The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia. A mini tummy tuck provides the shortest scar but tightens the lower abdominal wall skin only.  A standard abdominoplasty tightens upper and lower abdominal wall skin as well as the muscles to reduce lower abdominal "bulging."

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This patient is at her ideal body weight and exercises on a regular basis.  But the lower abdominal "pooch" that remains can only be improved with a tummy tuck to tighten the abdominal wall.  The patient pictured below is 6 weeks after a standard tummy tuck procedure.

Before

After

This patient lost appromiately 70lbs with diet and exercise.  The patient was an excellent candidate for the tummy tuck procedure to remove the excess tissue and skin and tighten the abdominal muscles. The patient pictured below is 6 weeks after an extended tummy tuck procedure.

Before	After

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After Surgery:

The Abdominoplasty procedure is one of the more uncomfortable plastic surgery procedures due to the extensive muscle work performed in surgery. Patients can stay overnight at the surgery center and may opt to stay 1-2 days in a nearby hotel.  Light activity is possible within 14 days and will become more comfortable over 2-3 weeks post-operatively.  Patients should refrain from vigorous activities for at least six weeks.  Incisions will be soft, then become firm and reddish-purple and then will slowly soften and fade with time - often in a similar fashion to scars elsewhere.  As the incisions are repaired in several layers to decrease tension, most do not become raised or widened; however, there is a possibility of this, and it is not predictable.  We do offer several options for scar treatment therapy including silicone gel strips.

Additional Considerations:

Dr. Short incorporates liposuction into most tummy tucks to improve waist and hip contour and created a more harmonious appearance of the whole abdomen. Liposuction is limited to the upper abdomen to reduce post-operative complications.  Some patients opt to have liposuction of other areas as well.

Note:

It is important to address any concerns with Dr. Short at the time of your consultation.  There is some risk, as with any surgical procedure. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally.  Major complications are unusual.  To reduce post-operative complications, Dr. Short can recommends you be within certain weight requirements and absolutely no tobacco use.  Dr. Short can explain the procedure and potential complications to you in detail, and she can assist you in determining if an abdominoplasty is right for you.

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