Tummy Tucks

Tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, involves removing excess skin and fat from the lower part of your abdomen and providing a slimmer, more youthful appearing abdomen by tightening the “six-pack” or rectus muscles and usually involves liposuction to the hips to help blend in the result.  A typical scar is well hidden under underwear or a bikini and there is also a small incision around the belly button as well.  Abdominoplasty is performed under general anesthesia or deep anesthesia in the operating room.  Patients may either go home the same day or stay overnight for one evening.  It is important upon going home that the patient walk several times a day and wear a gentle compression wrap around the waist to help support the abdomen while incisions are healing.

Usually, the patient follows up one week after surgery and at this time you can stop wearing the abdominal garment. Depending upon the particular case, some patients require a drain postoperatively which is removed at the one-week visit. There are usually no sutures to remove and patients are typically back to work within seven to ten days and should refrain from heavy lifting for six weeks; however, light exercise is usually permitted after three to four weeks. As always, walking is encouraged throughout the recovery process

Types of Tummy Tucks Dr. Roussalis Performs

Every patient has their unique aesthetic goals and desired outcomes of treatment. Dr. Roussalis will recommend the type of surgery that he believes will be able to achieve your goals and minimize any concerns you have about scarring and creating a natural look. The Tummy Tuck types vary due to the amount of excess skin that patients may have. The excess skin that a patient wants to be removed will influence the location and length of the incision that the surgeon needs to make.

Full Tummy Tuck

According to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, the Full Tummy Tuck is designed to improve both the upper and lower abdomen. Patients in good health who have weakened abdominal muscles or excessive skin around their midsection may consider a Full Tummy Tuck to flatten and contour the areas above and below their belly buttons.

Full Tummy Tuck includes:

• Making a small umbilical incision that is not externally visible – giving patients an “innie” belly button
• Positioning a short, low waistline incision designed to be easily hidden by the patient’s underwear or swimsuit
• Removing the necessary skinLiposuction
• Tightening the abdominal muscles.

As with all surgeries, the recovery time will depend somewhat on the age, fitness and general health of the patient. Patients may need drainage tube(s) under their skin for 1-2 weeks. The down time following this procedure is usually a two weeks, patients can resume most activities within 3 weeks and be able to fully exercise after 6 weeks.

Mini Tummy Tuck

Unlike a Full Tummy Tuck, the Mini Tummy Tuck address only the lower abdomen – the area below the belly button. The American Board of Plastic Surgery suggests that patients who are concerned by a “pooch”, loose skin or stretch marks below their belly button may want to consider a Mini Tummy Tuck. Patients who undertake a Mini Tummy Tuck are often close to their ideal weight but frustrated by stubborn fat between the pubic area and navel that they have been unable to get rid of despite rigorous exercise and strict dieting for years.

Mini Tummy Tuck can involve:

• Making a small horizontal incision between the hipbones
• Removing excess skin
• Liposuction
• Tightening underlying muscles.

In a Mini Tummy Tuck, a patient’s belly button is not repositioned as any excess skin, fat or muscle laxity above the belly button is not addressed. As the scope of the Mini Tummy Tuck is less than the Full Tummy Tuck, healthy patients have been known to heal in 2 weeks. Strenuous activities should not be undertaken until at least 6 weeks following surgery.

Extended Tummy Tuck

An Extended Tummy Tuck involves the components of a Full Tummy Tuck with the addition of improving a patient’s flanks. This can be an effective treatment for patients that have lost a substantial amount of weight and are looking to refine the contours of their body.

Typical candidates for an Extended Tummy Tuck often have:

• An abundance of excess skin hanging from their upper and lower abdomen and flanks – in some cases, weighing several pounds
• Significant laxity in their abdominal muscles.

This procedure involves a longer incision than a Full Tummy Tuck as the scope is larger. The postoperative scar following the procedure can often be hidden by clothing or swimsuits. The recovery time for an Extended Tummy Tuck is similar to that of a Full Tummy Tuck. However, the scar from an Extended Tummy Tuck may take longer to heal.

Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck

The surgery involves the plastic surgeon making an incision that’s shaped like the petals of a Fleur-De-Lis. The Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck is for patients who have excess skin in the midline of their abdomen.

Candidates for a Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck have often experienced dramatic weight loss and have a combination of vertical and horizontal laxity. Like Full Tummy Tuck candidates, they have a lower roll of loose skin, but have the addition of looseness from side-to-side.

This Tummy Tuck type, involves two incisions. Like a Full Tummy Tuck, an incision is made along the pubic bone and there is a vertical incision that runs along the middle of the abdomen. The extra incision is intended to allow the surgeon to tighten a patient’s skin from the side-to-side as well as up-and-down, which can drastically improve the look of the abdomen.

Reverse Tummy Tuck

A reverse abdominoplasty involves the upper portion of the midsection just below the breasts. Some patients can have a lower abdominal area that is toned and flat but their upper torso has loose skin or extra fatty tissue. A reverse tummy tuck is made with one long incision or 2 small ones underneath the breasts or in the breast folds. The excess skin and fat present in the upper torso is then removed and tucked “upwards” toward the breast area.

This procedure is an ideal partner with a mini tummy tuck for an overall midsection makeover. It is also an option to do with breast augmentation or breasts enhancements, due to where the reverse tummy tuck incision is made, therefore allowing these cosmetic procedures to be done at the same time. The reverse tummy tuck incision can be hidden (for women) with a bra or bathing suit top.

To learn more on a particular procedure, click one of the options located on the menu to the right. To schedule a one on one consultation call 302-998-8007 or visit www.premiercosmeticsurgeryde.com