Tummy Tuck
Abdominoplasty
One of the most rewarding procedures in the field of plastic surgery, the tummy tuck can dramatically alter a client’s appearance and tends to have long-lasting results. As a result, the tummy tuck has a high client satisfaction track record. The goal of this procedure is to improve the contours of the abdomen and surrounding areas. Treated areas include the abdomen, mons pubis, hips, anterior thighs, and sometimes the lower back and buttocks.
Procedural Illustrations [Click to enlarge +]
Procedure
The tummy tuck is usually performed under general anesthesia, and takes place at Dr. Payne’s MediCare and California State Certified Pueblo Nuevo Surgery Center. Incisions are made transversely across the lower tummy, with incision length varying depending on the quantity of excess skin and soft tissue. The lower half of the abdominal skin and fat are removed, and the belly button is usually adjusted to a new, more aesthetically pleasing position. Abdominal muscles are tightened to help flatten the tummy and improve waist shape. Liposuction and direct fat sculpting are done on the abdomen and surrounding areas as needed. Sometimes this procedure includes a buttocks lift and fat sculpting of the back and buttocks, providing circumferential shaping of the tummy and lower trunk.
The tummy tuck has multiple options and variations. Some clients are candidates for a mini tummy tuck, while others require a standard tummy tuck for maximum results. Dr. Payne will present each client with their individualized options.
Before & After Photographs [Click to enlarge and view more examples]
[+] Click to enlarge and view more images
Results
The tummy tuck has a history of excellent results. It can significantly improve the appearance of the abdomen area, and the scar on the lower abdomen is usually nicely faded after the first year. The refreshed tummy tends to make the surrounding areas look better as well; many clients find that their breasts and legs look better by comparison after surgery. Clients often combine the tummy tuck with breast surgery, such as a breast augmentation or lift with implants. The results from this combination of surgeries can be stunning.
Even for women who lead a healthy lifestyle with exercise and a balanced diet, pregnancies and the aging process sometimes cause significant problems in the abdomen and surrounding areas. C-sections, hysterectomies, and other surgeries often leave unsightly scars, loose skin, and stretch marks in the abdomen. Flabby, stretched-out tummy muscles can result in a poochy tummy that no amount of dieting and exercise can correct. Excess subcutaneous fat in the abdomen, mons pubis, hips, back, and buttocks creates an aged look and can be very difficult to eliminate. A droopy mons pubis with redundant skin and fat can lose its youthful contours.
The tummy tuck operation addresses all of these issues and can revitalize a client’s appearance. Some clients go down in clothing sizes after surgery, or are able to wear styles they previously avoided. Clients feel slimmer, trimmer, and sexier.
Frequently after the tummy tuck surgery, clients will lose five to twenty pounds. As the fat deposited around the intestines and internal organs melts away with weight loss, further flattening of the tummy contours occurs and surgical results are enhanced. Improved post-surgery appearance tends to motivate clients to work even harder to get into good shape. This results in a healthier lifestyle for many clients, reinforcing the initial satisfaction of the tummy tuck.
After the Surgery
Following surgery, each client is given prescriptions for pain medication and other symptom-relieving drugs, as well as detailed postoperative instructions. Dr. Payne calls the evening of surgery and the morning after to make sure clients are receiving proper care. Dr. Payne or his staff may also be reached at any time through his office.
For most clients, the first week after surgery is the most demanding; thereafter, the recovery process is easier. Usually a minimum of two weeks off work is required. Clients are seen in the office one to two times per week for two to four weeks, followed by less frequent visits. Dr.Payne sees all his clients until they are fully recovered and back to their previous lifestyle, an average of four to six weeks.
Most clients may resume light exercise within two weeks. Use of abdominal support garments are encouraged for a minimum of six weeks, and many clients choose to wear them for longer.
