Excess skin and tissue in your abdomen can defeat even the best diet and exercise programs. Whether your sagging skin is hereditary or caused by weight loss or pregnancy, your protruding abdomen can be corrected by a tummy tuck.
In Fort Wayne, Indiana, an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck removes loose, sagging skin and tissue from your abdomen. The underlying muscles also can be tightened and stitched together. The procedure may even help hide stretch marks below your belly button.
If you have reached your ideal weight and plan to maintain your weight through a healthy lifestyle, a tummy tuck can help you achieve the proportionate figure that you seek.
Knowing what to do and what to expect before your surgery will make for the best possible outcome.
Before your tummy tuck, you may be asked to undergo lab tests or a medical evaluation. You will need to avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs, which can increase bleeding. If you smoke, you will need to stop well in advance of your surgery.
Your surgery will be performed at the fully accredited Southwest Surgical Suites. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you at least the first night following surgery.
Dr. Brian Lee has been in practice for over 2 decades, serving the Fort Wayne community for all their aesthetic and cosmetic needs. He is proud to work alongside his talented team and looks forward to seeing new and returning patients in his office.
Visit Team PageThere are several techniques for a tummy tuck. Dr., Lee will choose the right procedure based on your personal situation. In most cases, the incision is made just above your pubic area extending toward your hips. The length of the incision depends on the amount of skin and tissue to be removed. The incision often can be placed below the level of your bathing suit, though it’s not always possible. If you have a lot of excess skin near your belly button, you may need another incision there as well.
If you’ve had a C-section, Dr. Lee may be able to place your incision in the same area. If your abdominal muscles have separated, Dr. Lee will pull them together and hold them in place with sutures. If you have stretch marks, some of this skin may be removed, and the remaining stretch marks may flatten out a bit, though you cannot achieve a major difference in stretch marks with a tummy tuck. If you have a great deal of abdominal fat, Dr. Lee may recommend combining your tummy tuck with liposuction to remove that excess fat. You may have small tubes in your abdomen to drain excess fluid while you heal.
When your tummy tuck is complete, you’ll be taken to recovery, where you will be carefully monitored. Your abdomen will be bandaged to minimize swelling. You should be able to go home within just a few hours. You will be encouraged to get up and about for short periods the day after surgery. You likely will not be able to stand completely straight for the first few days, and you should not sit for long periods of time. You may need to sleep on your back for the first few weeks with a pillow under your knees. You’ll also need to avoid straining, bending, and lifting to prevent bleeding or increased swelling. If you have drains, they will be removed within a week after surgery.
Your stitches will be removed in stages at follow-up visits over the course of the next two weeks, and you may need to wear a support garment during this time. After a week or two, you should be able to stand up straight. Depending on your job, you should be able to return to work between one and three weeks. You can return to your normal activities after several weeks as well. Your swelling and bruising may not subside completely for several months after your tummy tuck. You also may experience some numbness in your surgical area for several months. Your incisions may appear red or pink during this time, and they may look worse before they look better. Overall, your results will continue to improve as the first few months pass.
Thousands of men and women undergo a tummy tuck every year, and few experience significant complications. However, every plastic surgery has its risks. The risks involved with a tummy tuck include:
Dr. Lee will discuss these risks with you during your consultation. Please be sure to ask him about any questions or concerns that you might have.
A tummy tuck can finally eliminate that stubborn protruding or sagging skin and tissue that just won’t respond to diet and exercise. Unless your weight changes significantly or you become pregnant, your results should be long-lasting. With a more firm and flat abdomen, you’ll find that clothes fit better. You also will enjoy the boost in self-confidence that comes from a youthful, proportionate figure. The key to a truly successful tummy tuck is maintaining an open line of communication with Dr. Lee. He and his team are eager to respond to your questions and can help provide skin care to maintain and enhance your results—they are your partners in achieving the results that you seek.
Sources: The American Society of Plastic Surgeons; The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
If you would like to learn more about a tummy tuck, the first step is a consultation with Dr. Lee. You can meet at Aspire’s Fort Wayne office during a time that fits your unique schedule. He will take the time to get to know you and to learn why you are considering a tummy tuck. Dr. Lee will examine your abdomen to assess your skin tone, the amount of fat in your abdomen, and the condition of your abdominal muscles. He will take measurements as well as photos for your medical records.
Dr. Lee will also take your medical history. Be prepared to talk about any medical conditions, previous surgeries, current medications and allergies, and whether you’ve had any previous abdominal surgeries, which can affect your outcome.
Are you ready to start your journey? Schedule a consultation with us today! Request a consultation with our online form or call us at (260) 200-6013.
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