Tummy tuck is a major cosmetic surgery procedure involving a number of steps. Some of the steps may differ according to the extent of surgery required and the type of surgical technique applied. The surgeon will discuss an overview of these steps during the initial consultation.
When the patient knows what to expect during tummy tuck surgery, their anxiety levels will be reduced and they will be better prepared to handle the surgery. The award winning, board certified plastic surgeons at ACPS provide tummy tuck and other procedures to patients in Houston, Texas, TX, and surrounding locations.
Placing the Incisions
After the anesthesia has been administered, the surgeon will place discreetly located incisions in the abdominal area. The length and number of incisions will depend on the type of technique applied. A mini abdominoplasty may only involve a small incision made below the navel, while a circumferential abdominoplasty can involve an incision around the complete waist line, including the back.
Navel Repositioning
Navel repositioning may be required in many tummy tuck plastic surgery cases. It becomes critical to make the tightened and lifted abdomen appear more natural. The surgeon may detach the original navel and place it in a more youthful location. Sometimes the old navel may not be reattached, but a new navel may be artificially sculpted. Such an artistic surgical procedure should only be performed by an experienced cosmetic surgeon.
Tightening Weak Muscles
The underlying muscles in the abdomen may become loose or separated over time. During tummy tuck procedure, the surgeon can tighten these sagging muscles. Through the incisions, the abdominal skin will be separated from the abdominal walls. The muscles will be pulled closer together and stitched into a position to provide them a more toned look. Abdominal muscle tightening will make the waistline appear narrower.
Excising Loose Skin
After the tightening of abdominal muscles, the surgeon will pull the skin downward to make it tight and smooth. Loose skin will then be trimmed away. In some cases, liposuction may be performed at this point to remove excess fat before the skin is pulled taut. The ACPS receives patients from Houston, Texas, TX, and nearby areas for tummy tuck and various other procedures.
Reducing Stretch Marks
Stretch mark removal is not one of the specific goals in tummy tuck surgery. But it is often possible to mitigate the impact of stretch marks, depending on where the incision is located. If the stretch marks are present below the navel, they are usually removed along with loose skin. Even other stretch marks may sometimes become less obvious after tummy tuck surgery.
Closing the Incisions
After the surgery is over, the skin will be sutured together with surgical stitches. This will allow the wounds to close naturally over time. The surgeon will insert a surgical drain below the skin at the site of incisions to collect excess fluid and minimize the risk of infection. At the time the stiches are supposed to be removed, the surgical drain may also be removed, or sometimes before the stitches are taken out.
For more information about The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery (ACPS) physicians and the cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures they perform please click here or call us at 713.799.9999. We have offices in and around Houston, Texas.