Tummy Tuck in Charlotte – FAQs
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
- What is the procedure like?
- Who are good candidates for abdominoplasty?
- What is the typical recovery time?
- What are the risks associated with the procedure?
- How much does abdominoplasty cost?
A full abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a procedure where extra skin and fat are removed and the loose muscles are repaired. The surgery is done through an incision that is from hip to hip, but even the skimpiest bathing suit would hide it. When that skin is removed, so are all the stretch marks on that skin. Extra fat is thinned from the underside to trim the abdominal contour. Then the muscles are tightened to recreate the waistline and flatten the tummy. The incision is closed with dissolvable stitches and the patient is put in a compression garment to decrease swelling and bruising.
Who are good candidates for abdominoplasty?
Women and men who are physically and emotionally healthy, have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery, and understand the risks and benefits of the procedure are ideal candidates for tummy tuck in Charlotte. Patients who have had children or who have gained and lost a great deal of weight and have loose skin and abdominal muscles are the most common candidates for abdominoplasty.
What is the typical recovery time?
Patients return to our office for a follow-up visit within two to three days after surgery. Patients must remain bent at the waist for seven days postoperatively, even while you sleep. Patients can maintain the bent position by using pillows under their knees and behind their back or sleeping in a recliner chair. At the first post-operative appointment, the dressing is changed and the patient is allowed to shower. In seven days, the patient is allowed to stand up straight and lie flat on a bed. In order to allow the muscle and skin to adhere to each other, we recommend the abdominal area be kept quiet by limiting the bending and twisting motion of the waist for three weeks. The abdomen may seem tight at first, but will loosen with time. At three weeks, the compression garment can come off. We advise that it be worn with exercise for additional support from then on until three months. We don't allow any isolated abdominal muscle exercise for three months, but all other exercises can be gradually increased beginning at three weeks. Most patients are back to work at approximately three weeks.
What are the risks associated with the procedure?
Like any surgery, bleeding and infection are possible risks, but occur very rarely. Incisions that do not heal well because of decreased blood supply have occurred when the skin closure is too tight. That is why we are very cautious about keeping the waist bent for seven days after surgery. If the skin doesn't heal well we keep it clean and moist and eventually it heals itself. This is an inconvenience we would rather avoid than treat.
Hypertrophic thick scars occur occasionally and are treated with massage, vitamin E and compression if needed. Keloid scars are rare. Unresponsive scars can be surgically revised, but this is unusual.
Fluid collections under the skin can occur if the abdominal tissue is not compressed to the underlying repaired muscle. Aspiration is a sterile process where the fluid is removed by passing a needle through the skin and tapping the excess fluid. This is a painless procedure for the patient because the abdominal skin is numb for approximately 6-12 months after surgery and makes aspiration very easy. Still, we would rather prevent this fluid by wearing the compression garment than treat it with aspiration. We will discus in detail all the possible risks and complications during consultation.
How much does abdominoplasty cost?
The cost of the procedure depends on many variables, so it is not possible to give a price without a personal consultation. Associated costs may include the price of the procedure, operating room costs and anesthesia fees. Please contact us for a personal consultation.
