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Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a "tummy tuck," is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdominal area and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. It is one of the most procedures that Dr. Carp performs.
If you have a protruding abdomen, this procedure can dramatically improve your appearance. It is important for all Akron and Canton tummy tuck patients to remember that the procedure does produce a permanent scar, which can extend from hip to hip. This scar should be well-concealed in underwear or even a bikini bottom, but it will never fade completely.
If you are considering abdominoplasty, this page will give you a basic understanding of the procedure. Your next step is to get in touch with Dr. Carp, who can answer your individual questions and provide you with his professional assessment of the procedures that are right for you.
Women and men who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by excess fat in their stomach area, loose abdominal muscles, or sagging abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise are good candidates for a tummy tuck. Akron Canton plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Carp finds that this procedure is particularly helpful for women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, also can be improved.
A tummy tuck is not meant to take the place of a healthy lifestyle. Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should consider postponing surgery until weight loss has stabilized. Also, women who plan future pregnancies may wish to wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that Dr. Carp tightens during surgery can separate again during pregnancy. If you have scarring from previous abdominal surgery such as a C-section, Dr. Carp may recommend against abdominoplasty or may caution you that scars could be unusually prominent.
A tummy tuck can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't make you look “perfect.” Before you decide on abdominoplasty, be sure that you have realistic expectations.
In your initial consultation, Dr. Carp will evaluate your health, determine the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region, and carefully assess your skin tone. Be sure to tell him if you smoke, and if you're taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs. A thorough review of your medical history is an important step Dr. Carp takes to ensure your safety and candidacy.
Dr. Carp tailors each procedure for the individual needs of his Canton and Akron plastic surgery patients. For example, if you have excess fat and loose tissue below the belly button, you may require a less complex procedure called a partial abdominoplasty, also known as a mini-tummy tuck. If you need more extensive body contouring, a partial or complete abdominoplasty performed along with liposuction or liposuction alone may create the best result.
During the consultation, Dr. Carp will explain the type of anesthesia he will use, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved. In most cases, health insurance policies consider abdominoplasty to be an elective cosmetic procedure and will not cover the costs, but you should check your policy to be sure.
Well before surgery, Dr. Carp will provide specific instructions on how to prepare for your tummy tuck, including restrictions on eating, drinking, and smoking. Smokers need to quit at least 4 weeks before surgery and avoid smoking for at least4 weeks after the procedure to reduce risks and aid in recovery. You also will be provided with instructions about taking or avoiding certain medications.
Avoid any aggressive dieting right before surgery or doing anything else that could strain your body's ability to heal. Keep in mind that if you develop a cold or infection of any kind, Dr. Carp likely will postpone your surgery. You will not be able to drive yourself home after surgery so you need to arrange for a family member, friend, or loved one to take you home and stay with you for the first day or so to help around the house.
Where your surgery will be performed
Dr. Carp performs both partial and complete abdominoplasties in an outpatient surgical center.
General anesthesia is most commonly used, so you'll sleep through the operation. In some cases, Dr. Carp may use local anesthesia combined with a sedative to make you drowsy. You'll be awake but relaxed, and your abdominal region will be insensitive to pain. (However, you may feel some tugging or occasional discomfort.)
A complete tummy tuck in the Canton - Akron area performed by Dr. Carp usually takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial abdominoplasty may take an hour or 2.
Most commonly, an incision is made from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. When Dr. Carp performs a partial abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel may or may not be moved.
Next, the skin from the abdominal wall is lifted to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline.
The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, Dr. Carp stitches the incisions and applies surgical dressings. A temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.
When performing a partial abdominoplasty, Dr. Carp separates the skin only between the incision line and the navel. The belly button is not repositioned and the result is a smaller scar along with a quicker recovery in most cases.
All surgery carries some uncertainty and risk
Dr. Carp has safely performed hundreds of abdominoplasty procedures. But even in the hands of a highly skilled surgeon, tummy tuck surgery is not without risk. Specific complications associated with this procedure are infrequent, but may include infection, blood clots, and poor wound healing. Reduce your risk of complications by closely following Dr. Carp's instructions before and after surgery, especially regarding when and how you should resume physical activity.
For very extensive surgery, you may need to be kept overnight, but many patients are able to return home the same day. For the first few days after your tummy tuck in the Canton - Akron area, your abdomen is likely to be swollen and you're likely to feel some discomfort, though this can be controlled through prescription and over the counter medication. Though you may not be able to stand straight at first, you should start walking as soon as possible to minimize the risk of blood clots. You may also be placed on a mild blood thinner after surgery. You will need to wear a support garment for at least 2 weeks after surgery to maximize your results.
It is important to take it easy while you recover from surgery and keep in mind that it may be several weeks before you feel like your old self again. If you start out in very good shape, you will be able to have a quicker recovery. Some people may be ready to return to work after as little as a week, while others take 3 to 4 weeks away from the office.
Exercise that does not overly strain your incisions will help you heal better. Even if you do not exercise regularly, starting some light exercise before your procedure can help you reduce post-surgical swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.
Your scars actually may seem to look worse for the first 3 to 6 months as they heal, but eventually (generally 9 to 12 months after surgery) they will begin to flatten out and lighten in color. While they'll never disappear completely, abdominal scars will not show under most clothing, even under bathing suits.
Our Canton Akron plastic surgery patients choose tummy tuck procedures because they produce excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. Results are long lasting, so long as you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
