Many men and women struggle with a flabby abdomen that spoils their otherwise
well-proportioned figure. The fat and muscle in the abdominal region tend
to become so stubborn that they are difficult to reduce with diet and
exercise. Another problem is that a flabby tummy does not occur just because
of excess fats, but also because of loose skin and poor elasticity of
the skin. The abdominal muscles and the inner girdle of connective tissue
become stretched, which do not return back to their original elasticity
with physical exercise or diet.
This is where tummy tuck surgery or abdominoplasty can play a key role in helping an individual restore a flat abdomen. Tummy tuck has become one of the popular plastic surgery procedures in Las Vegas, NV as a growing number of people are embracing this option to achieve a more attractive appearance. Women typically face the problem of a heavier waistline following a pregnancy. Therefore, tummy tuck is a procedure of choice for many moms who wish to regain their pre-pregnancy tummy size.
Why Choose Tummy Tuck?
Apart from the key benefit of a flatter abdomen and tighter skin in the abdominal area, a tummy tuck may also help reduce or remove stretch marks that a mom may have acquired during a pregnancy. The results of this procedure usually long-lasting and the patient can enjoy a flatter tummy as long as he or she maintains a healthy and active lifestyle and follows a balanced diet. Men and women in Las Vegas, NV may opt for a tummy tuck surgery for one or more of the following reasons:
- Sudden weight loss leading to excessive loose skin.
- Failure to reduce abdominal mass with exercise and diet.
- Loose abdominal muscles, loss of skin elasticity and stretch marks following a pregnancy.
- Poor alignment of the abdominal muscles causing an unsightly appearance.
Ideal Candidates
Any adult who is in decent health and is unhappy with excessive fat and skin around the abdominal area is a good candidate for tummy tuck. Women who have gone through multiple pregnancies and do not plan to have another child in the foreseeable future may be fantastic candidates if they suffer from loose skin and muscles in the abdominal area. People who have undergone a major weight loss or had a bariatric surgery may need tummy tuck to remove excess loose skin.
A woman who plans to get pregnant in the near future or a person planning to undergo a weight loss program should avoid a tummy tuck until they have completed these priorities. An ideal candidate for this procedure will also avoid smoking for about four to six weeks before and after the surgery. Patients with realistic expectations from the procedure will usually achieve the highest satisfaction after a tummy tuck.
Procedure
Tummy tuck surgery involves removal of excess fat cells and skin between the belly button and the pubic area. The incision may be placed in a horizontal, elliptical or oval manner, depending on the technique used. Once the excess fat, muscle and skin has been removed through the incision, the fascia will be tightened with permanent suturing. Thereafter, the skin around the belly button will also be reposition.
In case of a circumferential incision from hip to hip over the pubic area, the operating surgeon will take care that the visible scar gets concealed along the natural crease within the bikini line. Plastic surgeons in Las Vegas, NV may also place drains during the procedure to prevent collection of fluid. The drains may have to be left underneath the skin for a few weeks after the procedure.
Full Tummy Tuck
In case of a full tummy tuck or a complete abdominoplasty, the surgeon will typically perform a circumferential incision from hipbone to hipbone. Thereafter, he will contour the tissue, skin and muscle through the incision. The belly button will also be repositioned as a part of this procedure.
Partial Tummy Tuck
A partial tummy tuck or a mini abdominoplasty in Las Vegas, NV is usually performed on patients whose fat deposits and excess skin are located beneath the belly button. This surgery will not involve the repositioning of the navel, and smaller incisions will be sufficient to perform the procedure.
Complications
Risks and complications typically associated with tummy tuck include infection, fluid collection below the skin, bleeding under the skin or hematoma, and temporary numbness in the abdominal area. However, the risks are significantly reduced when the procedure is performed by an experienced tummy tuck surgeon. Pain, bruising, and swelling may be experienced for several days or weeks, but it will fade away on its own. Inadequate healing may result in severe scarring or loss of skin. A follow up surgery may be necessary in rare cases.
Recovery
Bandages will be placed on the stitches for the first few days after the surgery. Proper care for the bandages is important to ensure timely healing of the wounds. The patient will have to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous physical activities for about two months. In many cases, the patient may have to take at least two weeks off from work to ensure full recovery. Results of the procedure will start becoming more visible as the bruising and swelling subsides. It may take several months for the full results to establish.
Dr. Lane Smith ranks among the most recognized plastic surgeons in Las Vegas, NV for tummy tuck surgery. He performs this procedure at his state of the art facility called the Smith Plastic Surgery Institute. Dr. Smith will conduct a thorough physical examination and evaluate the current health status and medical history before recommending abdominoplasty.
He will also closely engage with the patient to understand her needs and aspirations from the procedure. Based on this understanding, he will create a detailed treatment plan in consultation with the patient. Sometimes a liposuction may suffice instead of a tummy tuck, while in some cases, additional procedures in combination with a tummy may also have to be performed.
