Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Surgery
Dr. John S. Lee M.D.
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a “tummy tuck,” is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. And a tummy tuck can significantly help reduce excess or loose skin after weight loss.
The Best Candidates for a Tummy Tuck
The best candidates for abdominoplasty are women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or lose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise. This procedure is particularly helpful to women, who through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where it can return to normal. Sagging and excess skin in patients who have had significant weight loss, can also be improved. Dr. Lee does require for patients to be at 30BMI or lower for a tummy tuck surgery.
Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during the surgery can separate again during pregnancy.
What is the process for Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty surgery?
To begin the journey you will meet with Dr. Lee for a free consult. His consult days are generally Tuesdays and Thursdays. Allow for about 40 minutes. During the consult Dr. Lee will listen to all your concerns, do a thorough examination, answer your questions and offer you his recommendations. You will also be given a written quote after the consult.
If you decide to move forward with surgery, his scheduling staff will find you a surgery day and then a preoperative appointment about two weeks before the surgery date where you will meet with the nurse and go over pre and post op instructions, sign consents, get prescriptions and make your final payment.
What is the Recovery time for Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty surgery?
You will go home the same day of surgery and then come back for a two day and then a one week post op appointment. Dr. Lee will guide you through the healing process but tummy tucks do require more downtime and more follow up visits. You will also be required to wear a compression garment around your belly for sometime after surgery as per Dr. Lee’s instructions. Dr. Lee recommends about three weeks optimally to be back out in the world looking fabulous.
What to expect during the Tummy Tuck Procedure
For a full tummy tuck patients go under general anesthesia. Dr. Lee makes a horizontal incision between the pubic hairline and the navel. The shape and length is determined by the degree of correction necessary. Through this incision, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and sutured and excess fat, tissue and skin is removed. A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin from the upper abdomen. Dr. Lee will often include liposuction to get the best results. The incisions will then be closed by sutures.
Recovery from a Tummy Tuck Procedure
After surgery the patient will go home with an abdominal binder over the surgical dressings. Dr. Lee may also place drains to help with excess fluid. The first few days after surgery the patient may not be able to move around comfortably. Patient can slowly resume normal activities after 4 weeks, but no abdominal exercises should be done for 8 weeks.
What is the Cost for Tummy Tuck/Abdominoplasty surgery?
Dr Lee does not take medical insurance for this procedure. You will be given a written quote at your consultation appointment which will include the following:
- Surgeon’s fee
- Hospital or surgical facility costs
- Anesthesia fees
