Abdominoplasty
An abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a procedure where the surgeon removes excess fat and skin around the abdomen while also restoring weakened muscles to create a smoother and firmer abdominal profile. Many people strive for a flat and firm abdomen, but it’s not always possible for some people, and there are a few different reasons why someone may receive a tummy tuck, such as fluctuations in weight or pregnancy. If you or someone you know is considering a tummy tuck procedure, our board-certified surgeons at The Vu Center in Portland are here to help!
Looking and feeling your best isn’t always achievable on your own, and at The Vu Center, we offer a variety of plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures that can help! Our goal is to help you feel comfortable in your own skin. Explore our website to learn more about the extensive selection of procedures that we offer, and contact our Portland plastic surgery clinic to schedule a consultation!
Who Is a Candidate?
Abdominoplasties are performed most commonly in women. However, this procedure is a great option for both men and women. When deciding whether or not to have this procedure, it’s important to ensure that you are having the procedure for yourself and not for someone else. We also ask that our patients go into the procedure with realistic expectations, as not all results will look the same.
There are many reasons why someone may choose to undergo a tummy tuck procedure. In most cases, patients have loose or sagging skin around their abdomen and are unable to tighten the skin or the muscles with exercise. This can be a result of:
- Heredity
- Pregnancy
- Fluctuations in weight
- Age
- Prior surgery
If you believe that you are a good candidate for this procedure, contact The Vu Center to schedule a consultation!
What Tummy Tucks Can’t Do
The main goal of a tummy tuck procedure is to remove excess skin and repair abdominal muscles. While this procedure may seem like the perfect solution for those who are uncomfortable with their weight, it’s important to note that a tummy tuck procedure is not a replacement for proper diet and exercise. This procedure is also not ideal for women who may want to get pregnant in the future. If you’re unsure about whether or not a tummy tuck is the right procedure for you, talk to your doctor.
Preparing for Surgery
Prior to your procedure, you will need to schedule a consultation with the board-certified surgeon who will perform your surgery. During the consultation, your surgeon will go over all the specifics of the procedure, discuss your goals for your appearance, discuss your medical history, and give you some time to ask any questions you may have. The goal of the consultation is to help you feel as comfortable as possible about what you can expect.
In some cases, there may be other procedures that the surgeon can perform at the same time that may help enhance the final results of the tummy tuck procedure, such as:
- Liposuction
- Breast procedures
- Thigh lift
After discussing your expectations and desired results for this procedure, your surgeon will talk to you about these options if they feel it would work for you.
Once you’ve covered your options, the specifics of the procedure, and any questions you may have, you will schedule a date for your procedure.
During the Procedure
On the day of your procedure, your doctor will greet you at the medical facility and go over any last-minute details or questions you have regarding your surgery. During the actual procedure, you will be sedated using either intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Your doctor will be able to recommend the best choice for you.
The next step of the procedure is to make a horizontal incision between the pubic hairline and the belly button. A second incision around the belly button may be necessary to remove excess skin around the upper part of your abdomen. Once the incisions are made, the surgeon will repair the abdominal muscles. The excess skin from the lower abdomen is then removed, and the skin from the upper abdomen is pulled down and tightened.
Recovery
Following your procedure, your surgeon will provide you with a list of post-op instructions. It is vital that you follow these instructions, as they will help your body heal properly so you can enjoy the final results of your surgery. During the recovery period, you may have dressings or bandages applied to your incisions, or you may have a compression bandage around your abdomen to help minimize swelling. The instructions provided by your doctor will tell you how to care for your dressings, and if you have any questions, please ask before you leave or contact The Vu Center. You should be able to see the final results within a week or two following your tummy tuck procedure.
Schedule a Consultation!
Are you ready to get started with your abdominoplasty? At The Vu Center, we want to ensure that all of our patients are comfortable and happy with their desired procedure, so give us a call to learn more and schedule a consultation!
Learn More at The Vu Center!
If you are interested in learning more about a breast augmentation, or you want to find out if this cosmetic procedure is right for you, our board-certified surgeons at The Vu Center are here to help! We offer a variety of plastic and cosmetic surgery options to help you love the body you’re in. Explore our website to learn more and contact our Portland plastic surgery clinic to schedule a consultation.
We look forward to helping you!