Abdominoplasty – Oklahoma City – Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgery

What is a tummy tuck?

Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin and, in most cases, restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.

A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals.

Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include:

  • Aging
  • Heredity
  • Pregnancy
  • Prior surgery
  • Significant fluctuations in weight

What a tummy tuck won’t do

A tummy tuck is not a replacement for an exercise program or for weight loss.

However, the results of a tummy tuck are permanent, the outcome can be really diminished if your weight fluctuates. For this reason, those who are planning on losing a substantial amount of weight loss or women who are planning on future pregnancies are recommended to postpone a tummy tuck.

A tummy tuck cannot fix stretch marks, but they may be removed or improved if they are in the location of the excess skin that will be excised.

Preparing for tummy tuck surgery

In preparing for tummy tuck surgery, you may be asked to:

  • Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
  • Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
  • Stop smoking
  • Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

A tummy tuck may be performed in a office-based surgical facility, ambulatory surgical center, or a hospital.

If your tummy tuck is performed in an outpatient basis, make sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from the surgery and to be able to stay with you over night the first night following surgery.

Tummy tuck recovery

During your tummy tuck recovery, gauze or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and you may be covered in elastic bandage or a garment that will compress you to minimize the swelling and to support your abdomen as it heals after surgery.

To drain any excess blood or fluid, they may temporarily place small, thin tubes under the skin.

You will be given specific instructions that may include:

  • How to care for the surgical site and drains
  • Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection
  • Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
  • When to follow up with your plastic surgeon

Tummy tuck risks and safety information

The choice to have plastic surgery is completely personal, and you will have to decide if the results will fulfill your goals and if the potential complications and risks of tummy tuck surgery are acceptable.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to make sure that you are fully aware of the procedure and any risks.

Tummy tuck risks include:

  • Anesthesia risks
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Fluid accumulation (seroma)
  • Poor wound healing
  • Skin loss
  • Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
  • Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
  • Unfavorable scarring
  • Recurrent looseness of skin
  • Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
  • Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
  • Asymmetry
  • Suboptimal aesthetic result
  • Possibility of revisional surgery
  • Persistent pain

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It’s important that you discuss all your questions with your plastic surgeon prior to the surgery.

Tummy tuck procedure steps

A tummy tuck procedure includes the following steps:

Step 1 – Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

Step 2 – The incision

A full tummy tuck requires a horizontally-oriented incision in the area between the pubic hairline and belly button.

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The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the amount of excess skin. Once the abdominal skin is lifted, the underlying weakened abdominal muscles are repaired.

A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.

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The upper abdominal skin is pulled down like a window shade. The excess skin is trimmed and the remaining skin is sutured together. A new opening for the belly button is created. The belly button is popped through to the surface and sutured into position.

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Step 3 – Closing the incisions

Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips close the skin incisions.

Step 4 – See the results

Your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight. Get more information about tummy tuck results.

Additional Information About a Tummy Tuck:

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) plastic surgery performed by Oklahoma City plastic surgeon Jeanette Padgett can help both women and men achieve a flatter, firmer mid-section, as well as a more fit appearance overall.  Age, child-bearing, weight gain, and genetics can all conspire against us to make our tummies bulge. Exercise and attention to diet are not always enough to achieve the stomach you desire.

A tummy tuck tightens abdominal muscles and removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen.  It can be the ideal cosmetic surgery procedure for post-pregnancy moms, men with a tendency for a spare tire, and aging or post weight-loss men and women. The confidence you gain from your new appearance may inspire you to maintain a fit physique and commit or re-commit yourself to pursuing good overall health.

Patients in Oklahoma City choose abdominoplasty cosmetic surgery for a number of reasons, including:

  • Excess abdominal skin following pregnancy or weight loss
  • Excess tissue after massive weight loss
  • Stretched stomach muscles from pregnancy
  • Desire for a thinner profile
  • Desire to look younger and fitter
  • Desire to fit into clothes better

In your consultation, Oklahoma City board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Padgett will discuss your concerns with you and explain the details of tummy tuck cosmetic surgery. There are a number of options to consider, including whether or not to perform another body procedure, such as liposuction, at the same time.

Massive Weight Loss Tummy Tuck

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