Tummy Tuck

What is a Tummy Tuck?

Excess, sagging skin and stubborn fat on the abdomen can cause many individuals to feel self-conscious. A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, can flatten the abdomen by eliminating excess skin and tightening the abdominal muscles.

Who is a Candidate?

Individuals with sagging abdominal skin  and excess fat resistant to diet and exercise are candidates for this surgery. This excess skin and fat could result from pregnancy, weight changes, or aging. Healthy, nonsmokers who are at a stable weight and who are finished having children are ideal candidates. Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Fichadia is the first step towards your tummy tuck surgery.

The Tummy Tuck Procedure

There are a number of tummy tuck techniques that can be performed to flatten the abdomen. These include:

Full Tummy Tuck

A full tummy tuck, also known as a traditional tummy tuck, is the most popular form of tummy tuck performed. A horizontal incision will be made between the hipbones, through which excess skin is removed, muscles are tightened, and abdominal fat removed. The belly button is also relocated, depending on the amount of excess skin removed.

Mini Tummy Tuck

A mini tummy tuck is less invasive than a full tummy tuck, with a shorter incision. This technique only eliminates excess skin below the belly button, so those with minimal loose skin under the belly button are the best candidates.

Extended Tummy Tuck

An extended tummy tuck is similar to the full tummy tuck, only incisions are longer, and it addresses the outer thigh as well.  A layer of sutures is used deep within the tissue to support and maintain repair of the abdominal muscles. Liposuction is often used to remove excess fat as well.

Fleur-de-lis Tummy Tuck

If a patient (typically after massive weight loss) has skin excess in both vertical and horizontal dimension, an additional vertical excision will add to the waist definition. This scar is more visible than a traditional tummy tuck and a careful preoperative discussion is warranted to determine if the benefits of a longer scar outweigh the risks. Please see section for surgery after weight loss for more details.

Results and Recovery

Our entire team is ready to support you as you undergo the tummy tuck procedure. We will begin by preparing you for an optimal recovery. Following the tummy tuck procedure, patients will need to wear compression garments to reduce swelling and support the abdomen as it heals.  The incision for a tummy tuck is 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 risk pants, allowing women to have full flexibility with their wardrobe choices. Return to work and home type activities is usually possible two to four weeks after surgery.Heavy lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided for 6 weeks. It is important that patients ease back into their normal routine gradually for best results.

If you are interested in a tummy tuck to achieve a flatter abdominal profile contact our office in Portland today to get started!