A tummy tuck surgery, more officially known as “abdominoplasty,” is an extremely popular surgery. Tummy Tucks contour, shape and, flatten the belly by reducing fat, tightening the abdominal muscles, and removing excess skin. For some women, abdominal muscles commonly separate during pregnancy in a condition that is known as “rectus diastasis,” and abdominoplasty can help correct this. Patients have repeatedly told us how much they love the look of their new flat stomachs after their tummy tuck in Indianapolis under Dr. Stanley Harper’s exceptional care.
What Is a Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)?
BEFORE
& AFTER
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
The best candidates for a tummy tuck in Indianapolis are non-nicotine users who are in good physical condition. Older patients with some elasticity of the skin can also be helped by this procedure. Massive weight loss patients, such as those who have undergone gastric bypass, are potential candidates for tummy tuck surgery. Abdominoplasty can also be useful for women have experienced one or more pregnancies.
The stretched skin and muscles that result from pregnancy usually require surgical treatment for correction, and stretch marks between the belly button and pubic area are commonly removed during abdominoplasty procedures. However, results from the tummy tuck procedure can be diminished if the patient becomes pregnant at a later time. While this can usually be corrected with a minor procedure 3 months after delivery, women who have already had pregnancy and do not plan on future pregnancies are more ideal for treatment.
Weight Loss and Tummy Tucks
If patients are losing weight prior to an abdominoplasty, we encourage patients to be at a stable weight for about three months prior to undergoing the procedure. Fluctuations in weight over shorter periods of time will yield sub-optimal results from surgery. Ideal patients for a tummy tuck in Indianapolis are nicotine-free and within 10 pounds of their “realistic” ideal weight. Patients who are not within their “ideal body weight” are still candidates for surgery, but must understand their results may not be ideal.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure and Recovery
Abdominoplasty takes approximately 2.5 hours under general anesthesia. The incisions Dr. Harper will make will be low along the waistline one from hip to the next, and around the umbilicus, or belly button. He will elevate the skin and fat from the abdominal muscles by pulling them together and stitching them into place, resulting in a firmer abdomen and flanks. Dr. Harper will then stretch the skin flap down and over the newly tightened muscles, remove excess skin, and reattach the navel in a natural-looking position. The abdomen is closed with buried sutures, and drains are placed in order to minimize swelling. Patients are required to move around the afternoon of surgery, about 1 time per hour, in order to aid in the healing process and ensure optimum circulation.
Short Scar Abdominoplasty: the “Mini Tummy Tuck”
For patients with just a small amount of excess skin, a short scar abdominoplasty or mini tummy tuck is an option. This procedure utilizes a shorter incision that is usually the size of a C-section scar to tighten the abdominal skin. The skin is lifted to the level of the belly button and then redraped, the excess skin is then removed, and liposuction is used to sculpt the remainder of the abdomen.
What Happens After a Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty will leave a scar spanning the lower abdomen from hip to hip and a scar around the belly button. This incision can usually be concealed by underwear, and conservative bathing suit bottoms can also cover the scar. By following up the procedure with a balanced diet and regular exercise, you can achieve results that are beautiful, striking, and long-lasting.
What Are the Risks/Side Effects of a Tummy Tuck?
Though rare, post-operative complications from surgery are possible. They may include infection, blood clots, and poor healing, which may require further surgery. These risks are especially elevated if our postoperative instructions are not followed. Patients who have had previous abdominal surgery should know that their old scars could be raised, stretched or generally more noticeable after the procedure. A scar revision procedure after abdominoplasty may minimize the appearance of an unsightly scar. Dr. Harper will discuss all benefits and risks of the procedure in your personalized consultation.
What is the Cost of a Tummy Tuck in Indianapolis?
It can be difficult to gauge the exact cost of a tummy tuck in Indianapolis, as every patient is different, and the final cost of a tummy tuck can vary so widely from patient to patient. When you’re looking for the best tummy tuck Indianapolis has to offer, you don’t want to go to the cheapest plastic surgeon—you might not get the results you were expecting. That’s why you want an expert plastic surgeon like Dr. Harper. The best thing to do is to come in for a personalized consultation with Dr. Harper for an estimate of how much your tummy tuck may ultimately cost here at SHarper Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
The best way to get all of your questions answered about a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is to contact SHarper Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for a consultation by Dr. Stanley Harper. Call us today! We’ve love to help you achieve a flatter, more toned-looking stomach, and slimmer figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a tummy tuck procedure take?
Tummy tucks take two to five hours, depending on the severity of the procedure and the patient.
How long is the recovery period after a tummy tuck?
Tummy tuck recovery time depends on the patient, the procedure, and other specifics. In general, patients usually need two weeks off work to recuperate.
Will I have visible scars after a tummy tuck?
Tummy tucks leave very minimal scars, however the location and size vary per treatment. To ensure you understand the risks and are satisfied with the result, discuss scarring with your surgeon before the treatment.
Can a tummy tuck be combined with other procedures?
Tummy tucks may be done with liposuction, breast augmentation or reduction, and thigh lifts. That said, the recovery time may be longer for procedures that are combined.
What kind of results can I expect from a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck may flatten, tone, and define the abdomen. However, results will depend on the patient and the procedure. To ensure you and your surgeon are on the same page, set reasonable expectations and discuss your objectives before the treatment to be as prepared as possible for your results.
