Body Contouring

Abdominoplasty, more often known as a tummy tuck, is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure that is designed to improve the appearance of the tummy area by toning and tightening muscles and excess skin in the upper and lower abdominal regions. Patients who undergo a tummy tuck at the Plastic Surgery Institute of Miami facility can have stubborn fat and excess skin folds in the abdominal region removed for a more attractive contour and appearance.

Procedure

Getting rid of excess stubborn fat and stretched out skin in the midsection can be a real challenge. People who have tried to achieve a flatter stomach through healthy eating and regular exercise without success can often benefit from a tummy tuck. Women who have had one or more pregnancies are often great candidates for a tummy tuck as pregnancy often permanently expands the skin and separates the vertical abdominal muscles.

At Plastic Surgery Institute of Miami, we only recommend tummy tucks to patients who are in good health who have sagging skin about their abdominal wall, do not have any underlying conditions that will obstruct the healing process, and do not smoke or are willing to quit at least a month prior to the procedure. Patients should also have reasonable expectations about their results.

Ideal Candidate

Getting rid of excess stubborn fat and stretched out skin in the midsection can be a real challenge. People who have tried to achieve a flatter stomach through healthy eating and regular exercise without success can often benefit from a tummy tuck. Women who have had one or more pregnancies are often great candidates for a tummy tuck as pregnancy often permanently expands the skin and separates the vertical abdominal muscles. At Plastic Surgery Institute of Miami, we only recommend tummy tucks to patients who are in good health who have sagging skin about their abdominal wall, do not have any underlying conditions that will obstruct the healing process, and do not smoke or are willing to quit at least a month prior to the procedure. Patients should also have reasonable expectations about their results.

Benefits

There are many benefits to undergoing a tummy tuck procedure including:

Preparation

After the consultation has determined candidacy, patients should follow their surgeon’s advice and make necessary preparations for the procedure. Once a tummy tuck is scheduled, patients should do their best to stick to a healthy diet and exercise frequently. They should also ask a trustworthy family member or friend to stay with them on a full-time basis for the first few days after the procedure. It’s a good idea to have baby wipes, dressings, and loose clothing on hand as well.

Expectations

A tummy tuck is typically performed under general anesthesia and lasts about anywhere from two to three hours. It is usually an outpatient procedure but in-patient may be required for some patients. In a full tummy tuck, one of our board-certified surgeons will carefully place an incision along the lower abdomen. Then, they will make a second incision so that the navel can be separated from the surrounding tissue. Next, sutures will be used to bring the abdominal muscles together, narrow the waistline, and create a flatter stomach.

Excess fat will then be removed and the skin will be repositioned and trimmed so that it can stretch tight across the stomach. Lastly, the surgeon will close the incisions with sutures and apply a sterile dressing to the area for support. Drains may be placed as necessary.

Limited Tummy Tuck

Sometimes, a full tummy tuck will not be recommended in a patient that need some skin removal. In such cases, our doctors my recommend a limited tummy tuck, which is a procedure that involves removing less skin. The benefits are a smaller incision and the same great results of a standard surgery, including a smaller waistline, a tighter abdominal wall, and better umbilical position. This is often done in conjunction with liposuction and/or other cosmetic procedures

Other Body Contouring Procedures

In addition to abdominal contouring, our surgeons ofter contouring of other body parts that have become very lax after weight loss or simply age. These include the arms, the upper back, the lower back and the inner thigh area. This is common in patients that have undergone bariatric surgery with significant weight loss. In those patients, a staged approach is undertaken to achieve total body conturing in a safe and highly successful manner.

Recovery

After a tummy tuck procedure, most patients experience swelling in the abdomen for a few days. Fortunately, medication can ease any pain and discomfort. Our surgeons often encourage patients to go on short walks after the procedure in order to prevent blood clotting and improve circulation. However, patients should refrain from vigorous physical activity for at least six weeks so that they avoid straining the mid-section. Although a tummy tuck will cause a scar, it will fade over time and can be hidden easily under clothing. In most cases, tummy tuck patients are able to return to work and their everyday activities after a few weeks.

Risks

All major surgeries involve some risks. Some of the most common risks associated with a tummy tuck include infection, blood clots, a poor reaction to anesthesia, scar asymmetry, and improper healing. The good news is that most tummy tuck patients at Plastic Surgery Institute of Miami do not experience any of these complications. Our board-certified surgeons have years of experience performing tummy tucks and will work with patients to reduce the risk of potential risks.

Why Choose Us

Our board-certified plastic surgeons take great pride in using the latest techniques to create smaller scars and promote faster, more efficient healing. They will be there for you before, during, and after to the procedure and ensure that you are comfortable and well-informed at all times.

Contact

If you’re interested in a tummy tuck, it is in your best interest to schedule a consultation at Plastic Surgery Institute of Miami today. A surgeon will meet with you to review your medical history so your candidacy can be assessed, educate you further on the procedure, and learn about your expectations. They will also design a plan that can assist you in achieving your goalsand answer any questions you may have. The goal of a consultation is to provide you with as much information on a tummy tuck as possible so that you can make an informed decision and understand what you can expect.

FAQ