Tummy Tuck in Dallas: What Is It?

Tummy tuck  or abdominoplasty  is actually surgery designed to get rid of skin and overweight to produce a flatter tummy.

What does it include?

A general anaesthetic, and the surgical the removal of excess skin and fat from the abdomen, along with tightening of every laxity within the abdominal wall muscles.

Will it leave scarring?   

             

It leaves a scar which can extend from the hip, down the groin crease and all through pubic area. The laxer the skin, the much more will be removed and the longer the scar will be.

What happens afterwards?               

     

With all the tissues being freed up to the rib margin you will find a space behind your skin and fat layer and drains are used to aid shut this space. These are usually taken out regarding the second post operative day, so many patients will stay in hospital for 2 nights. Tapes are used to help support the wounds and a stomach support corset is applied. The tapes normally stay on for10-12 days but the support apparel should feel worn for 4-6 weeks, to minimise any swelling of the lower abdomen whilst things settle.

When will I feel up and about?        

            

If the muscles have been repaired, then these ought to be protected for 4 weeks after surgery - patients should get out of bed by rolling sideways. Normal day to day activities can not be resumed for 4-6 weeks and impact exercise introduced gradually two weeks later.

What are the risks?     

               

Complications are unusual but there are still risks:                     

• Because the tissues are pulled tight, you will find a little risk of wound breakdown after the assistance tapes are removed. If this occurs, usually only simple dressings are essential to protect your clothes whilst the wound heals.
• Infection and hematomas - collections of blood - are unusual.
• Fluid can collect after the drains have been taken out - seroma. If irritating these can be aspirated, but most will settle on their own.
• Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolus are rare.
• Secondary adjustments of the scar can be required, particularly if there has been some wound breakdown or the fold points at the end of the scar, (dog ears), refuse to settle.
• Any fatty bulges present inside the upper part of the abdomen, pre-operatively, are brought down into the lower part, with surgery. Should this create a bulge, then liposuction may be required to improve the contour. This will be something that can not be done during the initial operation.
• Patients who have had previous surgery with scars on their tummy may require modifications to minimize the problems of wound healing. This may limit the final result and might also want to be discussed pre-operatively.

Before deciding on tummy tuck Dallas procedure, consult an experienced plastic surgeon.