Tummy tucks (also known as abdominoplasty) are frequently performed body contouring procedures. This surgery is intended to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen as well as tighten the abdominal muscles which may have become lax from pregnancy or the aging process. Attention to detail such as the position of the belly button, fat on the pubis, or the creation of a narrow waistline and a scar at the appropriate level are all essential for an excellent outcome following your Orlando tummy tuck.
But what if everything doesn't go as planned? Fortunately, Dr. Spence is skilled at performing revision abdominoplasty to improve post-surgical results. If you are not happy with the outcome you have achieved from another surgeon, come in to talk with Orlando plastic surgeon Dr. Kenrick Spence to learn about corrective options.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Spence, call 407-999-2585 or request a consultation online. Also, feel free to browse through our Before and After Photo Gallery for tummy tuck photos.
Who Is The Ideal Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Ideal candidates for a tummy tuck are patients who are unsatisfied with excess skin or stubborn fat in their abdominal area. Many times, a tummy tuck is beneficial for patients who have experienced major weight loss and excess skin has become unresponsive to traditional weight loss procedures. If you are in overall good health and able to maintain your current weight, a tummy tuck can be the last step in your weight loss journey to achieving your goal weight.
A tummy tuck is also a great procedure for patients who have given birth and are done with having children. Because pregnancy can cause the skin on the abdomen to stretch, a tummy tuck can help restore leaner, firmer, skin on the stomach. However, if you are planning on becoming pregnant again, we advise you to wait til after your last pregnancy before getting a tummy tuck as pregnancy will alter the appearance of your tummy tuck results.
It’s important to note that a tummy tuck is not a surgery that replaces weight loss habits. If you are a patient suffering from obesity, the tummy tuck procedure is not recommended for you. Additionally, smokers who are not committed to quitting smoking cannot undergo the tummy tuck procedure.
Are There Any Risks With A Tummy Tuck?
Although the tummy tuck is a highly effective and safe procedure that helps patients achieve the figure they’ve always wanted, just like any surgery, it does come with a few risks patients should be aware of. These risks can include infection, bleeding, scarring, hematoma, deep vein thrombosis, and damage to the tissue in your abdominal area. Smoking before your procedure and during your recovery will increase your chances of complications. Under the care of Dr. Spence however, these risks are often easily managed and can be avoided completely by properly following his after-care instructions.
How Long Will The Results from My Tummy Tuck Last?
The results from a tummy tuck procedure are made to last a lifetime. Because excess skin and stubborn fat are permanently removed from the body, there is no possibility that the skin that was removed will “grow back.” However, it’s important to note that to maintain your results, patients should commit to a balanced lifestyle of healthy eating and routine exercise. When you maintain a stable weight, you optimize the appearance of your tummy tuck results. If you suddenly gain or lose a major amount of weight, your results may change in appearance along with your body.
What Is A Tummy Tuck Recovery Like?
Recovery from a tummy tuck may take up to two to four weeks. During this time, patients can expect to experience pain and discomfort in their abdomen area. However, side effects such as swelling, redness, and tenderness are common. While the skin on your stomach may feel numb in the first few days of recovery, the feeling will slowly return. Although recovery times vary from patient to patient, most can return to work and their daily routines after week two of recovery.
Scar Placement
Tummy tucks must be performed with your overall body contour in mind (a Three Dimensional Approach). The level of the scar is important to allow a patient to hide the scar in her under garments. The height and distance between the belly button and pubis also must be taken into consideration. The transition from the chest to abdomen must be able to complement a narrow waistline.
Performing a tummy tuck on an Orlando cosmetic surgery patient with a lot upper abdomen fat may lead to a tight lower abdomen but a full upper abdomen and a disproportionate look. Dr. Spence takes the approach of thinning out the upper abdominal skin with liposuction and contouring the waistline in a staged approach, which enhances the final outcome.
Body Changes Due to Age or Pregnancy
Women who get pregnant after a tummy tuck will often need repeat muscle tightening. The scar from hip to hip sometimes can be lowered to help conceal the scar from a possible c-section. Additionally, liposuction can be performed on the lower abdomen to improve the transition of the abdomen to the pubis.
Step-Off or Shelving at the Incision
Some patients experience a step off or shelf at the incision. This can be corrected by thinning the fat at the level of the incision to create a smooth contour.
Belly Button Placement
The belly button is the center of the abdomen and the tissue around it can be contoured with liposuction to give a pleasing aesthetic result.
Attention to detail is essential to achieve the desired result for your tummy tuck revision. Dr. Spence's Three Dimensional Approach to plastic surgery allows each patient to achieve an aesthetically balanced and natural result. You can visit Hillcrest Plastic Surgery and consult with Dr. Spence to learn about these and other options available to you.
Schedule Your Tummy Tuck Revision Consultation In Orlando!
To schedule a consultation, call 407-999-2585 or request a consultation online. Also, feel free to browse through our Before and After Photo Gallery for tummy tuck photos. At Hillcrest Plastic Surgery, tummy tuck procedures start at $9,999. Our team of surgeons provides recommendations based on your unique needs and goals. Contact us to learn more about financing options available for tummy tucks.
To see payment options, please visit this website's financing page.
