Also Known as: Gastric Bybass Tummy Tuck; Mini Tummy Tuck; Post Pregnancy Tummy Tuck; Abdominoplasty

You've put in countless hours of intense exercise. You've remained dedicated to your strict diet regiment. And yet, your large protruding abdomen, with all its' accompanying excess skin and loosen muscles, still linger as a constant source of frustration and disappointment. But there is an answer - if this scenario is all to familiar - you may be the perfect candidate for tummy tuck surgery.

This procedure, medically known as abdominiplasty, may be able to help you.

Tummy tuck(s) is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The result is a dramatic reduction of a protruding abdomen. Mini tummy tucks, or partial abdominiplasty, is a similar procedure that targets the lower abdomen only. This procedure is much less invasive and shorter than a full tummy tuck.

Both procedures can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. The result is an enhanced appearance and a significant increase in your self-esteem and confidence.

The best candidates for these plastic surgery tummy tuck are individuals in relatively good shape (i.e. close to desired weight) but are bothered by a large abdomen that exercise or diet cannot correct. If you have the following conditions, that you may be a good candidate for this surgery:

• If you have lost a lot of weight through diet and exercise but still have large fat deposits or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to the aforementioned diet and exercise.

• If you have lost a lot of weight following surgery (i.e. gastric bypass) and now have loose skin remaining.

• If you have had multiple pregnancies and have stretched your abdominal muscles and skin beyond a point where they can't return to normal.

• If you are only slightly obese.

• If you are an older individual that have lost your skin elasticity.

If you're considering tummy tuck surgery, this site will give you a comprehensive basis for understanding all elements of the procedure - the procedure, the costs, expected results, its relation to pregnancies, hernia, hysterectomy, and gastric bypass surgeries, the risks and side effects, and recovery, just to name a few. Our objective is to provide you with the knowledge you require so you can make an informed decision on whether to pursue to option.

Abdominoplasty, whether partial or complete, has produced excellent results for an increasing amount of men and women. Over 101,000 tummy tuck procedures were performed in the US in 2003, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, with the operation being the 6th most popular plastic surgery procedure. In fact, tummy tuck operations have shown the highest rate of increase over the past 3 years (61%) compared to other plastic surgery procedures.

Consultation with your doctor or specialist is strongly advocated. They will provide you with the best method of realistically achieving your goals.

Abdominoplasty will enhance your body contour by making your abdomen firmer and flatter. Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your abdomen should remain firmer and flatter for many years.

So join the thousands upon thousands of people today who are taking a proactive step to improving their image. These individuals often look back to their surgery as a turning point, where their lives became more enriching due to their newfound vitality and confidence!

Gastric Bypass Tummy Tucks

Severe obesity is a chronic condition that is difficult to treat through diet and exercise alone. Gastrointestinal surgery is the best option for people who are severely obese and cannot lose weight by traditional means or who suffer from serious obesity-related health problems. The surgery promotes weight loss by restricting food intake and, in some operations, interrupting the digestive process.

• Currently, 65 percent of all Americans are overweight or obese

• Overweight and obesity are included in the key risk factors for developing diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, gallbladder disease and some forms of cancer

• A person is morbidly obese if they weight at least 100 pounds over ideal body weight

• A morbidly obese person faces a death rate 12 times that of a non-obese person

• In 1991, 12 percent of Americans were considered obese

• In 2001, 20 percent of Americans were considered obese: 21.4 million men and 22.9 million women

• Weight loss surgery is recommended for morbidly obese people with a BMI of over 40, or for obese people with a BMI of over 35 and severe health conditions: For a five-foot-eight-inch person, BMI of 40 is weight over 262 pounds, For a five-foot-eight-inch person, BMI of 35 is weight over 230 pounds

Malabsorptive operations are the most common gastrointestinal surgeries for weight loss, and gastric bypass is the most common and successful malabsorptive surgery procedure. Gastric bypass surgery involves creating a small stomach pouch to restrict food intake. Next, a section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the lower stomach, and the first and second segments of the small intestine (duodenum and jejunum respectively). The bypass reduces the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs. After gastric bypass surgery, approximately 60% of weight is lost within the next two years.

In 2003, more than 103,000 people underwent gastric bypass surgery in 2003, compared with 67,000 patients who had the surgery in 2002, according to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery.

However, despite the massive weight loss after gastric bypass surgery, some of these patients continue to face health concerns related to the large amount of excess skin and fatty tissue that remains around the waist. This can be cause back and postural problems. This excess skin can prevent patients from exercise and daily activities and puts them at risk of recurrent skin infections and skin breakdown.

Consequently, as requests for gastric bypass surgeries increase, body- contouring surgeries, such as tummy tuck surgery (abdominiplasty) has become a major focus of the plastic surgery community. There has been a steep increase of people who now undergo tummy tucks after gastric bypass surgery to remove excessive skin in the abdominal region. Removing this excess skin and fatty tissue can be extremely rewarding to the person who has just lost over 100 pounds and feels great except for this large roll of tissue around their midsection.

Although there are some cases of simultaneous gastric bypass and tummy tuck surgeries, it is generally advised amongst surgeons and specialists to wait 12-24 months after gastric bypass surgery before undergoing tummy tuck plastic surgery. This provides significantly less complications including fewer wound infections and less wound reopening. In addition, 20% of patients who had simultaneous gastric bypass and tummy tuck surgery had the surgery repeated later due to additional weight loss.

Removal of the excessive skin and fat is more than an aesthetic issue. As previously mentioned, skin breakdown and infections are serious health concerns and excess skin, especially in the abdomen, can prevent patients from regular activity and exercise, which is a crucial component to weight loss and future health. These problems have led many insurance companies to consider tummy tuck operations and other body contouring procedures as a covered operation and not just a cosmetic surgery. Insurance can usually cover the operations with an appropriate pre-authorization letter. Therefore it is wise to consult your insurance company prior to the operation.

Hysterectomy with Tummy Tuck

Hysterectomy is a very common operation defined as the surgical removal of the uterus (womb). This operation is commonly conducted in women to cure and alleviate a number of gynecological complaints. The fallopian tubes and ovaries may also be removed at the time of hysterectomy. A partial (or supracervical) hysterectomy is removal of just the upper portion of the uterus, leaving the cervix intact. A total hysterectomy is removal of the entire uterus and the cervix. A radical hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, the tissue on both sides of the cervix (parametrium), and the upper part of the vagina.

The majority of hysterectomies are performed when a woman is aged between 40 and 50, however many do occur before and after this age group. Hysterectomy is the second most common major surgery among women in the United States. (The most common major surgery that women have is cesarean section delivery). Each year, more than 600,000 hysterectomies are performed. About one third of women in the United States have had a hysterectomy by age 60.

Major reasons for hysterectomy include:

• Removal of uterine fibroids along the muscle of the uterus

• Endometriosis

• Uterine prolapse

• Cancers affecting the pelvic organs

• Chronic pelvic pain and/or chronic pelvic inflammatory disease

• Heavy bleedings during or between periods

Today, more and more women are taking the opportunity to have tummy tuck plastic surgery in conjunction with their hysterectomy. Tummy tuck surgery, or abdominiplasty, removes excessive abdominal fat and skin from the middle and lower abdomen. Mini tummy tuck removes this excessive skin and fat from the lower abdomen only.

Let's think about what these women have done - they've had their babies, worked hard, and ransacked their bodies during the whole pregnancy process. They've done this and done, unselfishly, for the greater good of her family. Through all that, you can only expect them to allow themselves a reward for the fruits of their labor. It's time they thought of themselves for a change!

Mini Tummy Tucks

Mini tummy tucks (or partial abdominiplasty) were designed to address contour problems without as much loose skin as standard tummy tucks. Mini tummy tucks are generally directed at situations where the muscle elasticity is lost in the lower abdomen wall only. This is an operation for problems that are not severe enough to need a full abdominoplasty yet are too extensive for liposuction alone to handle.

The lowest part of our abdomen just below the belly button is prone to laxity. Here the rectus muscles (sit up muscles) only have an outer layer of strengthening tissue (fascia). For most of this distance, the posterior fascia does not exist. That is why there is a natural pout to the abdomen just below the belly button. Mini-tummy tucks are used to correct problems from the naval down to the pubic bone, such as:

• bulging abdomen

• muscle weakness

• sagging skin

• excess fat

Pregnancy stretches the abdominal wall and in most cases, the abdominal area does not return to its initial youthful state. This lower part of the rectus muscles is more prone to permanent stretching during pregnancy. This is the common site of loose extra tissue after childbirth. This is why mini tummy tucks are especially effective in correcting problems resulting from pregnancy. This is fast becoming a common surgical procedure for mothers who are unhappy with their post-pregnancy appearance.

This surgical procedure is also common among men who have loose skin around the lower abdomen. This is often the case in men after gastric bypass surgery and massive weight loss.

Mini tummy tucks concentrates on the area below the bellybutton—the most frequent site of elasticity loss. Mini Tummy Tucks require a small incision above the pubis. This exposes the abdominal muscles, and allows the doctor to0 remove access fat and a strip of skin, and tightens the muscles of the lower abdominal wall. A strip of skin (usually 1-2 inches thick) is stretched down and the incision is closed. During the procedure, the belly button is detached and then reattached after removal of the fat and excess skin. It is fairly normal to use liposuction in conjunction with the mini tummy tuck to remove the fatty deposits from the lower abdominal area.

Elements of mini tummy tucks are summarized:

• Liposuction Contouring

• Limited skin excision sculpting tissue below the belly button

• Removal of excess skin

• Separating the belly button from its deeper attachments and letting it move downwards

• Closure of the old belly button space in the muscle wall

• Tightening of the lower and upper parts of the abdominal rectus muscles.

Usually, mini tummy tuck patients experience quicker recovery times than with a full tummy tuck, as the mini tummy tuck addresses a more isolated area. Mini tummy tucks involves a single, smaller incision that is usually between two and four inches along the pubic line. Unlike the full abdominoplasty, there is no secondary incision around the navel. The beneficial result is much less scarring, and a significantly lower recovery time. In addition, another advantage of mini tummy tuck surgery is that it typically takes an hour and a half to two hours, which is a lot less than the full tummy tuck surgeries. Consequently, the fees may be about 30 to 50 per cent lower than the fees charged for the full tummy tuck.

Several factors may determine whether you're a candidate for a mini-tummy tuck, including

• the depth at which your fat is located

• your muscle tone

• the elasticity of your skin

• how close you are to your desired body weight

• current health status

Partial abdominoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence if you are the right candidate. As with any surgical procedure, the operation carries potential risks. Therefore you can learn more about mini-tummy tucks form this informative site as we can connect you with a reputable and experienced surgeon.

Pregnancy After Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty, the medical term for what is commonly called a "Tummy tuck," involves surgically removing excess skin and fat from the middle and lower part of the abdomen and sometimes tightening the abdominal muscles. The result is a flatter abdomen, and sometimes, a smaller waist, because the procedure corrects loose, sagging skin and excess fat. Any scars are usually located below the line of a swimsuit or underwear.

The procedure is especially useful for women whose skin has stretched after more than one pregnancy. For people whose fat deposits are just on the lower part of the abdomen, a partial abdominoplasty or mini-tummy tuck may be an option.

The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through the stretching of multiple pregnancies, have abdominal muscles and skin that will no longer return to normal. Following pregnancy, many women find that they have:

• resistant fat pockets on the abdominal wall

• loose unsightly skin

• stretch marks on the lower abdomen.

Prominent abdominal contour scars like those sometimes seen after Caesarian delivery and other surgery can be removed or improved during this abdominal sculpting. Transverse caesarian scar above the pubic region are often adherent to the deeper tissues and accentuates the fold before surgery.

Ideally, women planning future pregnancies should consider waiting for tummy tuck surgery.

During pregnancy this abdomen area that was involved in tummy tuck surgery stretches to accommodate the growing fetus. The muscles that were tightened during plastic surgery tummy tuck can separate again during pregnancy. The skin that is re-stretched may not return to normal proportions again.

That being said, the newborn baby's health is generally not complicated because of abdominiplasty surgery. Consider this, caesarian (c) section surgery is much more invasive than tummy tucks because c-sections cut into your uterus whereas tummy tucks do not.

Although most plastic surgeons and specialists agree that it is best to have this surgery performed after you are finished with having children for optimal results, there are many women who do have pregnancies after tummy tuck surgery without experiencing any problems throughout the whole procedure. It is common for the surgical abdominal muscle repair to become sore, but loosening of these muscles do not always occur, and with today's advancing plastic surgery technologies, it is rare to have permanent damage after pregnancy.

Abdominoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence. It will not necessarily change your looks to match your ideal or cause other people to treat your differently therefore you should think carefully about what this surgery has to offer. Remember, pregnancy following tummy tuck plastic surgery may not result in the most favorable results, although the baby's health will generally not be complicated during pregnancy and child birth.

Tummy Tuck Before and After

More and more men and women are investigating tummy tuck plastic surgery, or abdominiplasty, to flatten their abdomen, thereby enhancing their body image, self-esteem, and confidence. This surgical procedure involves tightening loose muscles and removing excessive skin and fat around the abdomen.

The most common groups of people who undertake this surgery are:

• Men and women who have a large amount of fat and loose skin on the abdomen that will not go away with exercise or diet, and whose skin is not elastic enough to have liposuction

• Women who have baggy folds of skin on the abdomen and/or weakened abdominal muscles after pregnancy

• Older people who, due to age and being a little overweight, have sagging, loose skin on the abdomen or weakened abdominal muscles

BEFORE SURGERY

Proper preparation before tummy tuck surgery is key to ensure a comfortable and safe experience. A comprehensive consultation period with the surgeon is crucial to discuss your expectations and concerns. An examination will reveal available treatment options, so you choose the optimal one to pursue.

The doctor will instruct the patient how to prepare for surgery, such as when to stop eating and drinking before the operation. In addition, the surgeon may advise these precautions:

• Female patients taking oral contraceptives should stop taking it and use another birth control method until after the surgery to reduce the risk of getting blood clots.

• Avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs before surgery since these drugs contribute to bleeding during and after surgery. Some vitamins and herbs also affect bleeding, so patients should ask their doctor which nutritional supplements they should avoid.

• Patients who smoke should stop smoking for a time before and after the surgery if the surgeon recommends it. Smokers are at risk of getting a chest infection after anesthesia. Also, smoking reduces blood flow to the skin, which can raise the risk of circulation problems after surgery.

A full tummy tuck operation generally takes 3-6 hours depending on the extent of the operation based on the individual's requirements. For mini tummy tuck operations, the procedure generally lasts 1-2 hours.

AFTER SURGERY

For the first few days after tummy tuck surgery, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort, which can be controlled by medication. After you are released from the hospital, a proper recovery regiment should be followed based on advice from your surgeon. A compression garment is generally worn for a few weeks to alleviate pressure and provide comfort for the operated areas. Patients are strongly advised to install a gentle exercise regiment to improve blood circulation, which will prevent the formation of blood clots.

Results will become more obvious as tummy tuck swelling declines. Some patients may not see the final result for three to six months or longer. However, in the long run, abdominiplasty produces excellent results, enhancing your body contour by making your abdomen firmer and flatter. It is often found that patients find themselves to feel more comfortable in your clothing and are more confident about your appearance - leading to an overall better quality of life.

Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your abdomen should remain firmer and flatter for many years. It is important to follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly to maintain these results.

Tummy Tuck Complications

Tummy tuck plastic surgery, or abdominiplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that reduces the amount of loose skin and excess fat, as well as tightening them muscles from the abdominal area. This surgical procedure involves making incisions in the lower abdomen above the pubis and around the navel to expose the underlying abdominal muscles. The muscles are pulled together and sewn and the skin is stretched down, with extra skin removed. Often liposuction is performed to eliminate fatty tissue in the area. The result from this procedure is a new and improved abdomen - that is firmer, smoother, and generally more appealing to the eye.

Thousands of abdominoplasties are performed successfully each year. When done by a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon that is trained in body contouring, the results are generally quite positive. Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure. These risks include:

• A bad reaction to anesthesia

• Unplanned hospital admission

• A collection of blood under the skin (hematoma, or "blood blister")

• Poor healing and excess scarring

• A degree of permanent numbness of the abdomen

In some cases, complications can be severe and may potentially lead to:

• Heavy bleeding

• Infection

• Blood clots, particularly in women taking birth control pills

• Skin tissue death (necrosis), especially in smokers and people with diabetes

• Lung problems

• Death

With the advancement of techniques and technologies in the plastic surgery industry, these risks are deemed increasingly rare. Be sure that you understand the surgical procedure and inquire about steps your surgeon is taking to minimize risk. The following is a list of techniques that many progressive surgeons utilize to reduce complications associated with tummy tuck operations.

• Reducing Seroma (fluid collections) - Seroma is a fluid collection (your own) which collect under the skin after surgery. To prevent seromas, many surgeons place drains under the skin at the time of surgery. However, another very effective maneuver is for your surgeon to place internal stitches between your fascia (gristle) and undersurface of your fat. This will prevent fluid collection before they start, and often makes it possible to remove your drains within 2-3 days of surgery rather than a week or more. Many surgeons choose not to place these sutures because they are not experienced with them. Be certain that your surgeon has experience placing them and that irregularities are not a concern.

• Reducing Pain and Nausea - The greatest source of pain and nausea following this operation is related to the rectus muscle, which is tightened during the tummy tuck operation. If your plastic surgeon simply injects long-lasting numbing medicine in the muscle, it will markedly reduce your pain and expedite your recovery. Every surgeon should do this, because it is so simple, yet few take the time.

• Reducing scarring - Applying a topical steroid cream for a few days following surgery can significantly reduce scars. If done consistently for about 6 weeks, scars fade faster and become much less noticeable.

So remember, you can reduce your risk of complications by closely following your surgeon's instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should resume physical activity.

All in all, abdominiplasty surgery is a relatively safe operation - with complications being restricted mainly to discomfort. But complications that are more severe have occurred in the past. That is why it is imperative that you educate yourself about these potential risks to give yourself every preparation to minimize the risks involved with this surgical procedure.

Tummy Tuck Costs

Abdominoplasty, better known as a "tummy tuck," is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The majority of people who undergo this operation are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal.

More and more people are choosing to have tummy tuck surgery performed on them to enhance their image, which would inevitability lead to healthier self-esteem and confidence. Many of these people credit their tummy tuck operation for their improved quality of life.

• Over 101,000 tummy tuck procedures were performed in the US in 2003, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

• Tummy tuck operations are the 6th most popular plastic surgery procedure.

• Tummy tuck operations have shown the highest rate of increase over the past 3 years (61%) compared to other plastic surgery procedures.

Indeed, Americans have taken notice of the various possibilities afforded by tummy tucks. However, one of the most significant factors for people who are thinking about undergoing this cosmetic procedure is the actual cost of the operation.

The various costs associated with tummy tuck may vary significantly from $3000 to $8500. The cost of surgery depends on the problem and complexity of the surgical sculpture. When calculating the total price for surgery, you will need to consider several additional costs. According to cost data supplied by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the national average for surgeon fees, relative to abdominoplasty surgery, is approximately $4,461 in 2003. Factors that vary into the cost of surgery include:

• Location of surgical practice, whether it is an urban, suburban, or rural are will influence the cost.

• Surgeon fees - there is a large variation in cost dependent on the surgeon themselves, with the most reputable surgeons generally charging more.

• Medical tests prior to the tummy tuck surgery to evaluate the patient's condition.

• Anesthesiologist fees.

• Operating room fees - whether the procedure will be carried out in the surgeon's office or in a hospital environment.

• Overnight stay at a hospital or the surgeon's facilities will increase the cost - Generally most patients will not require overnight stays unless the surgery is extensive or is conducted in conjunction with another surgical procedure such as a hernia or gastric bypass operations.

• Post-surgery medical prescriptions and compression garments.

In an effort to make the tummy tuck surgery relatively affordable, many plastic surgeons offer a variety of financing options. While most insurance companies will not cover the cost of cosmetic surgeries, a certain percentage of the cost can be subsidized if the operation is performed in combined with medical procedures to repair certain aspects of your health such as hernias. In most cases, your surgeon will be required to submit a letter to the insurance carrier to make the case of tummy tuck surgery as a medical necessity.

Therefore it is imperative that you obtain a comprehensive cost figure during your consultation with the plastic surgeon(s). Also communication with you insurance company is important to determine if there is any coverage. With any cosmetic surgery, this may affect future insurance coverage for you and your premiums may increase.

Tummy Tuck for Stretch Marks

Skin stretches during periods of rapid weight gain to accommodate increased body volume. Because skin is elastic, it will tolerate significant stretching over a short period of time, such as during pregnancy. However, at some point, the skin reaches a limit, and the deepest layer will tear instead of stretching further. When the deep layer tears, the overlying skin remains intact but appears thin and streaky. These streaks are called stretch marks. Once stretch marks occur, they are permanent.

These stretch mark lines start out red and then evolve to a white depressed scar with a different mobility than adjacent tissue. The exact cause is unknown, but the leading theory describes the formation of stretch marks as due to degradation of collagen, which then heals with a scar.

Stretch marks are often a source of disturbance and frustration for women, particularly those who have undergone childbirth. Due to pregnancy, their abdominal area will get stretched out resulting in loose skin and a lot of stretch marks. No matter how intense their post-pregnancy work-out regiment is, or how healthy their diet is, or how much firming lotions, stretch-away creams, and other supplements they use, many women will find out that nothing has worked. Although there have been many treatments available to remove stretch marks, results have not been consistent nor do we know about the long term results. And indeed, many doctors conclude there is no consistently effective (non-surgical) treatment for stretch marks. This can be a source of great aggravation and disappointment for women suffering from stretch marks- leading to a low self- esteem.

But there is an answer in tummy tucks, otherwise known as abdominiplasty. This surgical procedure is performed to remove excess fatty tissue and skin folds in the mid and lower abdominal region and to tighten up the abdominal wall - and in the process, it removes those unsightly stretch marks.

Tummy tuck surgery involves making an incision to remove loose skin and excessive fat. The length of the incision is determined by the amount of loose skin that is to be removed. The incision lengths vary from as short as six inches (Mini Tummy Tuck) to as long as the entire circumference of the waist (Body Lift). The most common incision length runs from hip to hip concealed beneath the bikini line (Full or Traditional Tummy Tuck).

Abdominal stretch marks occur primarily below the belly button. Because much of the skin below the belly button is removed during a Tummy Tuck, stretch marks in this area are also removed. If you have stretch marks below your belly button and are also interested in having a tummy tuck, then this operation will remove those stretch marks. It is agreed that there is no other proven treatment for stretch marks.

Interested people are recommended to consult a board certified plastic surgeon in order to determine your individual needs. It should be remembered that. It is important to remember that by undergoing tummy tuck surgery you will be trading one scar for another. It is only therefore used, as in 'scar revision' surgery, when the trade off is worth it, for example, in a woman with a bulging lower tummy which has multiple stretch marks, a tummy tuck operation will improve both the bulge and remove her lower tummy stretch marks.

Tummy tuck plastic surgery combined with hysterectomy, is generally advocated as being safe. The amazing growth experienced by the plastic surgery industry has led to major technological advancements allowing for a relatively easy procedure and a safe and comfortable recovery. It is important to remember that combining hysterectomy and abdominiplasty surgical procedures, like any other surgical procedures, may increase complications. Therefore, consultation with your gynecologist and/or plastic surgeon is necessary to evaluate each patient's individual case.

Tummy Tuck Garment

A tummy tuck, also referred to as abdominiplasty, can remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen while tightening your abdominal muscles. This procedure is particularly effective at reducing the bulge of a protuberant abdomen. This procedure is particularly beneficial for women whose abdominal muscles and skin have stretches as a result of multiple pregnancies. Those patients who are older, obese, and have lost the elasticity of their skin can also find the procedure to be very effective. Tummy tuck can be partial (mini tuck) or complete. Tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck surgery may be performed alone or in conjunction with liposuction to achieve the look that you desire.

After your operation, it is normal to experience some swelling and discomfort on the area treated, although this should fade after a day or two with the help of some prescribe medication. Following the tummy tuck procedure, your doctor will ask you to wear a compression garment. Post-operative compression garments are a vital part of the recovery process from a cosmetic surgery, as choosing the right garment can have a significant impact on your healing. These garments are essential to improve blood circulation, minimize swelling after operation, and accelerate the healing process, leading to the patient's return to normal activities sooner.

There are a variety of different types of compression garments available for men and women who have underwent tummy tuck surgery. Garments are well-fitting and comfortable, and are made of the highest quality. These products enhance comfort during the healing phase, treat any adverse side effects, and speed up recovery. Compression garments can increase comfort after tummy tuck or minituck abdominoplasty surgery. These garments were designed to provide support to surgical areas for more comfort and helps the skin fit better to its new contours. The garment will limit jiggling and bouncing of tissue since pressure on the affected tissues can decrease bruising and swelling.

Wearing a non-medical garment from your local store that is not specifically made for a cosmetic or medical procedure (such as off-the shelf girdles, athletic shorts and bras) can unnecessarily prolong your recovery time, slow down your healing, worsen your swelling and other symptoms, and increase the discomfort that you experience during the healing journey. Just because a non-medical garment might seem to offer some degree of compression does not mean that it is good for post-operative recovery from a plastic surgery. There is a big difference between medical, plastic surgery compression garments and off-the-shelf girdles, bras, or athletic shorts that you might find in your local store.

While a non-medical girdle or a pair of athletic tights can be made of high quality, they were not designed for cosmetic surgery recovery. In addition, these non-medical products are not meant to be worn for a long period of time. These can lead to considerable discomfort and even pain, which disturbs the healing process.

Compression garments are designed with a targeted compression technology that makes sure that you receive the maximum compression in key surgical areas. In addition to providing maximum compression in the surgical areas, the garment will also provide general support for all areas of the body that the garment is covering. Features include having flat lock stitching, having no seams at key surgical areas, and the highest quality threads, zippers, hook and eye closures, and are either 100% latex free and/or formaldehyde free.

The combination of targeted compression and general support helps reduce the overall recovery time, improves comfort, and helps you get the best cosmetic outcome.

Tummy Tuck Procedure

Abdominiplasty, commonly known as "tummy tucks", is a cosmetic surgical procedure intended to reduce the amount of loose skin and excessive fat around the abdomen area. There are two types of abdominiplasty operations:

1. Complete Abdominiplasty (Full Tummy Tuck) targets the middle and lower abdomen.

2. Partial Adominiplasty (Mini Tummy Tuck) targets the lower abdomen only.

Tummy tuck surgery, partial and complete, is performed under a general or a local anesthesia. Tumescent anesthesia is a liquid solution that is injected into the fat tissue located directly under the skin. It's taken into the rest of the body slowly, and provides a localized effect. The primary active ingredient in tumescent anesthesia's is lidocaine, a standard anesthetic which numbs the area into which it's injected. A second medicine, epinephrine (adrenaline), is added to constrict the blood vessels to prevent excessive bleeding. In many cases, a sedative is applied such as Valium to help patients relax prior to surgery. On occasion, an intravenous pain reliever like Demoral is used to relax the patient even further, and enables them to drift of to sleep if they choose.

Complete Abominiplasty (Full Tummy Tuck) Surgical Procedure

After anesthesia, a long incision will be made from one hipbone to the other in the area above the pubic region and another one to allow the navel to detach from the surrounding tissue, but the incision size will depend on how much skin needs to be removed.

A second incision is made around the navel to free the navel from surrounding tissue.

The large skin flap is separated from the abdominal wall and lifted up to the ribs to reveal the underlying abdominal muscles.

These muscles are tighten by pulling them in close and stitching them together in their new position - this provides a firmer abdominal wall as well as narrowing the waistline.

The skin flap is then stretched down and excessive skin is trimmed away.

A new hole for the navel (belly button) is made and sewn in place - the old belly button will be too low.

Incisions are closed and an elastic dressing is put into place.

A temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.

Partial Abdominiplasty (Mini Tummy Tucks) Surgical Procedure

For partial abdominiplasty (mini tummy tucks), the surgical procedure is similar to complete abdominiplasty, except that only one incision is made above the pubis and the incision is much shorter (4-6 inches). The skin is separated between the incision line and the navel. The skin flap is stretched down and the excess fat and skin is removed before the flap is stitched back into place. The area above the naval is unaffected.

A full tummy tuck surgery will take a few hours to perform, but the time it takes to complete the surgical procedure will depend on the extent of the work being done. A mini tummy tuck surgery will usually take just an hour or two to complete. Most patients that have undergone full abdominiplasty are recommended to stay overnight at the surgeon's inpatient facilities or hospital. This is almost always to case for patients combining abdominiplasty with another surgical procedure such as hernias. For people who have had partial abdominiplasty performed on them, they are normally treated on an outpatient basis, since the procedure is shorter and less invasive than the full tummy tuck.

If you're interested in pursuing a tummy tuck, it is easy to minimize the risks involved with this operation. Here are some tips:

• Choose a physician with surgical training who has experience in performing tummy tucks. Ask the physician how many procedures he or she has performed.

• Be in good health. Be sure to inform the surgeon about any past and present medical problems and about any medicines they take.

• Follow the surgeon's advice before and after surgery.

• Do not sunburn the abdomen just before or after surgery.

• Avoid strenuous activity for several weeks after surgery.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

Tummy tuck surgery, or abdominiplasty, is a cosmetic procedure done by an increasing amount of men and women who are looking to reduce loose skin, flabby muscles, and excessive fat in the abdominal area. The surgical procedure involves making an incision to tighten the abdominal muscle and trim unnecessary skin to produce a firm and smooth abdomen. Like any surgical procedure, proper steps should be taken to accelerate the recovery process.

For the first few days after tummy tuck surgery, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort, which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be released within a few hours or you may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days. Common side effects after a tummy tuck include:

• Discomfort or pain, which may need pain medication during the first few days

• Bruises and swelling of the abdomen

• Bleeding

• Numbness of the central part of the abdomen below the navel

• Nausea or vomiting after general anesthesia

Tummy tuck recovery follows two distinctive phases:

1. The first step to optimal tummy tuck recovery is postoperative care. The patient may spend a few hours or several days in initial tummy tuck recovery, resting in the hospital and adjusting to the regimen of antibiotics and painkillers. Bed rest for two to three days is recommended. While in bed, your legs should be bent at the hips in order to reduce the strain on the abdominal area. Patients usually need to wear a compression garment over the treated area to control swelling and help in healing.

2. The next tummy tuck recovery phase comes when the patient returns home. Most surgeons give their patients explicit, personalized instructions regarding tummy tuck recovery. These directions include the ways to prevent blood clots, monitor for infection, and optimization of tummy tuck recovery, including ways to prevent excessive scarring.

3. The next recovery phase involves maintenance of your new abdomen - patients should institute an exercise and good diet regiment. Exercise will reduce tummy tuck swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably. After surgery, patients should call the doctor right away if they experience:

• Severe pain

• Signs of an infection, such as redness at the treatment site and fever

• Breathing difficulties after general anesthesia

Tummy tuck recovery speeds depend to a large degree upon the level of fitness of the individual. Tummy tuck recovery for a person with strong abdominal muscles can take less than two weeks, while tummy tuck recovery for an individual unaccustomed to exercise may take significantly longer. Full tummy tuck recovery generally takes six months, when all swelling is gone and scar tissue drastically reduced.

You know yourself personally, so make sure you set up the safest, most comfortable recovery area before you undergo the surgery to meet your personal needs.

Tummy Tuck Results

Tummy tuck plastic surgery, or complete abdominiplasty, is procedure that involves removing loose skin and excessive fat from the middle and lower part of the abdomen. The procedure also can entail tightening the abdominal muscles. The result is a flatter and smoother abdomen, and sometimes, a smaller waist. Mini tummy tuck plastic surgery, or partial abdominiplasty, is a similar, less-invasive procedure that targets the lower abdomen only.

Tummy tuck surgery can accomplish many things that you normally would not be able to accomplish on your own - no matter how much you diet and/or how intense you work out. Dieting and working out may tone your muscles and help you lose weight, but they will not tighten your loose skin, nor will they tighten your loose inner girdle.

The inner girdle extends from your rib cage down to your pubic bone and from one side of your abdomen to the other. The inner girdle is made of the same stuff as gristle on a steak. It is situated between your rectus muscles and your abdominal fat. It is tough and serves to support the contents of your abdomen so that they don't bulge outward. For women, the inner girdle often will become extended and loose following multiple pregnancies.

A tummy tuck will tighten your inner girdle, which will result in a flat stomach. Tummy tuck also removes loose skin of your lower abdomen and tightens the skin of your upper abdomen. Abdominoplasty can also remove nearly all the fat of your lower abdomen as well as any present stretch marks. In fact, there is practically nothing that pregnancy can do to your abdomen that a tummy tuck can't fix.

The best candidates for tummy tucks or mini tummy tucks are people whose weight is fairly normal. A tummy tuck is not a weight-loss technique and is not suitable for obese people. The surgery generally helps:

• Men and women who have a large amount of fat and loose skin on the abdomen that will not go away with exercise or diet, and whose skin is not elastic enough to have liposuction

• Women who have baggy folds of skin on the abdomen and/or weakened abdominal muscles after pregnancy

• Older people who, due to age and being a little overweight, have sagging, loose skin on the abdomen or weakened abdominal muscles

Tummy tuck operation will always result in scar(s) due to incisions. For complete abdominiplasty, there will be a scar from hip to hip and also another scar around the umbilical (belly button) area. For partial abdominiplasty, the incision is much smaller leading to significantly smaller small scar. Swimming suits commonly hides these scars. They will usually heal discretely over time, but others remain quite visible. The amount of improvement depends upon the extent of surgery and the patient's skin tone, body build, and healing process.

Following tummy tuck operation, it is common for your abdomen to swell. Results will become more apparent as swelling goes down. Some patients may not see the final result for three to six months or longer. But in the long run, abdominiplasty produces excellent results, enhancing your body contour by making your abdomen firmer and flatter. You may find that you feel more comfortable in your clothing and are more confident about your appearance.

Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your abdomen should remain firmer and flatter for many years. It is important to follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly to maintain these results. If you're realistic in your expectations and prepared for the consequences of a permanent scar and a lengthy recovery period, abdominoplasty may be just the answer for you.

Tummy Tuck Scars

Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a "tummy tuck," is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. This is often done with the objective of reducing the appearance of a protruding abdomen, the result being a smooth and flattened abdomen that can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence.

Tummy tuck surgery involves the doctor making a long incision just above the pubic area that runs from hipbone to hipbone. A second incision is made around the navel to release the bellybutton from the surrounding tissue. The skin is then separated form the abdominal wall up to the ribs and then lifted to reveal the vertical muscles in the abdomen. These exposed muscles are pulled close together and stitched sewn into their new position using stitches in order to tighten them. This will help to narrow the waistline and firm the abdominal wall. The skin flap is then stretched back in place and the extra unwanted skin is cut away. After cutting a new hole for the bellybutton, it is then stitched in place.

The consequence of this surgery is the creation of a permanent scar, which depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip. Typically, there will be another scar around the umbilical (belly button). For those undergoing a mini tummy tuck, there will be only be a small incision (generally 4-6 inches) in the lower abdomen area, so scarring will be significantly minimized to that area.

Although the scars are permanent, the location of the scar (where incision was made) is usually below the swimsuit line so they are not normally in view. Your scar after tummy tuck operation may actually worsen during the first three to six months as it heals, but this is normal. Many scars will heal discretely where it becomes difficult to find with time. It normally takes 9 months to a year before scars flatten out and fade in color - this should be the normal result if an experienced surgeon performed the operation. However, it is important to remember that this will not always be the case as each individual has their own unique skin qualities and healing abilities.

Regardless, you are more likely to look (and feel) better with a flatter abdomen and scars than you are with a bulging belly. T

ummy Tucks and Hernia

Tummy tuck surgery, or abdominiplasty, is an operation designed to firm and smooth your abdomen. This surgical procedure removes excess skin and fat and may tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The result is a flatter abdominal profile. More and more people are investigating tummy tuck surgery in order to improve their appearance, a vital link to an improved life. With this growing interest, it is extremely important to consult a surgeon or specialist to address your specific needs, as well as other issues that may affect the procedure. An increasing concern among prospective individuals who want to undergo tummy tuck surgery pertains to the effect of their hernia on the operation and vice-versa.

A hernia is a protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening in the body. Most hernias occur when a piece of intestine slips through a weakness in the abdominal wall, creating a bulge you can see and feel. Hernias can develop around the naval, in the groin, or any place where you may have had a surgical incision. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, approximately five million Americans have hernias.

The discomfort felt from hernia, especially when you cough, lift something heavy, or stand for a long time, comes from the constant pressure of tissue pushing its way through the weakened spot in your body. As more tissue pushes through the weakened area, the feeling of pressure increases. A hernia that develops or worsens quickly can produce a sudden intense pain as it enlarges. Hernias are one of the most common conditions requiring surgery.

The most common query among people suffering from hernias, who also want to undertake tummy tuck surgery, is whether both operations can occur at the same time. The answer to this is dependent on the severity of the hernia. A large hernia and/or thinned out tissues, may complicate tummy tuck surgery, so it is important to have the hernia repaired first. If you have a small hernia that is easily fixable and good tissues, a concomitant tummy tuck is certainly a possibility if you're willing to accept the risks of surgery.

Having a tummy tuck is normally a perfect time to repair that small hernia. Tummy tuck (abdominiplasty) plastic surgery, which involves tightening the midline, and hernia surgery can be handled at the same time, very often by the same plastic surgeon, if they are experienced with hernia operation. If not, a general surgeon would be contacted to do the hernia repair.

Another popular query is the logistics of insurance coverage. In theory, the hernia should be covered by insurance, just as the whole thing would probably be if you were doing the hernia alone. However, when you combine two procedures, it can get tricky logistically. For example, should the hernia insurance be responsible for the entire anesthesia bill, or just the hernia portion of it? Figuring that out can be tricky. On the other hand, tummy tuck costs related to the repair of a hernia may be covered by insurance. I know of a case where the entire hospital fee was picked up by the insurance since the hospital's contract did not allow any balance billing, even though an additional procedure was performed. Therefore, it is best to check things out with the insurance company prior to the operations.