Tummy Tuck
You may be a candidate for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) if:
- You have excess or sagging abdominal skin that does not go away with diet and exercise
- Your abdomen is out of proportion with the rest of your body
- Your abdominal muscles have been separated or weakened. Oftentimes childbirth or weight gain and loss are the culprit and lead patients to consider tummy tucks in order to re-establish their waistline and body shape.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
Tummy tucks are done by making a horizontal incision just above your pubic area. The length of the incision is determined by the amount of excess skin to be removed and a discussion with you about what length of scar you will accept. An additional incision is often made around the belly button to remove the skin above it. In a mini tummy tuck, the belly button incision can be avoided. Dr. Kearney does his best to keep the incisions within the line of your preferred underwear or bikini line. Tummy tucks are performed in an out-patient surgery center under general anesthesia and take anywhere from 2-4 hours depending on the length of incision.
Mini tummy tucks have the shortest incision but tighten the lower abdominal wall skin only. Standard tummy tucks tighten all of the abdominal wall skin and in addition to this there will be some tightening and lifting of the frontal thigh skin. Extended tummy tucks tighten the abdomen and flanks or sides but have the longest incision, extending around the sides and onto your lower back. Dr. Kearney will discuss the option that’s right for you during your complimentary consultation.
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Dr. Kearney performs mini, standard and extended tummy tucks under general anesthesia and patients can often go home the same day, although sometimes a hospital stay is recommended. Patients will be sent home with a pain pump (a small device which delivers continuous pain medication to the abdomen area to help minimize discomfort) and drains. The drains typically come out after 7-10 days and most patients can return to work within 10-14 days.
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