A tummy tuck is performed by making an incision just above the pubic area. The length of the incision will depend on the type of tummy tuck that you decide on. Another incision is made around the navel or belly button. The skin is then separated from the abdominal wall to reveal the abdominal muscles. The muscles are tightened by using a permanent stitch. This allows the surgeons to be able to achieve the flattest abdomen possible. The skin is then pulled over the abdomen and as much excess skin as possible is removed. A new incision is made for the navel. Finally, the incision is closed, and a bandage is applied. A temporary drain will be placed in the pubic region to help drain excess fluid that accumulates during and after the procedure. This drain will be removed approximately 7 to 14 days following your surgery.
The tummy tuck procedure can be broken down into four types of tummy tucks offered at The Centre, P.C.
A mini-abdominoplasty, or mini- tummy tuck repairs the lower abdominal wall and involves removal of excess skin. The mini- tummy tuck leaves the smallest scar. However, ideal candidates have very little excess skin and fat deposits in the abdomen.
A standard tummy tuck tightens the entire abdominal wall muscles and removes excess skin, leaving a scar that extends from hip bone to hip bone across the lower abdomen. The scar is easily concealed below the bikini line.
An extended tummy tuck tightens the entire abdominal wall and removes excess skin from the flanks along with the abdomen. This procedure leaves a scar which extends around to the flanks.
Finally, a circumferential tummy tuck tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess skin from the abdomen, flanks, and back/trunk. The incision is placed around the entire lower body.
Your plastic surgeon will evaluate your health and assess your abdominal region at your consultation to help determine which type of tummy tuck would be most suitable for you. One of the plastic surgeons at The Centre, P.C. will see you at your consultation and one additional appointment will be scheduled prior to your surgery.