Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty
A flat and toned stomach is desired by many people. Unfortunately, many men and women who follow strict diet and exercise routines can still find it difficult to achieve an abdominal appearance that meets their aesthetic goals. Individuals can improve the appearance of an unattractive midsection through plastic surgery.
Also known as “abdominoplasty,” a tummy tuck can reduce the size of a protruding abdomen by removing excess skin and fat from the midsection and tightening weakened muscles to create a firmer, more contoured stomach.
The most common reasons why individuals undergo a tummy tuck are the following:
- The effects of pregnancy and childbirth
- Massive weight gain or loss
- Genetics
- Skin inelasticity from aging
During your consultation with Dr. John Mancoll, he will review your health history and evaluate your body. Hewill also discuss the tummy tuck procedure and determine if abdominoplasty is right for you.
Ideal Candidates
You may be a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery if you are in good overall health and are at or close to your ideal body weight. Ideal candidates do not smoke and also have realistic expectations and goals about their abdominoplasty procedure.
Procedure
Dr. Mancoll performs a tummy tuck with the patient under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. The procedure usually takes 2 to 3 hours to perform, depending on the amount of excess skin and fat that is present.
Full Tummy Tuck
A full tummy tuck is performed by making an incision just below the pubic area from hipbone to hipbone. This incision can easily be concealed with a bathing suit or regular clothing to prevent any noticeable scarring from becoming visible to the naked eye. If loose or hanging skin is present in the umbilical region, Dr.Mancoll will make a second incision around the navel so that the skin can be pulled for a tighter appearance. The naval will be repositioned in order to maintain the most natural look possible.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck is best suited for patients who have only a slight protrusion of the abdomen with a small amount of excess skin, which sits at or below the pubic region. The incision is shorter, and there is no need for an incision to be made in the umbilical region.
A tummy tuck is typically combined with other procedures, such as liposuction, in order to further improve the contours of the midsection for the best outcome possible. During your consultation with Dr. Mancoll, you will discuss which method will provide you with the greatest results.
Lipoabdominoplasty
For patients looking to get not only a flatter stomach but more defined hip and flank contouring, lipoabdominoplasty may be the answer. When liposuction is done at the time of abdominoplasty, significant shaping of the hips and flanks can be achieved. However, not all areas of the abdomen can beliposuctioned at the same time as a tummy tuck. Sometimes, these need to be separated into two different operations. Dr. Mancoll will help determine what type of tummy tuck will be best and safest for you. After your consultation with Dr. Mancoll, you will leave knowing that he really understands what your cosmetic goals are and the best way to achieve those goals.
Potential Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with the abdominoplasty procedure, including scarring, seromas, infection, bleeding, and adverse reaction to anesthesia. Some of the less common risks are blood clots, accretion of fluid, and tissue loss.
Costs
The total cost of a tummy tuck procedure depends on several factors, including the following:
- Facility fees
- Anesthesia fees
- Surgical fees
- Type of abdominoplasty
- Prescriptions for medication
- Post-surgery garments
A tummy tuck is regarded as a cosmetic procedure and is not typically covered by insurance. Feel free to contact the surgical coordinator for pricing and to request more information about this or other cosmetic procedures.
Potential Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with a tummy tuck, such as scars, infection, bleeding, asymmetries, postoperative discomfort, and adverse reaction to anesthesia. Although significant complications are uncommon, patients should understand that any surgery, performed for any reason, has risks and should not be taken lightly.
Dr. Mancoll prides himself on his ability to communicate with his patients and tailors each discussion to the patient’s individual needs. Dr. Mancoll and his staff will spend time helping you understand your procedure. You should feel free to ask questions at any time, and if you don’t understand the information, we will be more than happy to go over it again.
Recovery
After your surgery is complete, temporary drainage tubes may be inserted underneath the skin to drain excess fluid. The stomach will be bandaged and covered with compression garments to minimize swelling. Prescribed medication will help alleviate discomfort and swelling while you recover. In most instances, patients can return to work after a week but should wait to return to strenuous activities and exercise for about 4 to 6 weeks.
Results
Patients are very pleased with their new look and find that they have more confidence in themselves after a tummy tuck procedure is performed. The results of a tummy tuck are immediately visible and will continue to improve over the coming weeks and months. Scarring will fade over time, leaving the stomach with a flatter and more defined appearance than before. Withregular diet and exercise, the results of abdominoplasty can be long lasting.
We welcome you to schedule a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. John S. Mancoll by calling Mancoll Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery at (757) 305-9185 or filling out our online contact form. Dr. Mancoll has been voted by his peers as one of Coastal Virginia’s Top Plastic Surgeons 3 years in a row. He is devoted to helping each individual patient achieve the best results possible.
