Click topic for more information:

• FAQ
• Tummy Tuck

Email Dr. Johnson

---

FAQ

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals.

Abdominoplasty, most commonly called 'tummy tuck,' is a cosmetic procedure in which the muscles of the abdomen are tightened and excess skin is removed to recontour the abdomen. While this cosmetic procedure is most commonly performed in women to restore body shape following damage from pregnancy, men and women who have lost large amounts of weight (usually in excess of 100 pounds) may need this procedure also.

Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight can develop a less than desirable abdomen that protrudes. Most commonly due to:

• Pregnancy
• Aging
• Fluctuations in weight
• Heredity
• Previous surgery

Patients considering this cosmetic procedure should remember that all surgery involving an incision leaves some kind of scar. Also, if the problem is only one of excess fat on the abdomen, with good skin quality and muscle tone, then liposuction is a better choice for the patient.

About the procedure:

This cosmetic surgery is done as an outpatient procedure, although sometimes patients stay overnight at the surgery center for '23-hour' recovery. The operation itself takes three or four hours, and is done under general anesthesia.

Time off from work after this operation varies, depending on one's job description. While many patients feel well enough to do light office work after a week, usually a two-week minimum is recommended before returning to office jobs, two or three weeks minimum before driving a car or doing serious stair climbing, etc. For those whose jobs are more physical, up to six weeks MAY be needed.

One of the more common questions asked is, 'Will my medical insurance pay for this?' Unfortunately, the best answer we can give is, 'Maybe.' In order for insurance to pay, the patient must have such weakness of the abdominal wall that a true hernia is present.

 

Email Dr. Johnson

Back to top

---

Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty, most commonly called 'tummy tuck,' is a procedure in which the muscles of the abdomen are tightened and excess skin is removed to recontour the abdomen. While the procedure is most commonly performed in women to restore body shape following damage from pregnancy, men and women who have lost large amounts of weight (usually in excess of 100 pounds) may need this procedure also.

Patients considering this procedure should remember that all plastic surgery involving an incision leaves some kind of scar, and the scar in this surgery is one of the longest we ever make. Also, if the problem is only one of excess fat on the abdomen, with good skin quality and muscle tone, then suction lipectomy is a better choice for the patient, since the scars from that surgery are tiny, by comparison. Another consideration is that pregnancy after abdominoplasty, if the muscles are to be tightened, is STRONGLY discouraged. We usually recommend tubal ligation either prior to or at the same time as abdominoplasty, having your own gynecologist come in for this part of the surgery.

Before we leave the subject of the scar, we need to describe it for you. It begins at the hip bone on the lower abdomen, runs down the groin crease to the pubic hairline, across and up the other groin crease to the opposite hip bone. In addition, a circular or elliptical scar surrounds the belly button. The belly button, or navel, is not actually moved during the surgery, but is cut around, with the skin being pulled down and redraped, and the navel brought through a new site in the skin. If it were attached to your backbone, it would rest in the same place at the end of the surgery.

The surgery is done as an outpatient procedure, although sometimes patients stay overnight at the surgery center for '23-hour' recovery. The operation itself takes three or four hours, and is done under general anesthesia. Usually we place an elastic binder over the abdomen for support and protection. This binder may be removed for bathing, etc., but is otherwise worn for about three weeks. Most people need a pair of soft rubber drain tubes to collect late oozing of blood and serum and to prevent excessive swelling. These are usually removed about 48 hours after surgery, during a visit to the office.

Time off from work after this operation varies, depending on one's job description. While many patients feel well enough to do light office work after a week, usually a two-week minimum is recommended before returning to office jobs, two or three weeks minimum before driving a car or doing serious stair climbing, etc. For those whose jobs are more physical, up to six weeks MAY be needed.

One of the more common questions asked is, 'Will my medical insurance pay for this?' Unfortunately, the best answer we can give is, 'Maybe.' In order for insurance to pay, the patient must have such weakness of the abdominal wall that a true hernia is present. Pictures are typically taken and sent to the insurance company review board. Sometimes a second opinion is required. A month or more of time may be needed for the predetermination process. After an examination in our office, we will be happy to evaluate your chances of success in pursuing this approach. Attempting to circumvent the rules in such cases constitutes fraud, and we will not participate in such endeavors.

 

Email Dr. Johnson

Back to top

---