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Tummy Tuck
Sometimes simply dieting and exercising are not enough to take care of waistline problems. In such cases, a patient may wish to consider a tummy tuck (technically called abdominoplasty). This procedure surgically removes excess skin and fatty deposits from the abdomen, and also repositions abdomen muscles into a tighter formation. Women and men who visit us in Scottsbluff and Rapid City choose tummy tuck surgery to gain a flatter and tighter stomach. It is also helpful in remedying the vertical separation of abdomen muscles known as diastasis, which can occur following pregnancy.
Reasons for Considering an Abdominoplasty
Women and men consider tummy tuck cosmetic surgery for many reasons including:
- Inability of dieting and exercise to improve the abdomen area.
- Excessive accumulation of skin following weight loss.
- Loss of skin elasticity or diastases (loose abdomen muscles) due to pregnancy.
- Unsightly skin and fat deposits.
- Weakened and separated abdominal muscles.
For many patients, liposuction can be performed at the time of their tummy tuck procedure to help them attain a smooth, firm abdominal look.
General Procedure
Abdominoplasty surgery lasts anywhere from one to five hours, depending on the desired look and the patient's unique physiology. To begin the procedure, an incision is made just above the pubic bone area. This incision goes horizontally across the lower abdomen and sometimes around to the back. The skin is then stretched away from the muscle tissue, and excess skin is removed. The abdomen muscle tissue is tightened to provide a firmly contoured stomach and well-defined waistline. Finally, the incision is closed; and the skin is stitched back into place. Sometimes the procedure requires an additional incision around the navel in order to provide the best results.
Recovery for Tummy Tuck Patients
Generally, Dr. Synder specifies post-operative instructions that call for plenty of rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time. As the body recuperates, the patient can expect some swelling, pain, and discomfort. Medication can be prescribed to relieve any pain caused by the procedure. The stitches will be removed shortly after the surgery depending on the procedure(s) involved. Normal activities can generally be resumed within two weeks. It may take up to a year for the body to completely adapt to the new abdominal configuration. With proper diet and exercise the striking results of the surgery will be long lasting.
Getting Started
Would you like to learn more about tummy tuck cosmetic surgery? Request an appointment online with Dr. Mary Snyder or call her at the office of Monument Plastic Surgery at 308-630-1600.
