The Abdominoplasty or "Tummy Tuck" is designed to remove excess abdominal skin and fat as well as tighten loose abdominal muscles. The ideal candidate is someone who has had at least one pregnancy with a significant amount of loose skin and a large abdominal bulge. Most people think that that bulge can be improved by exercise. However, this bulge is present because the muscles have been stretched during pregnancy, and the ligaments holding them together are compromised. No number of "crunches" will improve it.
The operation in this case consists of not only removing a large amount of skin and fat, but also repairing the ligaments that hold the muscles together. This creates a flat abdomen and re-establishes a trim waistline. The operation is also very effective in people who have lost a dramatic amount of weight and have a larger amount of excess skin.
Abdominoplasties are all performed in our own certified surgery center under twilight sleep anesthesia on an outpatient basis. We no longer perform this operation in the hospital under general anesthesia. Most patients are able to shower the next day and drive a car within a week, and they are back at light exercise within two weeks and full activity within a month. The results of this operation are considered permanent.
Today there are several variations on this operation that are smaller than the full abdominoplasty. We prefer to use the term "partial abdominoplasty" rather than “mini.” It is still an operation and can often yield dramatic results, with much less down time. Patients must be chosen carefully for this operation.
Your scars will start to fade about 4 months after surgery and by one year they should be a fine line hidden by your underwear and bikini. Some patients do no heal as well and maybe required to apply a silicone sheet bandage to help compress and lessen the scar. In the end, the results should be very satisfactory.
Please contact us via email for a prompt response from somebody at our office. Call us for an appointment today at (201) 265-1300 or (800) 848-3010. You can see our great before and after photo gallery here.
Rebecca Baxt, M.D., F.A.A.D.
Saida Baxt, M.D., F.A.A.D.
Sherwood Baxt, M.D., F.A.C.S.
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