Abdominoplasty (“Tummy Tuck”)

An abdominoplasty, also known as a “tummy tuck”, is a body contouring procedure. It is designed to remove excess skin and fatty tissue from the lower portion of the abdomen. The results are best for those patients who are closer to ideal body weight.

Best Candidates

A “tummy tuck” may be a good choice for those with the following circumstances:

Good physical and psychological health
Realistic expectations
Non-smoker
Finished with child-bearing
Dissatisfaction with stretch marks and excess skin in the lower abdomen

Additional circumstances for which a “tummy tuck” may be helpful:

Separation of abdominal muscles (diastasis)
Rashes and skin irritation in the fold underneath the excess skin

If these circumstances apply to you and you are considering this procedure, please contact Bowers Plastic Surgery by calling 336-907-7980 or Contact Us. His staff will be happy to arrange a private consultation for you with Dr. Bowers.

Techniques or Options

Abdominoplasty is indicated for the removal of excess skin of the lower abdomen. This area extends from just above the belly button to the lowest part of the abdomen where C-section scars are usually located. The skin in this part of the abdomen often has stretch marks and has lost its elasticity due to pregnancies, weight fluctuations, and/or aging.

Many patients are unclear about whether abdominoplasty or liposuction is the more appropriate procedure. Liposuction may be the preferable procedure in those patients for whom excess fatty tissue is the primary problem and the skin of the lower abdomen is firm and taut. The difference between these procedures is that abdominoplasty removes the excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen, while liposuction removes only the excess fatty tissue. Dr. Bowers will help you determine which procedure is preferable in your particular case during consultation with him.

The Surgery

The surgery is performed in an outpatient surgical facility under general anesthesia. An overnight stay is not required but is usually advisable. An overnight stay option is available at the surgical center.

The procedure takes approximately two hours. The incision is placed in lower abdomen just above the pubic region and extends from one side to the other. This placement keeps the scar as low as possible so that it will be less noticeable in swimwear. The skin is freed from its underlying attachments in both the lower and upper abdomen. Once the skin has been lifted, the abdominal muscles can be sutured together in the midline to help narrow the waistline. The skin is then repositioned in a downward direction and a judgment is made regarding the amount that can be removed safely. The objective is to remove the maximum amount of skin without creating excessive tension and the potential for healing problems.

One or two drainage tubes are positioned prior to closure. These tubes evacuate fluid that may collect for the first few days after surgery. The removal of this fluid promotes the healing process and decreases the chances of complications. The wound is closed in layers in a careful manner. A small incision is made in the skin overlying the belly button so that it can be sutured in place. A gauze dressing and light pressure wrap using an abdominal binder is applied.

Recovery

Pain is expected for the first 48 hours following an abdominoplasty. Some degree of discomfort may persist for several days thereafter. Dr. Bowers will prescribe a pain medication and a muscle relaxant to relieve these symptoms. It is important to sleep with a pillow under your legs and an extra pillow under your back to avoid tension on the wound closure for the first 10 or 12 days. A recliner also works well. You will be ambulatory after surgery but it is necessary to bend forward slightly at first while the incision is in the initial healing stages. You should be able to stand completely straight in 10 to 12 days without putting undue tension on the wound closure. Most surgeons discourage showering until after the drains have been removed. The drains are removed in the office the week following surgery.

There are no dietary restrictions. Some patients find they prefer frequent, smaller meals for the first week or two. Exercise restrictions will be in place for 6 weeks after surgery in order to promote the healing of the muscle repair and skin incision.

It is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, itching, and areas of numbness in the abdominal skin. These will improve gradually over the next few weeks. The pain from the surgery should diminish rapidly during the first 24 to 48 hours. If it does not, you should notify your surgeon.

Costs

Our office manager will discuss the costs with you. She will provide a written quote that includes the surgery, anesthesia, and facility fees.

Results

Although they improve over time with the resolution of swelling and bruising, the results are apparent immediately after surgery. Dr. Bowers and his staff are committed to the care and well- being of his patients. They encourage communication and office visits to ease concerns and answer questions that may arise.

You may arrange a consultation with Dr. Bowers by calling Bowers Plastic Surgery at 336-907-7980 or Contact Us. We look forward to hearing from you!

Commonly Combined Procedures

Abdominoplasty is often combined with liposuction, breast augmentation, or breast reduction. The combination of procedures such as these is a powerful means of altering appearance and body image. It is important to avoid an overly aggressive operative plan that may not be safe, especially in an outpatient setting.

A surgeon such as Dr. Bowers who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery can help you make a surgical plan that is right for you. Please call at 336-907-7980 or Contact Us.

Get in Touch

Phone: 336-907-7980

1002 North Church Street, Suite 203

Greensboro, NC 27401

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