Tummy tuck is one of the popular body contouring plastic surgery procedures involving a number of steps. Depending on the tummy tuck surgery technique chosen, there may be some variation in the steps. The surgeon will educate the patient about the procedure steps and help to relieve the patient of any pre-surgery concerns and anxiety.
On their part, the patient should clarify all their doubts and concerns pertaining to tummy tuck procedure before going ahead with the surgery. A patient with proper understanding of the procedure will be more confident and will be able to make better decisions. Experienced cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides tummy tuck patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.
Placing the Incisions
After the administering of anesthesia, the surgeon will begin tummy tuck procedure by placing incisions in inconspicuous locations as per the surgical plan. The length and number of incisions will differ according to the choice of surgical technique and the degree of correction involved. For instance, a circumferential tummy tuck plastic surgery will involve an incision around the complete waist line, including the back, while a partial abdominoplasty may only involve a small incision beneath the belly button.
Repositioning the Navel
In a full traditional tummy tuck, the surgeon may have to reposition the navel to a more natural point. The belly button may be detached and replaced in accordance with the new tummy shape. Sometimes the surgeon may decide to sculpt a new navel instead of reattaching the original one. This is an artistic step, which should only be performed by an experienced cosmetic surgeon.
Tightening Abdominal Muscles
If the tummy is significantly protruding due to underlying weak or separated abdominal muscles, the surgeon may tighten them during tummy tuck surgery. The surgeon will separate the abdominal skin from the abdominal wall through the incisions, and then pull the muscles tighter together. Muscles will be stitched together to provide a more toned appearance to the abdomen. This step will make the waistline look narrower.
Removal of Loose Skin
Following the tightening of loose muscles, the abdominal skin will be pulled downward to make it appear smoother and tighter. At this point, excess skin will be trimmed away. Some patients may require liposuction at this stage to remove excess fat deposits before the skin is pulled taut. Dr. Motykie receives patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for tummy tuck.
Stretch Mark Reduction
Although tummy tuck is not meant to specifically remove stretch marks, but the surgeon may be able to mitigate their appearance, depending on where the incisions are located. If the stretch marks are below the belly button, they can be removed along with the excess skin. Other stretch marks may also improve after tummy tuck surgery.
Wound Closure
Once the surgery is completed, the incisions will be closed carefully with absorbable or removable sutures. The surgeon will place temporary drain tubes under the skin in the incision areas to collect excess fluid. Drain tubes may be removed along with sutures in about a week or 10 days after a tummy tuck.
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