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Tummy Tuck Procedures (Abdominoplasty)
Virginia Center For Plastic Surgery in Alexandria
Tummy tucks are surgical procedures used to correct protruding or sagging in the abdominal area.
There are two general categories of tummy tucks: Complete abdominoplasty and partial abdominoplasty. When deciding which type is right for you, it is important to understand the risks and benefits of each procedure as well as your individual needs and goals, and discuss the options with your plastic surgeon before making your final choice.
Complete abdominoplasty
A complete tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure, which usually takes about two to four hours.
In a complete tummy tuck, your surgeon makes an incision that spans the lower abdomen, from one pubic bone to the other, and then detaches the belly button to allow for full access to the abdominal area.
Your skin is lifted to expose the abdominal muscles. The surgeon then pulls these muscles closer together and stitches them in place to create a tighter abdomen and a narrower waistline.
Once this step of the procedure is completed, your skin is pulled back over the area and stitched into place. This removes excess skin and cuts a new hole to replace the now-displaced belly button. Sometimes liposuction of the flanks or hips may also be recommended by your surgeon.
Partial abdominoplasty
A partial tummy tuck is a less invasive version of the complete tummy tuck, suitable for those who require less extreme changes.
In a partial tummy tuck, the initial incision is smaller than with the complete tummy tuck, and the belly button is not detached. Thus, the only tightening occurs below the belly button.
Once the incision is made, your surgeon lifts the skin up to the point where it is attached at the belly button and tightens the abdominal muscles below the belly button, as in the complete tummy tuck.
Once this step is completed, your skin is pulled back over the area, removing excess skin, and stitched back into place. Because the belly button is not detached in a partial tummy tuck, the surgeon does not need to create a new one as in the complete tummy tuck.
Recovery from Tummy Tucks
The recovery process following tummy tucks consists of several stages.
Depending on individual factors, you may be released within a few hours, or may be hospitalized over night following surgery.
Regardless of when you are released, you will have swelling and pain for the first few days following the procedure.
Your stitches will be removed seven to fourteen days after the surgery, and deeper sutures will dissolve away on their own. You will wear a support garment while the healing process continues for anywhere between two to six weeks, depending upon your surgeon's preference.
It may take weeks or months before you feel fully normal and are able to resume all normal activities. The length of recovery, as with anything, depends on the type of surgery performed and on individual physiological factors. It is recommended that you adopt an exercise program after the procedure when released by your doctor. This will both speed the healing process and maximize the results of the procedure.
More Information on Tummy Tucks
For detailed information on tummy tucks, see the topics below:
- End results of tummy tuck procedures
- Am I a candidate for a tummy tuck?
- Risks associated with tummy tucks
- Frequently Asked Questions
If you would like to discuss tummy tuck options, Dr. Desman is available in Alexandria, VA for a free consultation where he can answer any questions you might have.
Call 703-924-3144 to schedule a free in-office consultation or to set up a free telephone consultation.
Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality cosmetic surgery care in the Northern Virginia and Washington DC region. Dr. Desman is committed to serving you through advanced training, dedication to perfection and unmatched personal care.
We are confident you will not be disappointed!
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