Tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty)

NEAMAN PLASTIC SURGERY | SALEM, CORVALLIS, EUGENE, + PORTLAND, OREGON

Also known as a tummy tuck, abdominoplasty is the best cosmetic surgery to get a flat, taut stomach. A tummy tuck is usually combined with liposuction to enable patients to enjoy targeted fat removal as well as removal of excess skin. Skin can become loose and flabby due to weight fluctuations, child birth, age, and genetics. Over time, skin produces less collagen and elastin, the key elements for skin that’s supple and “snaps back.” Tummy tucks are suitable for both men and women.

Plastic surgeons Dr. Keith Neaman and Dr. Dustin Christiansen are leading Salem, Oregon plastic surgeons specializing in tummy tucks and other cosmetic procedures. They can tell you if you’re a good candidate for abdominoplasty, or perhaps a partial abdominoplasty—also known as a mini tummy tuck. Every tummy tuck is personalized to the patient and patient goals. Drs. Neaman and Christiansen only recommend the best procedures (if any) for every patient.

ABDOMINOPLASTY VARIATIONS

The three primary types of tummy tucks are traditional tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, and modified tummy tuck.

Traditional Tummy Tuck: The standard tummy tuck is performed with an incision that spans the belly from hip bone to hip bone. This incision is required to suitably tighten the abs and results in a flat, toned stomach. Liposuction can be included to remove stubborn fat in addition to the removal of extra skin.

Mini Tummy Tuck: Only about one percent of patients are suitable mini tummy tuck candidates. A mini tummy tuck focuses on the region around the bellybutton, which is a problem area for many. The incisions are smaller, but the tummy doesn’t get the tightening of muscles or the removal of tissue from the upper abdomen. Mini tummy tucks might be recommended for those with a problem area solely around the bellybutton and who are otherwise happy with their tummy aesthetics.

Modified Tummy Tuck: A traditional tummy tuck can include minor variations, which will be discussed during a consultation with Drs. Neaman or Christiansen. One common modification, or addition, is a Brazilian Butt Lift when getting a circumferential abdominoplasty (which is also referred to as a Body Lift).

Patients are often concerned with maintaining the results of their tummy tucks. It’s possible and expected as long as a healthy diet and exercise regimen are followed.

BODY CONTOURING AND TUMMY TUCK SURGERY VIDEO

Body contouring can be a surgical or non-surgical procedure, and is fully customizable. It’s an umbrella term for a number of procedures including liposuction, tummy tucks, body lifts, a “mommy makeover,” thigh lift, butt lift, or any number of laser treatments. Body contouring procedures are meant to restore symmetry and to enhance bodily aesthetics.

IS A TUMMY TUCK RIGHT FOR YOU?

Every person and tummy tuck is unique. The only way to know if you’re a good candidate for abdominoplasty is to schedule a consultation with a reputable surgeon. Ideal candidates are at or close to a healthy weight but struggle with loose skin and perhaps stubborn pockets of fat. Patients should be non-smokers and generally healthy. Tummy tucks can often address the following issues:

Saggy skin in the belly area
Loss of abdominal muscle tone
Fat deposits around the belly that don’t budge with diet and exercise
Stretched-out belly skin after childbirth or weight loss

Women who plan to have biological children in the future might be advised to postpone their tummy tuck until after childbirth. There’s a risk of muscles tightened during a tummy tuck becoming separated in pregnancy.

Patients who plan to lose a lot of weight should also wait. However, those who are severely overweight are usually not a good candidate for tummy tucks to begin with. These patients might be better served with a traditional weight loss strategy or weight loss surgery.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A TUMMY TUCK?

Tummy tucks are major reconstructive surgeries requiring general anesthesia. Patients are thoroughly prepared by their surgeons beforehand with the knowledge of what to do in the days leading up to the surgery, including supplements and over the counter drugs to avoid.

TUMMY TUCK RECOVERY TIME

Recovery times will vary, and patients will be aware of their expected recovery time before surgery day. However, the average down time before a person can return to work is about two weeks.

During surgery, a horizontal incision is made from approximately hip bone to hip bone. Total incision length and shape depends on the amount of excess skin. Next, the skin over the abs is lifted to repair the ab muscles. Another incision may be required around the navel, and it might be necessary to surgically recreate a bellybutton which will look completely natural.

Next, the upper abdominal skin is pulled down taut. Excess skin is trimmed and the skin is sutured together. Sutures, clips, tape, and/or skin adhesives may be used to secure the incisions together.

PATIENT VIDEO TESTIMONIAL

DIFFERENCES IN A BODY LIFT AND ABDOMINOPLASTY

Good plastic surgery is about creating harmony with the tummy, waist, breasts and more. See Dr. Keith Neaman discuss the differences in a tummy tuck / abdominoplasty and a body lift.

USING LIPOSUCTION DURING TUMMY TUCK SURGERY

Liposuction is frequently combined with a tummy tuck as the abdominoplasty is the primary surgery, and the addition of liposuction contours the sides of the abdomen creating natural harmony in the body proportions.

LIPOSUCTION VERSUS TUMMY TUCK SURGERY

Do you know the differences in Tummy Tuck surgery and liposuction? See Dr. Dustin Christiansen discuss each procedure and how they are used separately to achieve aesthetic goals or as one procedure together for an added benefit.

TUMMY TUCK FAQ’S

What is a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is a procedure whereby loose, excess abdominal fat and stretch marks are removed. It is by no means a small operation. However, the results of many tummy tucks are excellent, and patients report a high level of satisfaction.

How is a tummy tuck performed?

In most tummy tuck surgeries, a horizontal incision is made just above the pubic hairline. The amount of excess skin to be removed will dictate the length of the incision. The skin is dissected, and the excess fat is removed. The abdominal muscles are tightened, and the belly button will be repositioned.

Is there scarring with a tummy tuck?

Yes, but the incision takes 12-18 months to finalize the scar. The incision is placed to be hidden in your bikini line.

What is the downtime after tummy tuck surgery?

The down time for a tummy tuck varies by patient, but you should plan at least two weeks down time away from work or routine activities.

How much does a tummy tuck hurt?

Pain is relative and subjective, but bear in mind that a tummy tuck is a major surgery.

When is the best time to have a tummy tuck?

The best time to have a tummy tuck is after you are finished having your children, and your baseline body weight has returned to normal.

Do you have to be at a certain weight to have a tummy tuck?

The ideal preference is that you are physically healthy and at a stable weight.

Can a tummy tuck correct stretch marks?

A tummy tuck cannot correct your stretch marks because it might remove parts of the skin with stretch marks. However, this is not guaranteed.

What types of bandages do I wear after tummy tuck surgery?

After tummy tuck surgery, particular dressings and bandages will be applied over the incisions, and you may need to wear a compression garment or elastic bandage to reduce swelling and support your abdominal muscles.

What are the risks of a tummy tuck?

Any surgery comes with a variety of risks. However, you can drastically reduce risks by choosing a reputable cosmetic surgeon and following pre- and post-care instructions carefully.