Tummy Tuck San Francisco Bay Area
Abdominoplasty, known more commonly
as a "tummy tuck," is a major surgical procedure
to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdominal
wall and to tighten the abdominal muscle. The procedure can
dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen.
The Best Candidates For Tummy Tuck Procedure
The best candidates for a tummy tuck
are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are
bothered by a large fat deposit in the lower abdomen or loose
abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise. The tummy tuck
surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple
pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin
beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of
skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs
with slight obesity, can also be improved.
The Tummy Tuck
Procedure
A full tummy tuck usually take four
to five hours, depending on the extent of work required. Mini
tummy tuck may take an hour or two. Most commonly, Dr.
Rajagopal will make a long incision from hipbone to hipbone,
just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free
the navel from surrounding tissue. With a mini tummy tuck,
the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved.
Next, Dr. Rajagopal separates the skin from the abdominal
wall all the way up to the ribs and lifts a large skin flap
to reveal the vertical muscles in the abdomen. These muscles
are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching
them into their new position, providing a firmer abdominal
wall and narrower waistline.
The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is
removed. A new hole is cut for the navel, which is then stitched
in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings
will be applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain
excess fluid from the surgical site.
In mini- abdominoplasty, the skin is separated only between
the incision line and the navel. The skin flap is stretched
down, the excess is removed, and the flap is stitched back
into place.
After Your Tummy Tuck
For the first few days, your abdomen
will probably be swollen and you're likely to feel some pain
and discomfort which can be controlled by medication. Dr.
Rajagopal will give you instructions for showering and changing
your dressings. And though you may not be able to stand straight
at first, you should start walking as soon as possible.
Surface stitches will be removed in two or three weeks. The
dressing on your incision may be replaced by a support garment.
Getting Back to Normal After
Your Tummy Tuck
It may take you weeks or months to
feel like your old self again. If you start out in top physical
condition with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from abdominoplasty
will be much faster. Some people return to work after two
weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate.
Exercise will help you help you heal better. Even people who
have never exercised before should begin an exercise program
to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone
muscles. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until
you can do it comfortably.
Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the first
three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect
it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten
out and lighten in color. While they'll never disappear completely
abdominal scars will not show under most clothing, even under
bathing suits.
If you have any questions regarding tummy tuck surgery, or
wish to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rajagopal in the
San Francisco Bay Area, please call the San
Francisco Plastic Surgery & Laser Center
at 415-392-3333.
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