Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

The goal of an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is to flatten, tighten and reshape the abdomen, effectively creating an abdominal appearance that enhances your body image and confidence. This includes removal of excess skin, fat and tightening of the deeper muscle layer that has been stretched from weight gain and/or childbirth. There are a number of options in the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedure depending on the patient’s needs and desires. Based upon your examination, Dr. Lynam will recommend the best option for you to achieve the desired end result. No amount of diet and exercise will shrink skin or tighten stomach muscles if they have been stretched after pregnancy. While there are a few women who have no stretch marks after pregnancy, and whose muscles have stayed together, most women, even if they get back to pre-pregnancy weight, will still notice a bulge and extra skin in the lower tummy region.

CANDIDATE FOR ABDOMINOPLASTY (TUMMY TUCK) PROCEDURE

You are a good candidate for this procedure if you are a healthy non-smoker with a positive outlook along with realistic goals. At the time of your consultation we will discuss your goals, the procedure and the routine post operative healing process. Your medical history will be reviewed to ensure you are a healthy candidate for surgery and we will answer any questions you may have about this procedure.

THE ABDOMINOPLASTY (TUMMY TUCK) PROCEDURE

Dr. Lynam offers a number of options. The first procedure is the traditional abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) that removes the skin from just above the belly button down to the pubic hair region. The belly button is saved and reinserted through the skin that has been pulled down. The abdominal muscles are tightened and some minimal liposuction may be performed. The abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedure is done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia and takes roughly 3 to 4 hours. Two drains are placed to remove any small amount of fluid collection for 7-10 days following surgery. Dr. Lynam recommends an On-Q pain pump to help manage any pain or discomfort. This device slowly drips a local anesthetic for 72 hours following surgery and is removed by the patient at home.

The second procedure is a mini-abdominoplasty (tummy tuck); an operation that removes a crescent of skin and fat from the bikini line region, tightening the lower abdominal muscles and leaving the belly button in place. Liposuction is performed above and laterally. The mini-abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedure is done on an outpatient basis, taking 2-3 hours and is also performed under general anesthesia. Two drains are placed to remove any small amount of fluid collection for 5-7 days following surgery.

The third procedure is an endoscopic abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), an operation for those who need tightening of the muscles and liposuction, but do not need skin removed. This procedure is minimally invasive using endoscopic techniques. A small incision in the bikini line is all that is needed. The endoscopic abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedure is done on an outpatient basis taking 1-2 hours and is performed under general anesthesia.

AFTER SURGERY

Drain tubes are removed in the office 7-10 days following surgery. Your abdomen may be swollen, bruised and sore for several weeks. One week after your surgery, you will be placed in an abdominal binder. You will wear this binder 12 hours per day for four weeks to aid in the healing process. Scars created to perform the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) are permanent but will fade with time. It may be difficult to stand up straight for 7-10 days as your body adjusts to the newly tightened skin and muscle. Vigorous exercise routines may resume as early as 6-8 weeks following surgery. Most patients return to work within 2 weeks.

Some patients may elect to spend the night in a hospital or have nurse go home with them. We can assist you in arranging this postoperative care.

The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for the abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedure is to schedule a consultation. During your consultation with Dr. Lynam, you may discuss your desires and you will learn what you may reasonably expect.