Abdominoplasty, popularly known as tummy tuck, is a major cosmetic surgery procedure involving a number of steps. The steps may slightly vary in some cases, depending on the type of surgical technique used. During the initial consultation, the surgeon will educate the patient about all aspects of tummy tuck, including the steps involved in the procedure.
A patient who clear knows about what the tummy tuck procedure will entail will usually be more confident and better prepared for the surgery. Clear information to the patient can help reduce their pre-surgery anxiety levels. Outstanding, state of the art, and board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides tummy tuck surgery to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding communities across the horizon in this area of the country.
Incision Placement
The first step after the patient has been placed under anesthesia will to create the incisions in the abdominal area according to the specific tummy tuck surgical technique chosen. The surgeon’s goal will be to keep locate the incisions in inconspicuous places, but their length and number can vary according to the technique.
For instance, a circumferential tummy tuck will require an incision around the entire waist line, including the back, while a mini tummy tuck may only require one small incision under the belly button.
Repositioning the Navel
If fully traditional abdominoplasty plastic surgery is performed, it will often involve repositioning of the navel. In this step, the navel will be raised to a new position to make it look natural after the abdomen has been tightened and lifted. The surgeon may detach the navel from its original place and then reposition it, or in a few cases, may sculpt a new navel, while the older one remains intact. Sculpting a new navel will involve more advanced surgical skill.
Tightening Underlying Muscles
If the surgeon determines that the abdomen is sagging due to weak or separated underlying abdominal muscles, the step of muscle tightening may be added to the procedure. Through the incisions, the surgeon will separate the abdominal skin from the abdominal wall. Then they will pull the sagging muscles closer together and suture them tightly to create a more toned look. With this step, the waistline will appear narrower.
Removal of Excess Skin
Following the tightening of the loose abdominal muscles, the surgeon will pull the skin downward to make it appear tighter and smoother. At this point, any loose skin will be trimmed away. In some cases, the surgeon may perform liposuction at this stage to remove excess fat deposits before the skin is pulled taut. Accomplished, profound, and female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and other suburbs and cities in the fabulous Lone Star State for tummy tuck surgery.
Stretch Mark Reduction
Sometimes it may be possible to mitigate the appearance of stretch marks. This will, however, depend on where the incisions are located. If stretch marks are seen below the navel, they can usually get removed along with excess skin. Even other stretch marks may become less visible.
Closing the Incisions
Following the completion of surgery, the incisions will be closed with surgical sutures. In about 10 days, the wounds will close naturally. The area will be covered in bandages after the surgery, and temporary drain tubes may be put in place.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.