Narrator: Welcome to your guide
to the tummy tuck procedure.
Take a few minutes
to familiarize yourself with the procedure
and a few things you can to do to help improve your results.
Remember, this presentation
does not take the place of your consultation,
and you should make sure to jot down any questions
you may want to ask us later.
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty,
is often the procedure of choice for women after pregnancy,
and for both men and women after significant weight loss.
Because a tummy tuck can remove excess skin
and tighten stomach muscles,
the procedure can offer a result
that is close to your pre-pregnancy
or pre-weight gain body shape.
This procedure is frequently performed
in combination with liposuction,
especially around the sides of the stomach,
to give additional contouring.
Procedure.
How will your tummy tuck be performed?
The most common methods for performing a tummy tuck
are the full and mini tummy tuck.
The mini tummy tuck might be the right option for you
if you have minor contour problems
without a lot of loose skin,
but need more correction than liposuction alone can offer.
During the mini tummy tuck,
a short U-shaped incision
is made just above the pubic region,
excess skin is removed, the muscles are tightened,
and the belly button may be repositioned.
The traditional, or full tummy tuck is much more common
because it can offer greater correction
and a more noticeable result.
During surgery, an incision is made
slightly above the pubic area,
stretching from one hipbone to the other.
A second incision is made to free the navel
from the surrounding tissue.
The skin is separated from the abdominal wall up to the ribs
and lifted to expose the muscles.
The muscles are tightened and sewn in place.
If you have muscle separation,
pulling your muscles closer together and suturing them
will give a tighter look to your abdomen.
The skin is stretched back across the abdomen
and extra skin is removed.
Your belly button is then repositioned and sutured in place.
Finally, all incisions are sutured
and dressings are applied.
Preparation.
Every person has a unique perspective on beauty,
and your goals will affect
the way your surgery is performed.
It is important to discuss your desires
and listen closely during the consultation
so that you can set realistic expectations.
A great result can only be achieved
when there is good communication between us.
Together, we will select the technique
that will provide the best result for you.
When you meet with our patient coordinator,
we will discuss fees and costs.
Some suggestions to help you prepare for surgery.
Your safety matters to us.
You should be very open, provide your medical history,
drug allergies, list any previous surgeries or biopsies,
medications, diet pills, vitamins and herbs you are taking
even if you don't think they're important.
Also, don't be afraid to be frank with us
about your lifestyle, smoking,
the strenuousness of the work you perform,
your exercise habits
and the importance of getting back to work.
Here are some tips that may help you reduce scarring,
shorten your recovery time,
and decrease your chances of complications.
Discontinue using Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naprosyn,
St. John's Wort, and Vitamin E
for one to two weeks before
and a few days after your procedure.
These act as blood thinners
and could cause problems with blood clotting.
Stop smoking and drinking alcohol in excess
well in advance of your tummy tuck,
and for one week after surgery.
Drink lots of water
in the days leading up to your tummy tuck.
Hydration will help you recover more quickly.
To make your recovery easier and more comfortable
be sure to,
arrange for someone to take you home
and take care of you for at least the first day.
Fill your prescriptions before your surgery date
and place them within easy reach
of where you will be resting.
Place plenty of pillows nearby for comfort.
Have loose-fitting clothing ready to wear.
Recovery.
After surgery you should expect
some bruising, swelling and pain.
Bruising will disappear after a few weeks,
however swelling can remain for months.
Stitches will come out or be absorbed on their own
between ten to fourteen days.
You may have to change
your surgical dressing from time to time,
and after a few days,
it may be replaced with special compression garments.
If you feel like you've lost sensation in the treated areas,
don't be alarmed.
As your nerves begin to regenerate,
feeling and sensation should return to normal.
Pain medication will be prescribed
to control any discomfort,
however, if you begin to have severe pain,
shortness of breath or an unusual heartbeat,
contact us immediately.
The recovery process is different for everyone.
Even though you might not be able
to stand up completely straight
and may still have some pain,
it is a good idea to start walking
the first day after surgery.
You may shower after your dressing has been removed.
You should plan on being out of work
and away from your usual activities for one week for a mini
and two to three weeks for a standard tuck.
During this period,
you may gradually return to activities such as lifting,
exercise and sex.
Avoid any high impact activities for about one month.
In particular, you should avoid jogging
and bouncing activities for up to six weeks.
These precautions will help you avoid stress
to your treated areas
and allow time for your tissue to heal and recover.
While there will be permanent scars,
they will be well hidden when you're wearing clothing,
even when you're wearing a swimsuit in most cases.
After about nine months to a year,
your scars will usually flatten and become less noticeable.
Although you should see
an immediate improvement in your contour,
the appearance of your tummy area
will improve over a period of several months.
What are some of the risks of tummy tuck procedure?
This information is not intended to frighten you,
but to help you make an informed decision.
No question or concern is silly or insignificant.
We will be happy to discuss
the full range of potential complications,
and answer any questions you might have
regarding this procedure.
Although tummy tucks
are a well-established surgical procedure,
there are risks of complications.
Just as in any operation, bleeding, infection,
and scar formation can occur.
As with all medical procedures,
be sure to choose your surgeon wisely.
It is important to choose
an experienced surgeon you can trust
and develop a good rapport with,
so you can openly discuss your concerns and particular needs
throughout the process of consultation,
surgery and aftercare.
Should you decide to move forward with your tummy tuck,
a surgery date will be scheduled.
Prior to surgery, you will be given complete,
printed preparation and recovery instructions.
Remember to keep your follow-up visits,
as we are here
to help make this a wonderful experience for you.
Feel free to review any part of this presentation you like,
and be sure to take a look at our before and after gallery
to get a better idea of the results you may achieve.