Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a procedure performed to remove loose abdominal skin and stretch marks. It involves an incision that extends across the lower abdomen from hip to hip. The incision can usually be placed low enough that it is hidden by clothes. All of the extra skin between the incision and the belly button is removed. Your belly button remains in the same place, but needs to be brought through the skin at a higher point because so much extra abdominal skin is removed.
Pregnancy is a beautiful time during a woman’s life. However, the process creates some undesirable changes to your abdominal contour, including excess loose skin below the belly button, stretch marks, and rectus diastasis, or separation of the abdominal muscles. These changes cannot be completely improved by diet and exercise, and often requires surgery to restore your pre-pregnancy figure.
* It was totally worth it. I feel more comfortable about my body now. “~ Claudia
Abdominoplasty is not a substitute for diet and exercise, but rather compliments it. The best candidates for surgery are already involved in a long-term diet and exercise routine. They are already at, or near, their goal weight, but need surgery to remove the excess skin, tighten muscles, and remove any stubborn fat deposits that don’t respond well to exercise. Ideal candidates are happy with the size of their family and no longer desire to have additional children.
Everyone is different, but you can expect the recovery time to be about 2 weeks. After surgery, we recommend that you begin walking the very next day to reduce your risk of complications. Light cardio exercises may be resumed after about 4 weeks, however you will not be able to do any heavy lifting for about 6 weeks. You will need to wear a compression garment for about 6 weeks after the operation.
Abdominoplasty is a real surgery and carries a small risk of complications. Risks of surgery include bleeding, infection, scars, delayed wound healing or wound separation, fluid collections, asymmetry, contour irregularities, and blood clots. Risks are often dependent on your current medical condition. Dr. Dass performs surgery in an accredited surgical facility to maintain the highest standards for safety. During your consultation, we will discuss your specific risks of surgery.
Call today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dass, to determine if you are a good candidate for an abdominoplasty.