Tummy Tuck Technique
At Esprit® Cosmetic Surgeons all tummy tucks are performed under general anesthesia, which means the Portland patient is completely asleep during the procedure and will have no pain and no awareness during the surgery. To help decrease the pain postoperatively, local anesthesia is used in many of the areas of the surgery so that less general anesthesia is needed. If liposuction is indicated, the procedure begins with Body-Jet liposuction of the flanks, abdomen and pubic area.
The incision for a tummy tuck is then placed within the bikini line in the lower abdomen. In most cases, the resulting scar is below the level of a low-rise bikini or low-rise pants, allowing Portland women to have full flexibility with their wardrobe choices. In addition, an incision is placed around the belly button. The skin and fat are lifted off the abdominal muscles. This allows visualization of the abdominal muscles and access for suturing and tightening of the abdominal muscles. The abdominal muscles are tightened in the midline from the breast bone to the pubic bone using strong suture. In some Portland patients with good muscle tone, the abdominal muscles are not tightened. The skin is then draped and pulled below the groin and the excess tissue is trimmed away. The belly button stays attached to the muscle layer and since the upper abdominal skin is pulled over the top of it, a new opening in the skin of the abdomen is made for the belly button. A drain is usually placed. The incisions are then closed in multiple layers using hidden dissolvable sutures. Skin tapes and gauze bandages are then applied.
The recovery begins immediately after surgery at our surgery center, The Meridian Center for Surgical Excellence. You will recover for about 1 to 1 ½ hours. A lot of numbing medication is used during the tummy tuck, so you will be comfortable after surgery. You will then go home.
For the first few weeks, there will be significant pain, swelling, bruising, and tightness. Because the abdomen has been pulled tight, you will have a flexed posture for one to two weeks. The drainage tube will be removed within the first week after surgery. Return to work and home type activities is usually possible two to four weeks after surgery. You may resume exercise after four to six weeks.
Results of My Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty with the inclusion of liposuction is a very powerful procedure and will typically dramatically change the contour of the abdomen and trunk. A tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdomen that is more proportional to your body. Your results will be apparent immediately however, due to the flexed posture and significant swelling initially after surgery, it will take a few weeks before you will appreciate the results. Even though significant swelling can persist for a few months, within 4-6 weeks after surgery the abdomen should have nice contours and your clothes should fit nicely.
Tighten weak muscles, while removing excess skin and fat with a Tummy Tuck! Learn more about tummy tuck surgery by contacting our office in Portland to schedule a consultation at (503) 783-0544.
