St. Louis Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Specialists

St. Louis tummy tuck patients seek treatment at BodyAesthetic Plastic Surgery & Skin Care Center for assistance in tightening and toning their abdomens. The surgeons of BodyAesthetic treat these patients in their renowned St. Louis plastic surgery clinic. To learn more about the tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) procedure, please read the detailed paragraphs below.

Everyone would like to have a flat, tight tummy. As we age, that goal may not be achievable, no matter how much we exercise or how much weight we lose. People of normal body weight and proportion can still develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. This tummy "pooch" that just will not go away has many causes, including heredity, pregnancies, prior abdominal surgery, major weight loss, or back problems that affect posture. In addition, our abdominal muscles usually lose tone as we age.

For those who want a tighter, flatter abdomen, a "tummy tuck" (abdominoplasty) may be the answer. An abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and, in some cases, tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall that have become weakened, stretched, or separated (as happens with pregnancy, for example). The procedure creates an abdominal contour that is smoother, flatter, and firmer.

The surgeons at BodyAesthetic Plastic Surgery perform different types of tummy tucks, ranging from a full abdominoplasty to a mini-abdominoplasty. Your surgeon will explain the tummy tuck options available and determine which procedure best suits your goals and the anatomy of your abdomen (how much excess fat, tissue, and skin you have and where it is located). Be honest about your expectations and goals during the consultation so your surgeon can design the treatment that's best for you.

Abdominoplasty can be performed on adults of any age who are in good health, close to their ideal weight, and moderately fit. But patients must understand that abdominoplasty is a major surgery that produces a permanent scar, which may extend from hip to hip, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it. Most of the scar is usually located just above the pubic bone.

Abdominoplasty is most effective in correcting problems below the navel, but some tissue can be removed above the navel, usually through the same incision placed low on the abdomen. Sometimes, excess fat above the navel is best removed with liposuction, which may be done in the same surgery or in a later procedure.

Although the results of an abdominoplasty are considered permanent, weight fluctuations after surgery can cause the abdomen to protrude again. Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery until they have reached their weight goals. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait until they are finished having children so the results of an abdominoplasty are not undone.

People who have had previous abdominal surgery may find that these scars are more prominent because abdominoplasty tightens and stretches the skin. However, a pre-existing horizontal scar on the lower abdomen can often be removed during an abdominoplasty.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) : The Surgery

Abdominoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia. A full abdominoplasty takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the extent of work required. A mini-abdominoplasty takes 1 to 2 hours. These two procedures, described below, are basically the two extremes, and variations between these extremes are possible. Your abdominoplasty surgery will depend on how much correction of the abdominal contour is desired and practical.

In a full abdominoplasty, the surgeon makes an incision from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from its surrounding tissue. The surgeon then separates the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to the ribs and lifts the skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in the abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline.

The skin flap is then pulled and stretched downward toward the pubic area, the extra skin is removed, and the skin above and below the incision is stitched together with absorbable sutures (which do not need to be removed). A new opening is cut for the navel, which is then stitched in place. Incisions are sealed with DermaBond (the medical equivalent of superglue) to keep the wound clean, dry, and secure.

For a mini-abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved. The skin is separated from the underlying tissue only between the incision line and the navel. This skin flap is stretched downward, the excess is removed, and the skin above and below the incision is stitched together and secured.

What To Expect After A Tummy Tuck

There are always risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with abdominoplasty. Postoperative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare but can occur. Infection can be treated with drainage and antibiotics but will prolong your hospital stay. You can minimize the risk of blood clots by moving around as soon as possible after the surgery.

Poor healing, which results in conspicuous scars, may necessitate a second operation. Because smoking can increase the risk of complications and delay healing, smokers should stop at least 2 weeks before surgery and remain smoke-free for 1 month after surgery.

If you have a mini-abdominoplasty, you may be released on the day of surgery. A full abdominoplasty usually requires 1 or 2 days in the hospital. For the first few days, the abdomen will be swollen, bruised, and painful, but medications can control the discomfort.

You will probably be unable to stand up straight for at least a week after a full abdominoplasty. Even if you can't stand straight, it is still important to start walking as soon as possible, usually the evening of surgery. This is the best way to reduce the chance of getting a blood clot in the legs, a risk that accompanies most types of abdominal surgery. Bending, straining, or lifting anything must be avoided for several days so the incision is not stressed or stretched.

It may take weeks before you feel like your old self again. If you start out in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from abdominoplasty will be much faster. Some people return to work after 2 weeks, while others take 3 or 4 weeks to rest and recuperate.

Exercise will help you heal better. Even people who have never exercised before should begin a gentle exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.

Tummy tuck scars may appear to worsen during the first 3 to 6 months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it to take 9 to 12 months before your scars flatten out and lighten in color. Although they will never disappear completely, abdominal scars will not show under most clothing, even bathing suits.

Length Of Surgery

1 to 4 hours, depending on the extent of the abdominoplasty

Anesthesia

General

In/Outpatient

Usually 1 night in the hospital, though mini-abdominoplasty may be done on an outpatient basis.

Tummy Tuck : Side Effects

Temporary pain. Swelling, soreness, numbness of abdominal skin, bruising, tiredness for several weeks.

Tummy Tuck : The Risks

Blood clots. Infection. Bleeding under the skin flap. Poor wound healing resulting in conspicuous scars or skin loss. Need for a second operation.

Tummy Tuck : The Recovery

Back to work: 2 to 4 weeks.
More strenuous activity: 4 to 6 weeks or more.
Fading and flattening of scars: 6 to 18 months.

Duration of Results

Considered permanent, unless weight gain or pregnancy occurs. Some skin and muscle tone is lost with aging.

In addition to tummy tuck, the board certified surgeons of BodyAesthetic also offer other body contouring procedures at their St. Louis plastic surgery center. Visit these pages in the website to learn about how they treat St. Louis liposuction, body lift, buttock lift, labioplasty and arm lift patients.