable amount.
After Surgery
Oral pain medications are prescribed to control discomfort following surgery.
The following medications are also prescribed to assist in your recovery:
Antibiotics, a muscle relaxant, ibuprofen and stool softener.
The doctor or her assistant will visit with the patient the day following their surgery.
It is imperative to avoid any strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks, but may resume non-strenuous work with 2-3 weeks.
Dr. Burgess will follow your healing process closely throughout the weeks and months following surgery.
Traveling far distances is not recommended in the first month following surgery.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Elisa A. Burgess specializes in Lake Oswego face lift as well as eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), liposuction, tummy tuck and breast augmentation. She serves the entire northwest Portland / Vancouver metro area and beyond.
