PROCEDURES

Tampa Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty

A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fatty tissue from the abdomen. Previous pregnancy, fluctuations in weight, sun damage and genetic predisposition all can contribute to a less than ideal appearance of the abdomen. The skin may develop unsightly stretch marks, laxity and sagging, as well as stubborn fatty deposits that create a poor abdominal contour. There may also be bulging and separation of the abdominal muscles known as a rectus diastasis that occurs after pregnancy. Diet and exercise often do little to reverse these undesirable changes. 

A tummy tuck therefore can directly address these changes by removing the excess skin and stretch marks present while also tightening the abdominal muscles to create a more appealing contour. In certain patients where the abdominal laxity and excess skin is mild, a mini tummy tuck may be all this needed. Liposuction of the abdomen may also be performed at the time of tummy tuck to better contour the abdomen. Additionally, patients with hernias may have these corrected at the time of abdominoplasty.

It is important to remember that the tummy tuck procedure is not a weight loss tool and patients considering an abdominoplasty should not be obese. Checking your BMI or Body Mass Index prior to consultation is important to help determine your candidacy for tummy tuck surgery. We have included a link to the National Institutes of Health BMI Calculator so patients may calculate their exact BMI.

If the BMI is between 18 and 25, this is the ideal weight range and these patients will benefit most from an abdominoplasty. If the BMI is between 25 and 30, this is in the overweight range and what Dr. Fakhre considers to be the gray area. Some of these patients will benefit from a tummy tuck while others will need to lose more weight. This is determined on a case by case basis following Dr. Fakhre's examination. Finally in patients whose BMI is over 30, this is considered the obese range and these patients should lose weight prior to surgery. This is helpful to not only minimize the risk of complications but also to allow for the best result possible.

At New Tampa Plastic Surgery we offer both mini and full tummy tuck procedures. During your consultation with Dr. Fakhre, he will examine you and determine which procedure is best for you.

Reasons for Considering a Full or Mini Tummy Tuck in Tampa:

• Presence of unsightly stretch marks along the abdomen
• Loose and sagging skin around the abdomen and belly button
• Desire to combine treatment for an abdominal hernia with a tummy tuck
• Laxity and bulging of the abdominal wall due to a rectus diastasis (separation of abdominal muscles)

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

A full tummy tuck procedure involves making a horizontal incision low on the abdominal wall where it can be hidden with underwear or a swim suit bottom. Another incision is also made around the belly button. The excess skin and fatty tissue is then elevated off of the abdominal wall revealing the underlying muscles. These muscles are tightened using special sutures so that the abdominal contour is improved. Next the excess skin and fatty tissue is removed and the incisions are closed in layers using absorbable sutures.

The difference between a full and mini tummy tuck is that no incision is made around the belly button in a mini abdominoplasty and the horizontal incision is generally shorter. In all types of tummy tucks, small drains may be placed at the time of surgery and these are usually removed five to seven days after the procedure.

Tummy tuck procedures are usually performed on an outpatient basis with patients returning home later the same day. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and can last anywhere from two to four hours depending on whether a full or mini tummy tuck is being performed.

Recovery following a Tummy Tuck

The recovery needed following a tummy tuck depends on the type of tummy tuck performed. The recovery is shorter following a mini tummy tuck when compared to a full tummy tuck. Regardless of the type of tummy tuck performed, patients should plan for a restful week after surgery.

Dr. Fakhre will place you in a compression binder following your surgery. This will need to be worn for about a month after surgery to provide additional support and compression to your abdomen. Patients will have pain following a tummy tuck, but Dr. Fakhre will prescribe oral pain medications to help control this. Complications following a tummy tuck are rare, but may occur. By carefully following Dr. Fakhre's postoperative instructions you will help minimize this risk.

To find out if you'd be a good candidate for an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck in Tampa and Wesley Chapel, Florida, schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Fakhre, your Tampa and Wesley Chapel Plastic Surgeon, at 813-PLASTIC (752-7842).

Click here to see Dr. Fakhre's Wesley Chapel and Tampa Tummy Tuck Before and After Photos.