Fort Myers Tummy Tuck Surgery
What is a tummy tuck?
A tummy tuck is an operation that we do to eliminate excess skin and stretch marks from the abdomen. Also, we can tighten the abdominal muscles as well making the abdomen flatter.
What are the benefits of a tummy tuck?
The main benefit is that a woman will feel better about her body image, look better in clothes and get rid of the excess skin from her lower abdomen.
Who is an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck?
Obviously someone who is in good health, doesn't smoke and is through having children. If someone has a tummy tuck and then gets pregnant her abdomen will stretch out again.
How is a tummy tuck performed?
The operation is done as an out-patient and usually under general or IV sedation. Many times we will suction the ladies posterior flanks to contour her whole mid-section. We then make an incision along the lower abdomen, many times incorporating a previous c-section scar. The length of the incision is based on how much skin we have to remove. A drain is placed at the conclusion and stays in place for several days.
How long does tummy tuck surgery take?
The operation usually takes 2-3 hours depending on the degree of skin removal and whether or not we are doing liposuction as well.
Is anesthesia used during the tummy tuck procedure?
Yes it is and the type depends on what other procedures are done at the same time and whether or not we are tightening the abdominal muscles in which case the patient's muscles will have to be relaxed to tighten them.
Are there risks and complications to a tummy tuck?
There are risks with any surgery: bruising, swelling, infection, bleeding and scarring are part of any procedure. There could be asymmetry or one could lose her belly button. Then of course there are the risks of general anesthesia. The most important thing post-op is for patients to be walking or lying down with their legs up; do not sit for prolonged periods of time, to help prevent the risk of blood clots in the legs.
