Project Description

TUMMY TUCK

WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK?

Also known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin and in most cases, restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals. Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging

The most common causes of this include:

  • Aging • Prior surgery
  • Heredity • Significant fluctuations in
  • Pregnancy weight
  • Massive weight loss

What it won’t do:

A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight.

For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies would be advised to postpone a tummy tuck.

Also, a tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised.

CONSULTATION & PREPARING FOR SURGERY

The success and safety of your tummy tuck procedure depends very much on your complete candidness during your consultation. You’ll be asked a number of questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.

Is it right for me?

Tummy tuck surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. Abdominoplasty is a good option for you if

  • You are physically healthy and at a stable weight
  • You have realistic expectations
  • You are a non-smoker
  • You are bothered by the appearance of your abdomen

During your consultation be prepared to discuss:

  • Your surgical goals
  • Medical conditions, drug allergies, and medical treatments
  • Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use
  • Previous surgeries

Your surgeon will also:

  • Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
  • Take photographs
  • Discuss your options
  • Recommend a course of treatment
  • Discuss likely outcomes of the tummy tuck and any risks or potential complications

Prior to surgery, you may be asked to:

  • Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
  • Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
  • Stop smoking 6 weeks before surgery (no nicotine patches or nicotine chewing gum)
  • Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs ( brufen, Voltaren, ketorolac), anti-coagulant (ask your doctor), ginger, green tea and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

A tummy tuck may be performed in a licensed surgical center, or a hospital. If your tummy tuck is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.

THE PROCEDURE

Step 1 — Anesthesia

Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures.The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.

A full tummy tuck requires a horizontally-oriented incision in the area between the pubic hairline and belly button. The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the amount of excess skin. Once the abdominal skin is lifted, the underlying weakened abdominal muscles are repaired.

A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen. The upper abdominal skin is pulled down like a window shade.The excess skin is trimmed and the remaining skin is sutured together. A new opening for the belly button is created.The belly button is popped through to the surface and sutured into position.In certain cases a new belly button can be tailored.

Liposuction

Sometimes liposuction can be added to tummy tuck to reshape flanks or upper abdomen.

Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips close the skin incisions

Your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight. The final results may be initially obscured by swelling and your inability to stand fully upright until internal healing is complete. Within a week or two, you should be standing tall and confident in your new slimmer profile.

RISK & SAFETY

The decision to have a tummy tuck is extremely personal, and you’ll have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications are acceptable.You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks.

The risks include:

  • Anesthesia risks
  • Bleeding (2 drains will be used)
  • Infection
  • Fluid accumulation (seroma)
  • Poor wound healing
  • Skin loss
  • Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
  • prolonged swelling
  • Unfavorable scarring
  • Recurrent looseness of skin
  • Deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary complications ( ted stockings and legs automatic massage device applied to minimise the risks).
  • Asymmetry
  • Suboptimal aesthetic result
  • Possibility of revisional surgery

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It’s important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon.

federico plastic surgery

RECOVERY AFTER SURGERY

Following your surgery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and you may be wrapped in  a compression garment  (6 to 8 weeks , 24/7) to minimize swelling and support your abdomen as it heals.

Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect and usually removed before going home.You will be given specific instructions that may include how to care for the surgical site and drains, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection, specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health, and when to follow up with Dr. Federico.

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon specific questions about what you can expect during your individual recovery period:

  • Where will I be taken after my surgery is complete?
  • What medication will I be given or prescribed after surgery?
  • Will I have dressings/bandages after surgery?
  • When will they be removed?
  • When will the stitches be removed?
  • How will I bathe?
  • How long will I wear the pressure garment?
  • When can I resume normal activity and exercise? (6/8 weeks after surgery)
  • When do I return for follow-up care?

RESULTS

The final results of your tummy tuck may be initially obscured by swelling and your inability to stand fully upright until internal healing is complete.

Your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight.

Previous abdominal surgery may limit the potential results of a tummy tuck. In women who have undergone cesarean section, the existing scars may be incorporated into the new scar. Scars may take several months to a year to fade as much as they will but they will never disappear.Although good results are expected from your procedure, there is no guarantee. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.

Following your physician’s instructions is essential to the success of your surgery. It’s important that the surgical incisions are not subjected to excessive force, swelling, abrasion, or motion during the time of healing. Dr. Federico will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself.

Your satisfaction involves more than a fee:

When choosing Dr. Federico di Francesco for your gynecomastia surgery, remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him are just as important as the final cost of the surgery.Plastic surgery involves many choices.

The first and most important is selecting a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, an ASPS (American society of Plastic Surgeons) or ISAPS ( International Society of Aesthetic Plastic  Surgeons) member surgeon you can trust.

ASPS/ ISAPS member surgeons meet rigorous standards:

  • Board certification by the Official medical university in Plastic Surgery.
  • Complete six years of medical training following medical school with 5 years of plastic surgery residency training
  • Pass comprehensive oral and written exams
  • Graduate from an accredited medical school
  • Complete continuing medical education, including patient safety each year
  • Perform surgery in accredited Center.

COST

Prices for tummy tuck procedures can vary,

A surgeon’s cost may be based on his  experience, the type of procedure used, and the geographic location of the office. Our surgical Center offer patient financing plans, so be sure to ask.

Cost may include:

  • Anesthesia fees
  • Hospital or surgical facility costs
  • Medical tests
  • Post-surgery garments
  • Prescriptions for medication
  • Surgeon’s fee

Health insurance does not cover cosmetic surgery or related complications.

Your satisfaction involves more than a fee:

When choosing Dr. Di Francesco for tummy tuck, remember that the surgeon’s experience and your comfort with him are just as important as the final cost of the surgery.Plastic surgery involves many choices.

The first and most important is selecting a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, an ASPS (American society of Plastic Surgeons) or ISAPS ( International Society of Aesthetic Plastic  Surgeons) member surgeon you can trust.

ASPS/ ISAPS member surgeons meet rigorous standards:

  • Board certification by the Official medical university in Plastic Surgery.
  • Complete six years of medical training following medical school with 5 years of plastic surgery residency training
  • Pass comprehensive oral and written exams
  • Graduate from an accredited medical school
  • Complete continuing medical education, including patient safety each year
  • Perform surgery in accredited Center.

Do not be confused by other official sounding boards and certifications.

Please remember that There is no certifying board with “cosmetic surgery” in its name.

By choosing a Corresponding member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, or an   ISAPS Member you can be assured that you are choosing a qualified, highly trained plastic surgeon who is board-certified .

 

My website it is not a substitute for a thorough, in-person consultation with dr. Federico  Di Francesco – Eklund , Consultant plastic surgeon.