Abdominoplasty St. Louis
Tummy Tuck
We all have areas of our bodies that make us feel self-conscious. For many people, this area is the extra fullness and skin of the lower belly. Abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is a great way to reshape and tighten the abdomen. A tummy tuck can help correct abdominal laxity after pregnancy by repairing and restoring muscles to their original location. It can also remove most if not all of the lower torso stretch marks. The end result is a smoother, more narrow figure as well as improved abdominal strength. Some women find abdominoplasty even helps improve lower back pain and some issues related to urination.
Your tummy tuck consultation will involve assessment of the entire trunk and buttock region. Areas of concern will be evaluated for fullness and laxity, and to ensure there are no underlying hernias. Additional areas of fullness that may be complemented with liposuction will be discussed to help you achieve the slimmer, more contoured appearance you desire. Some patients may need only the skin below the belly button tightened, a technique known as a mini-abdominoplasty. Others benefit from entire abdominal tightening or a standard abdominoplasty. If the fullness extends beyond the inner pelvic bones, patients may require a more extensive procedure such as an extended abdominoplasty, fleur-de-lis abdominoplasty, or even a circumferential body lift. Our surgeons will review all of the optimal approaches personalized for your body during the visit.
QUICK FACTS:
- Length: 2-4 hrs
- Anesthesia: General
- Outpatient, same day surgery
- Recovery: Initial 1-2 weeks; Final 6-8 weeks
- Side Effects: Numbness, bruising, swelling
A TUMMY TUCK CAN:
- Remove excess skin below the belly button
- Improve overall abdominal contour
- Get rid of lower abdominal stretch marks
- Tighten the abdomen and widened muscles
- Flatten abdominal bulges
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Before & After
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PREPARING FOR TUMMY TUCK
Abdominoplasty is major surgery. Make sure you have ample help at home for the first 1-2 weeks so you can focus on recovering quickly.
Smoking and all forms of nicotine should be stopped at least 4 weeks prior to anybody reshaping.
This includes e-cigarettes, patches, and gum.
Any medications and supplements which cause an increased risk of bleeding should be stopped 2 weeks prior to any major surgery. Please see our list of medications and supplements to avoid. As always, make sure to check with your doctor before stopping any medications.
ABDOMINOPLASTY TECHNIQUE
Our surgeons will mark all of the areas of skin removal and concurrent liposuction (if desired) in the preoperative area. The incision will be designed to hide low and in the bikini line. You can even bring a pair of your regular underwear to ensure the planned incisions remain concealed within. During the procedure, the abdominal skin will be elevated, the muscles repaired, and excess trimmed. Any additional liposuction will be performed for enhanced contouring. The belly button will be redesigned in the appropriate location
RECOVERY FROM ABDOMINOPLASTY
Our surgeons recommend their patients to be up and walking the night of the surgery, with several short and frequent walks around the house in the following days. You may be able to shower 48 hours after your procedure but will need to wear the binder and/or compression garment throughout the day and night otherwise for the next 6-8 weeks. You may feel like keeping hunched over the first week after the tummy tuck until the muscles and tissues relax a little. The tightness and occasional mild spasms can occur but will resolve with time. There may be some bruising in the areas of liposuction that will resolve in 1-3 weeks. Surgical drains may stay in place for 1-3 weeks depending on the output. Lifting will be limited to only 5-10 pounds for the first 3 weeks, then gradually increased. Expect to return to normal activities and exercises in 6 weeks.
