Postoperative Care
The abdominoplasty procedure also known as the “tummy tuck” aims to remove excess skin and fat from the abdominal area and tighten up the muscles just beneath. This procedure can also be combined with liposuction if needed. The goal of the tummy tuck is to give a person smoother shape and curve to the lower abdomen. This may be due to post-birthing changes, aging or weight loss.
Dr.Koumanis will evaluate your skin and shape and go over all the different options and approaches to re-shape the abdominal area.
Abdominoplasty is a great operation to provide good body contouring but please be aware this is not a weight loss tool. It is a re-shaping of the skin and contour of the “tummy.”
The abdominoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia but in some circumstances it can be performed under local anesthesia. This is especially true if a candidate only needs a “mini tummy tuck.” This procedure leaves the umbilicus or belly button alone and concentrates on removing excess skin below the umbilicus to provide a tighter and more smooth shape. Both the regular abdominoplasty and the mini may require some muscle tightening below the skin and fat and that depends on the individual. Additionally, some cases are improved by the addition of liposuction to the flanks or hips.
The options include:
- Mini-abdominoplasty
- Regular abdominoplasty
- Combination of the above with liposuction
Dr.Koumanis will closely follow you after the surgery. You will be able to get in touch with him at any time for any concerns or questions. You will be seen within the week for your post-operative care follow up. Instructions for lifting, activity and dressings will be given to you during your consultation and written instructions will be handed to you after your surgery.
Dr.Koumanis will make sure you are fully informed about the options and go over everything with you during your consultation. He will spend ample time for you to ask any questions and strive to give you the right operation to fit your needs.
Call for your consultation today. 518-203-2593.
Frequently asked questions about the Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Who is a good candidate for the tummy tuck?
The best candidates are otherwise healthy individuals who are at their ideal weight or close to it. Males and females are both good candidates. They should be past puberty and into adulthood before undergoing this operation as well. One of our most frequent patient population is mothers who have finished having children and have tries exercising but notice that they cannot tighten excess skin. The tummy tuck helps solve this issue by cutting the excess skin, tightening the underlying muscles and re-draping the skin to give a better contour and appearance.
How long is the incision?
The length of the incision depends on how much skin needs to be taken out. In a mini abdominoplasty the scar is much shorter.
Will the scar show?
Although no plastic surgeon can guarantee 100% that every scar will be perfect, Dr. Koumanis strives to get the best possible scars. In the operating room, he uses meticulous incisions, and multilayer closures to keep tension off the scar so that it has a better chance of being minimal. The scar is usually placed below the bikini or underwear line. Dr.Koumanis asks patients to bring in the underwear and/or favourite bikini bottom and then the scar line can be planned more accordingly.
Can I do anything to help my scars after surgery?
Yes. We will provide you with instructions on when to start massaging the scars, and when to start using scar gels. Dr.Koumanis also likes using scar tapes that can aid in flattening scars. Also, we encourage candidates to use sunblock 40 at least along scar line as the sun causes reddening and raising of scars.
Do I have to lose weight to have a tummy tuck?
There are no hard fast rules or weight requirements to undergo a tummy tuck. That being said, it is best that a patient’s weight is stable before having a tummy tuck. You don’t want to lose significant weight after a tummy tuck because that will sometimes lead to excess saggy tissue again. Something the tummy tuck strives to correct. If a patient is obese or extremely overweight, then a weight loss program is more appropriate first.
What are the risks of the surgery?
Dr.Koumanis has performed this type surgery hundreds of times and prides himself on safety and results. Overall it is a very safe operation, however all surgeries carry some risk. Some of the risks include bleeding, clots, infection and seroma. The combination of Dr.Koumanis’ care and careful postoperative instructions can help minimize these risks significantly.
Dr.Koumanis will go over these facts in detail during your consultation, before and after the surgery.
Should I wait until I am finished having children?
Although a woman can have children after a tummy tuck with no effect on the pregnancy, the results of the tummy tuck can be affected due to re-stretching of the skin and abdominal muscles. Therefore, it is always best to have this surgery after you are completely finished having children in order to be better able to sustain your results.
Can I exercise after my tummy tuck?
Yes. Dr.Koumanis will give you instructions that gradually increase your activity and exercise capabilities over a 4-6-week period. After that most people are able to get back to unrestricted exercising.
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