Tummy Tuck and Mini Tummy: Deciding What You Need

Posted on March 9, 2012 by Rebecca

There are two types of tummy tucks available to patients and one of the first decisions patients seeking the procedure must make. There are benefits to both procedures, and the decision is made based on the condition of the patient’s skin prior to the surgery.

Mini Tummy Tuck

The mini tummy tuck procedure is a smaller version of the full tummy tuck. In the mini tummy tuck, the surgeon makes a medium sized incision along the base of the abdomen between the pubic bones. The surgeon then dissect the skin beneath the belly button before removing a small bit of extra skin and pulling the pouch that forms on the lower belly taut.

The mini tummy tuck is designed for those with problems confined just to the lower belly region. The skin of the belly may have stretch marks or be pulled out of position by pregnancy or excessive weight gain and loss. The mini tummy tuck does not reposition the belly button as the more extensive procedure can. Instead it helps women with just a smaller pocket of fat and skin create a trimmer waistline.

Full Tummy Tuck

For women with a larger area to correct, the full tummy tuck procedure allows the surgeon to remove a greater area of damaged tissue before pulling the remaining area flat over the belly. The tummy tuck requires the surgeon to remove the belly button and reposition it on the body once the skin is pulled tight. The full tummy tuck procedure can correct a great portion of the skin, but the mini tummy tuck heals more quickly and requires less extensive damage to the body as well.

Tummy Tuck and the Mommy Makeover

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Rebecca

A tummy tuck is a major component of a mommy makeover. The major parts of the tummy tuck include a breast lift or augmentation as well as liposuction to remove pockets of fat that remain after pregnancy. Women have undergone a lot to give birth, and often the mother’s body takes the brunt of the changes – and not always for the better.

A tummy tuck corrects a large portion of the problems with the mother’s body following delivery. Of course, a woman must wait close to a year or even longer following the birth of her child before she can reasonably consider cosmetic surgery to correct damage from pregnancy. Many times, women wait more than a few years as the body continues to recover and change for up to a year following childbirth.

Women considering a mommy makeover should be done having children before they follow through with the procedures. A woman can have children following the mommy makeover procedures, but her body will undergo the same transformation that it did previously making the tummy tuck and other procedures ineffective .

A mommy makeover procedure is not just suitable for new mothers. Other women who have gained and then lost a great deal of weight even without having children can benefit from the procedure. Weight gain may not have the substantial body change that pregnancy does, but following a substantial weight loss, the skin that was stretched and then released as the body grows smaller may not return back to its original position, leaving the body looking much like it would following pregnancy.

In a mommy makeover, the tummy tuck is often aided by liposuction to streamline the figure. Often this is enough to repair the middle and lower portions of the body. The upper portion of the body, the bust, is then repaired by using a breast lift or a breast augmentation to lift the breast tissue and remove excess skin.

Tummy Tuck: Costs and Fees

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Rebecca Garland

A large cosmetic surgery, the tummy tuck comes with a corresponding price tag in most cases. That’s not to say that the procedure is priced out of the budgets of those seeking surgical help with loose skin and fatty pockets on their abdomen, but patients seeking out abdominoplasty should approach the surgery with a realistic expectation of what the procedure might cost.

There are generally five parts to a tummy tuck’s total cost. These are: the surgeon’s fee, the anesthesiologist’s fee, the charges from the hospital, medications necessary for the surgery and additional charges, which is a catch-all for miscellaneous costs associated with the procedure.

Tummy Tuck Cost Analysis

The total price for a tummy tuck can vary wildly by location and by individual surgeon as the surgeon’s fee is the largest component of the total cost. Many surgeons will quote a price to patients that includes all of the necessary fees and expenses. This makes the surgery simpler in terms of finances, but breaking out the costs may also help patients identify where the money for the procedure goes. For example, a tummy tuck procedure in a medical facility may be less expensive than in a hospital.

Outside of the price of surgery, there may be additional costs required as well for blood tests, x-rays and exams to assess the patient’s general health.

Tummy Tuck and Insurance

Generally, a tummy tuck is considered an elective procedure and is not covered by insurance. There are some cases where severe looseness of skin and tissue or a hernia makes the surgery more medically necessary and in those cases a portion of the surgery is covered by insurance. Even in these cases, however, the patient is expected to cover a large portion of the costs for any cosmetic enhancement.

Side Effects of the Tummy Tuck

Posted on March 3, 2012 by Rebecca Garland

While the risks of a tummy tuck can seem terrifying, there is less to worry about when it comes to the side effects of such a large surgery. Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, is a major procedure that removes a large section of skin from the abdomen. In the process, muscles are tightened, skin is stretched and nerves and blood vessels are cut. Patients seeking out a tummy tuck procedure can realistically expect there to be changes to the body following the procedure.

The Results of a Tummy Tuck

Once the swelling goes away, the drains come out and the body has a chance to heal, the abdomen of the tummy tuck patient is flat and smooth. The muscles are tighter under the skin thanks to surgical intervention and the skin is free of most stretch marks and ripples that may have been left following childbirth. The customary ridge or bump on the lower abdomen that remains after cesarean deliveries is removed as well and the abdomen appears as it did prior to pregnancy, and in many cases even better than it did at that time.

Side Effects of the Tummy Tuck

But with this smooth new tummy there are side effects to be expected. Among these, the large scar that travels across the lower body is particularly distinctive. The scar resembles a smiling face across the pubic region and as it heals the incision site often appears bright red. The scar fades in most cases to a pale silver line, but it may still be noticeable even then. Most surgeons are able to position the scar so that it is hidden in swimsuits and underwear, however.

Along the incision site, multiple nerves were cut when the large section of skin and tissue were removed. It takes some time for the skin to regain sensation and the skin of the abdomen may feel numb until it does regain proper sensation again.

Risks of Abdominoplasty

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Rebecca Garland

Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, is a common cosmetic surgery procedure, and like any surgery, there are some risks associated with the surgery and the subsequent healing. While severe risks are exceedingly rare in our modern medical environment, patients should be warned about the concerns related to the procedure. Among these risks, patients of the tummy tuck procedure face:

Anesthesia Risks

A tummy tuck requires a general anesthesia. The patient is put to sleep and then monitored during the procedure to ensure she is responding appropriately during the surgery and that she is safe. There are risks associated with anesthesia however including tremors as the patient awakens and more substantial concerns for patients with preexisting health concerns. Previous reactions to anesthesia should be brought to the doctor’s attention immediately in discussions prior to the surgery.

Bleeding

Major surgery requires incisions be made and there will be blood loss during the procedure. Doctors work to limit the amount of blood lost during a tummy tuck procedure, but there is a risk of excessive bleeding. This risk is more pronounced in patients who smoke or use medications that thin the blood or prevent natural clotting. During healing bleeding can occur under the skin as well resulting in a hematoma or fluid can build up in a seroma.

Infection

A risk with any medical procedure, the large incision and the level of invasiveness in the tummy tuck procedure makes infection a possibility. The surgeon may send the patient home with a prescription for antibiotics to prevent any infection, but care must be taken by the patient at home as well during the recovery to clean the incision site carefully and remain aware of any changes to the abdomen following surgery.

Questions to Ask about Tummy Tuck

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Rebecca

Patients considering a tummy tuck are inundated with questions about the procedure and what to expect from the surgery. Among the many questions patients have, there are some that should be posed to the surgeon performing the surgery before the day of the procedure.

Am I a good candidate for a tummy tuck?

A frank, open discussion with your doctor is best for understand the procedure and proceeding safely. While a doctor will likely tell you if he’ll perform the surgery or not, it is best to ask him directly what may keep you from the surgery. In many cases, patients considering a tummy tuck will be asked to lose weight. Get specifics from the surgeon so that you can return once you’ve met the criteria if necessary.

What are realistic expectations for this procedure?

While patients tend to think surgery will fix all that ails them, it’s entirely possible that the tummy tuck procedure won’t create the effect they are envisioning. While the tummy tuck is a dramatic procedure that can dramatically change a woman’s shape, the procedure won’t remove pockets of fat from other parts of the body or change your bone structure. Be sure to understand what will likely change thanks to the procedure and, more importantly, what will not.

How much will it cost?

Cost varies wildly by surgeons for procedures like a tummy tuck. These costs hinge on many factors including the demand for a surgeon, his location and his experience. Often changing locations makes the tummy tuck procedure more affordable. This is particularly critical as tummy tuck procedures aren’t covered by insurance in most cases and will be paid for by the patient. There are medical loans available to help cover the costs of the procedure, however.

Tummy Tuck and Scars

Posted on February 24, 2012 by Rebecca

Outside of the surgical risks and recovery, a lingering concern for many women considering a tummy tuck is the amount of scarring that remains following the surgery. While the tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, procedure requires a large incision to complete, the scar often does not detract from the overall result in the vast majority of cases.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

In a tummy tuck, the surgeon cuts a long incision that spans the distance from one hipbone to the other. He then removes a large portion of skin from below the navel. With the underlying tissue and muscles exposed, the surgeon uses stitches to tighten the muscles again before pulling the remaining skin down over the lower abdomen, creating a new belly button and finally closing the large incision with staples. The resulting scar stretches across the incision reaching from one side of the hips to the other, looking much like a large smiling face.

The Tummy Tuck Scar

The scar that is left from the procedure will be bright red and very obvious in the first months following surgery. As the scar continues to heal, it will fade in most cases to become a faint white line that is nearly invisible. In some cases, the majority of the scar is even hidden in the top of the pubic region. In some cases, the scar develops a raised, dark quality. These raised scars can be uncomfortable for patients, but fortunately then can be removed or diminished using laser technology.

Regardless of how the final scar develops, the patient is able to benefit from the location of the scar. The scar, although very large across the lower abdomen, is hidden completely by standard bikini swimsuits or underpants. While portions of the scar may be visible in certain swimsuits or undergarments, it is possible to cover the scar completely leaving no indication of the surgery outside of the flat, slender belly left behind.

Tummy Tuck v. Liposuction

Posted on February 23, 2012 by Rebecca

The midsection often leads to concern on the part of women, especially following childbirth, but tummy woes can persist for many women from the time before they had children as well. The lumpy fat that can wind up on the midsection is a concern as well as the pouch that sticks out under the navel. Following childbirth, the tummy can show even greater signs of wear and tear. While exercise won’t effectively target pockets of fat or overstretched skin, liposuction and a tummy tuck can. The question is – which do you need?

Liposuction

Liposuction is a vacuum assisted way of removing fatty pockets from the body. The pouch of fat on your lower abdomen is the type of fat that is often removed using liposuction. Liposuction can also remove fat from the waistline and the upper portion of the tummy as well to achieve a flat, more athletic look.

Liposuction can make a dramatic difference in the amount of fat that shows up on the stomach and the midsection, but it has no effect at all on stretched skin. In fact, if the midsection has stretch marks and damaged skin from pregnancy or excessive weight gain, liposuction may be discouraged as the skin will not bounce back to the new, trim stomach area and will appear to sag unattractively.

Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, on the other hand is designed to remove both fat and skin in an effort to smooth out the front of the stomach. Sagging skin and pockets of fat are removed from the lower abdomen and then the remaining skin and tissue is stretched down to cover the open area. This creates a long, smooth abdomen where bulky fat and skin had been. A tummy tuck repairs muscle damage as well as removing the excess tissue for a stronger, flatter stomach overall.

Tummy Tuck FAQ

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Rebecca

A tummy tuck can be a confusing and complex procedure. Fortunately, it’s not as overwhelming as it may first appear to be, especially if you’re willing to ask questions and seek answers about the procedure.

Q: Is a tummy tuck a good way to lose weight?

A: While some fat and skin is removed in a tummy tuck, it is not considered a weight loss surgery. Only a minimal amount of weight would be lost in the surgery – perhaps five pounds – but the overall look is dramatic as the tissue removed was making the stomach look pouchy and fat. Additionally many surgeons will only operate if the patient is within a close range of her healthy body weight.

Q: Who are good candidates for a tummy tuck?

A: A tummy tuck is not suitable for all patients. It is a major surgery designed to repair the abdomen after the tummy region has undergone significant changes. The best candidates for a tummy tuck are those who have gained and lost a very large amount of weight as well as individuals who have had multiple children and who are not considering having additional children in the future. Additionally, a good candidate for the surgery is not significantly overweight and is healthy.

Q: How much scarring is visible with a tummy tuck?

A: Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, can leave a very long, visible scar on the naked body. Fortunately, the scar, while crossing the entire portion of the lower abdomen between the hipbones, is easily hidden under most swimsuits and underwear styles. Over time, the scar that remains following the tummy tuck procedure fades away to a thin line that is almost invisible. If a scar is very visible, laser or additional procedures may be able to reduce the visibility of the scar.

The Mommy Makeover

Posted on February 19, 2012 by Rebecca

The “Mommy Makeover” is a popular combination of plastic surgery procedure that repairs the damage left behind by multiple pregnancies. In a mommy makeover, a plastic surgeon combines a tummy tuck, liposuction and a breast lift or a combination breast lift and augmentation to restore a woman’s body. Each of the procedures targets an area that women simply can’t repair with diet and exercise following childbirth.

The Tummy Tuck

The tummy tuck is a major component of the mommy makeover. The mother’s abdomen has been stretched repeatedly by pregnancy. Not only is the skin slack and show signs of stretch marks, the layer of tissue and muscle underneath the skin is just as overstretched as well. This forms the unsightly pouch that so many mothers are forced to deal with even after losing the baby weight. The tummy tuck removes a significant portion of this damaged skin while pulling new skin into place to create a smooth abdomen. The muscles underneath are tightened as well to recreate a strong, flat belly.

Liposuction

Liposuction is employed to remove the excess pockets of fat that remain after motherhood. These pockets may be anywhere on the body, but often surgeons target the fat that has cemented itself to the mother’s thighs, waistline or buttocks. Liposuction can be used to create a smooth contour where the tummy tuck has smoothed the waistline as well.

The final surgery usually employed in a mommy makeover is the breast lift or augmentation. In the breast lift, excess skin is removed to recreate the natural breasts in a higher, perkier position. Other mothers opt to make the breast larger using silicone or saline implants. The total effect is a woman’s whose body has been repaired and balanced through the cosmetic surgery – her breasts are high and perky again. Her tummy is tight and flat and her contours are smooth again. Best of all, she is able to enjoy all of that along with her children.