Tummy Tuck (abdominoplasty)
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The tummy tuck is one of the most sought after procedures to help women and men have a more contoured body. Also, the abdomen is often a challenge to reduce with diet and exercise alone, especially if the muscles have become loose through pregnancies and a sedentary life style.
The doctors at the Plastic Surgery Center, Dr. Verne Weisberg and John Cederna can determine if you are a good candidate for the tummy tuck so that you can have a smoother, flatter abdomen.
The Surgery
Here at the Plastic Surgery Center this procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with IV sedation by our board-certified anesthesiologist. Occasionally, it may be performed under general anesthesia at the hospital.
There are several different procedures: a mini-abdominoplasty has the shortest scar and tightens the lower abdominal wall skin only. The standard abdominoplasty has a scar that goes from hip to hip and tightens all of the abdominal wall skin.
Complete tummy tuck surgery usually take two to five hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial tummy tucks may take an hour or two.
It does produce a permanent scar which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.
After your Tummy Tuck Surgery
For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you're likely to feel some discomfort, which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be released within a few hours or you may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days.
Drs. Weisberg or Cederna will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressing. And though you may not be able to stand straight at first, you should start walking as soon as possible.
Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days, and deeper sutures, with ends that protrude through the skin, will come out in two to three weeks. A support garment may replace the dressing on your incision.
Getting back to normal
It may take you weeks or months to feel like your old self again. If your start out in top physical condition, with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from a tummy tuck will be much faster. Some people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate.
Exercise will help your heal better. Even people who have never exercised before should begin an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.
Your new look
Tummy tucks, whether partial or complete, produce excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. And in most cases, the results are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
If you feel this procedure could enhance your look, please call our office at (207) 775-1933 to schedule your personalized consultation. Let Drs. Weisberg or Cederna help you look your best all year round.
Click here for more before-and-after Tummy Tuck photos.
Verne Weisberg, MD, FACS
John Cederna, MD, FACS
Plastic Surgery Center
195 Fore River Parkway, Suite 110
Portland, ME 04101
(207) 775-1933
(800) 688-9133
Verne Weisberg, M.D. | John Cederna, M.D. | Carrie Frederick, M.D. | Facility | Our Staff | The Consultation
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