Tummy Tuck

Pregnancy and weight loss are two wonderful things in life that unfortunately can leave behind some unpleasant mementos such as excess skin or a residual “protrusion” in the abdominal area. If you are tired of hiding your stomach, Dr. Husni is here to help. He will first make sure you are an ideal candidate for the tummy tuck procedure. If your aesthetic goals cannot be accomplished through abdominoplasty, Dr. Husni will be able to suggest other body procedures to address all of your problem areas.

During your assessment, Dr. Husni will take into account your body type, expectations, lifestyle, general health, and other factors. Ideal candidates for the surgery must have the proper body type with loose skin above and below the navel region. Additionally, the patient will be close to or at their ideal body weight. Additional weight loss or weight gain after the procedure can reduce or reverse the results. As such, Dr. Husni recommends that women who plan to be pregnant in the future wait to have the surgery until they are done having children. If a candidate is a smoker, he or she will need to not smoke at least six weeks prior to and after the procedure. Dr. Husni will also ask about any current medications or previous surgeries. He will make the final recommendation for surgery at your consultation.

When you come in for a consultation, be prepared to discuss the following:

• Your medical history
• Current medications and alcohol or tobacco use
• Your surgical goals

Dr. Husni will spend time evaluating your general health status to determine if you are a candidate for abdominoplasty. Dr. Husni will give you a comprehensive physical examination prior to making this decision. He will ask questions about your lifestyle and expectations for how you want to look after the surgery before recommending a course of treatment. Dr. Husni firmly believes that a fully informed patient will feel more at ease throughout the procedure process and will inevitably be more satisfied with their results. As a result, he is happy to answer any questions you may have about the procedure prior to surgery.

In preparing for your tummy tuck procedure, you will need to quit smoking at least six weeks prior to the surgery and continue to not smoke for at least six weeks after. Smoking increases the risk of complications and inhibits the healing process.

You should be as close as possible to your ideal weight in order to ensure optimal results. This means you will need to establish healthy eating habits prior to the surgery, and you’ll need to maintain them after the surgery. Patients who revert to poor dietary habits after the surgery may experience weight gain and the effects of the tummy tuck can be reversed.

You will need to prepare your home with items that will make recovery easier. Ice packs and petroleum jelly should be easily accessible. Plan to have plenty of clean clothing that is loose and comfortable. Consider investing in a handheld showerhead and a bathroom chair to make personal hygiene easier. Also, bring a designated driver on the day of the surgery, as you will not be fit to operate a vehicle following surgery. Arrange for someone to stay with you for at least a night after you return home.

There are a variety of different abdominoplasty operations that each remove different amounts of skin. Dr. Husni will determine your best option during your consultation. The main types of operations include:

Mini Tummy Tuck
During this procedure, a smaller portion of the skin is removed and the incision can usually be hidden under the bikini line. Dr. Husni will discuss with you the exact placement of the incision. The size of the incision will vary with the amount of skin removed. As a general rule, the more skin that needs to be removed, the larger the scar will be.

A mini tummy tuck is the best option for people who have a small amount of belly fat that won’t disappear with diet and exercise. The surgeon will make an incision in the lower abdominal wall, remove minor excess skin, tighten your abdominal muscles, and finally close the incision. This type of operation usually does not require the belly button to be repositioned.

Standard Tummy Tuck
This is the procedure most people undergo when they’re left with excess skin after pregnancy or weight loss. Candidates for a standard tummy tuck will have more excess skin than candidates for a mini tummy tuck. It involves an incision that reaches from hip to hip, similar to the scar you would receive from a C-section, as well as an incision around the belly button. Excess abdominal skin is removed, and the belly button is repositioned. Additionally, liposuction may be used to remove excess fat. This procedure is typically performed as an outpatient, and patients should expect a longer recovery time.

Extended Tummy Tuck
Patients who have a large amount of excess skin or abdominal protrusion will undergo an extended tummy tuck. Candidates for an extended tummy tuck may also have excess fat around the hips and lower back. This procedure involves a large incision that reaches around the hips to the lower back area. Liposuction will be used to remove excess fat before the incision is closed. The belly button will be reposition. Patients may require a short hospital stay and a longer recovery period.

Abdominoplasty is considered a safe procedure, but as with any surgery, potentially life-threatening complications could arise. Dr. Husni advises all patients to weigh the benefits and potential risks before undergoing surgery. Patients who follow his instructions before and after surgery will minimize their risk for complications.

One of the most common risks is seroma, which is a build-up of fluid under the skin. If this happens, Dr. Husni will drain the fluid with a needle. Specialized drains can also be inserted around the incision area to promote proper drainage. This will not have any effect on your recovery.

Infection and blood clots are potential risks after surgery, though they rarely occur. If an infection develops, it will be treated with antibiotics and drainage. You should engage in light physical activity as soon as possible after surgery to avoid the risk of blood clots, which could lead to more severe complications.

Patients who follow Dr. Husni’s instructions before and during recovery greatly reduce their risk for complications. Additionally, the risk of any and all complications is minimal when patients choose a double board-certified surgeon. Most of these complications arise with unqualified surgeons or surgeons who use incorrect techniques.

Your recovery time will depend on the type of operation performed, but it generally takes between two to four weeks before patients can resume most normal activities. Most patients plan to take one to two weeks off work, depending on the nature of his or her profession. However, the duration of each individual’s recovery period is largely determined by his or her health prior to surgery and the patient’s age. Initially, patients may experience some bruising and discomfort due to internal swelling. Patients may also experience some difficulty standing up straight for the first week or two as the body continues to heal. We advise our patients to take it easy during the weeks following the procedure, performing the light activity as tolerated. Avoid heavy lifting, and get plenty of rest to let the body fully recover.

Schedule your private consultation with Dr. Husni today to discover your best options for a tummy tuck. At Neo Aesthetic Institute in Independence, OH, patients will receive a comprehensive and caring approach to their aesthetic needs. Ask about how other body contouring procedures can provide even a more dramatic improvement, making you feel naturally beautiful with ease.

Can I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck will not impede your ability to get pregnant in the future. However, you should wait at least six months after the surgery before getting pregnant.

Will I have scars after a tummy tuck?

Tummy tucks result in a horizontal scar across the lower abdomen. You can minimize the appearance of your scarring by closely following Dr. Husni’s directions through recovery.

Will I need drains after a tummy tuck?

It’s normal to have drains placed as you recover from a tummy tuck. These are typically removed a few days after the surgery.