Are you holding back from wearing the styles you love because loose skin has robbed you of confidence? After children or weight changes, do unwanted bulges persist no matter your efforts?
Rediscover the joy of restoring your abdominal contour with a tummy tuck, – the body contouring solution that eliminates excess fat and skin for a spectacularly transformed midsection. Get ready as Dr. Darren M. Smith unlocks the secrets to your most stunning shape yet!
Understanding the Abdominoplasty Procedure
A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is a body contouring procedure that enhances the appearance of the abdomen. There are different types of tummy tucks that can be performed.
- A full abdominoplasty is the most extensive procedure, involving an incision from hip to hip. It is best for patients with large amounts of excess skin across the entire midsection and with stretch marks located above the belly button region..
- A mini abdominoplasty (mini tummy tuck) addresses a smaller area below the navel using a shorter incision. It is optimally suited for those with loose skin isolated to the lower abdomen that have good skin quality above the belly button.
During surgery, excess skin and fat deposits are excised from the abdominal region. The connective tissue and muscles underlying the skin, such as the rectus abdominis muscles, are tightened to flatten the abdomen. This muscle tightening enhances core strength.
In some cases, the muscles of the abdominal wall may have separated as a result of pregnancy or weight changes. An abdominoplasty can repair this separation, known as diastasis recti. Properly realigning these muscles helps achieve a smoother abdominal profile.
Once extra tissue is removed and muscles are strengthened, the remaining skin is redraped and sutured back into position. This skin resection and readjustment provides the transformative sculpting effect that defines the new abdominal contours.
Reasons to Consider a Tummy Tuck
There are several reasons why an individual may consider an abdominoplasty. Some of these are:
- Excess skin and fat deposits in the abdominal area that cannot be eliminated through diet and exercise: For some individuals, genetic predisposition or previous weight changes may result in stubborn skin and fat pockets that lifestyle changes cannot fully address. A tummy tuck can excise this redundant tissue for improved definition.
- Abdominal muscle separation or diastasis recti, which can occur after pregnancy or significant weight loss: Childbearing is a leading cause of separated abdominal muscles. Called diastasis recti, this produces an unflattering midline bulge. A tummy tuck repairs weakened fascia to restore a toned abdominal wall and core strength.
- After massive weight loss or bariatric surgery, where there is excess skin and fat in the abdominal area: Dramatic weight loss from diet modifications or gastric procedures often yields loose, excess skin that continues to cause self-consciousness. By removing this redundant tissue, a tummy tuck completes one’s transformation.
- Improving abdominal contours and achieving a flatter abdomen: For optimal proportion and posture, some patients desire a smoother abdominal profile through minimally invasive contouring. Tummy tuck reshapes the midsection using meticulous surgical techniques.
The Consultation Process
1. Initial Consultation and Personal Consultation
This introductory meeting allows for open discussion of the patient’s goals and medical history. It’s a chance to assess the surgeon’s qualifications and interpersonal skills.
2. Discussing Aesthetic and Cosmetic Goals
Through before and after photos, the surgeon determines realistic expectations by gauging skin elasticity and the amount of tissue to be removed. Goals are documented for the treatment plan.
3. Medical History Review
All prior operations, medications, supplements, and weight variances are examined for potential impacts on surgery and recovery. Underlying health conditions are considered.
4. Physical Examination and Assessing Abdominal Profile
Measurements map skin laxity distribution while inspecting muscle separation. Tissue thickness and tone aid customized incision placement and extent of undermining.
5. Additional Diagnostic Testing
Select patients may need specific labs or imaging to rule out potential complications given individual risk factors.
6. Finalizing the Surgical Plan
After gathering all relevant data, Dr. Smith can finalize the operative approach best suited for the patient’s anatomy and desired results.
Preparing for the Surgery
Achieving long-term wellness begins prior to surgery. Here are some of the steps you can do to prepare for a tummy tuck procedure:
Steps | |
1. Achieving Ideal or Healthy Weight | Gradual lifestyle adjustments optimize nutrition by avoiding crash dieting that risks adverse effects on healing. Maintaining a stable, balanced diet supports the body’s preparation. |
2. Avoiding Blood Thinners and Anti-Inflammatory Medication | In coordination with their physician, patients discontinue specific prescriptions according to prescribed timelines to minimize bleeding complications during the sensitive surgical period. |
3. Setting Goals for Surgery and Understanding the Surgical Plan | Comprehensively discussing the anticipated procedure, probable outcomes, potential challenges, and signs of concern with Dr. Smith ensures full consent and prepared expectations. |
4. Assemble a Support System | A post-operative team is organized to provide transportation home from the facility and assist with daily tasks to allow complete focus on rest and recovery according to medical instructions. |
5. Preparing for the Day of Surgery | Following all pre-op directions for fasting and hydration timeframes eliminates potential issues on the day of treatment to enable a smooth experience. |
The Procedure
A tummy tuck can be performed on an inpatient or outpatient basis. The choice depends on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s overall health.
The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia, making the patient completely unconscious and unable to feel pain. In some cases, the patient may be given a pain-relieving medication with moderate sedation. Dr. Smith will recommend the best choice of anesthesia for the patient based on their individual needs.
Surgical Techniques
The shape and length of the incision will depend on the amount of excess abdominal skin and fat that needs to be removed during a tummy tuck. The types of surgical incisions used include:
- Horizontal incision
- Bikini-line incision
- An additional incision around the navel
Dr. Smith will determine the best type of incision based on the patient’s needs and desired outcome.
Post-Surgery and Recovery
The recovery time and period after a tummy tuck varies depending on the extent of the procedure and the patient’s overall health. It is important to carefully follow post-operative instructions to allow proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.
Going Back to Normal Activities
The recovery period typically lasts several weeks, and patients should avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and vigorous exercise during this time. It is also important to rest as much as possible and to wear the abdominal pressure garment as directed by Dr. Smith.
Beware of the Signs of Infection
The first few days after surgery may bring pain, swelling, and bruising in the abdominal area. Pain medications will be prescribed to help manage discomfort. Patients should also be aware of signs of infection or other complications, such as fever, redness, or drainage from the incision site.
Abide to Post-operative Care Instructions
Post-operative instructions include wearing the abdominal pressure garment as directed, keeping the incision site clean and dry, and avoiding any activity that puts stress on the incision site. We encourage you to attend follow-up appointments with Dr. Smith to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns or questions that may arise.
Cost and Financing
Other than the surgeon’s fee, other costs associated with the tummy tuck procedure include facility fees, anesthesia fees, prescribed medicines, and post-surgery garments. The tummy tuck procedure cost ranges from $15,000 – $25,000.
As a cosmetic procedure, tummy tuck is not covered by insurance but patients may be able to finance it through methods such as payment plans or medical credit cards that offer twenty four months of interest free financing.
At Dr. Darren M. Smith, we offer financing programs to help you with the procedure over a series of installments.
Investing in a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
The experience and reputation of the plastic surgeon performing the tummy tuck can also affect the cost of the procedure. A board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience and a positive reputation such as Dr. Smith will most likely charge more than a less experienced surgeon but one’s training and experience ensuring a safe and successful outcome is always worth it.
Rediscover Your Confidence Through Tummy Tuck
If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your abdomen and long to feel confident in your own skin again, a tummy tuck procedure with Dr. Smith could be the transformational solution you’ve been looking for!
As a board-certified plastic surgeon with 16+ years of experience, Dr. Smith has helped countless men and women rediscover their confidence by tightening skin, strengthening muscles, and creating an aesthetically pleasing abdominal profile. Through his customized surgical approach and attentive aftercare, Dr. Smith ensures optimal results and a smooth recovery process.
Schedule your consultation today to discuss your aesthetic goals and see real examples of Dr. Smith’s artistic handiwork!
We’re actively doing Tummy Tuck in the following nearby locations:
New York, NY
Service Areas:
- Astoria, NY
- Ditmars Steinway, NY
- Mt Vernon, NY
- Bronx, NY
- Forest Hills, NY
- Jackson Heights, NY
- Elmhurst, NY
- Sunset Park, NY
- Crownheights, NY
- Bushwick, NY
- Williamsburg, NY
- Greenpoint, NY
- Hell’s Kitchen, NY
- Greenwich Village, NY
- Lower Manhattan, NY
- Harlem, NY
- Upper Manhattan, NY
- Midtown East Manhattan, NY
- Upper West Side Manhattan, NY
- Upper East Side Manhattan, NY