A Tummy Tuck or an Abdominoplasty is a procedure that transforms a stretched out and bulging tummy to a firm and flat one. Pregnancy causes the stomach to stretch from the inside, pushing out on the skin and muscle wall. Significant weight gain and loss from pregnancies can result in loose and stretched skin that is not possible to reverse with diet and exercise. Patients who had gastric bypass and banding surgeries also experience the same. In both instances, even after much diet and exercise, patients are unable to have a firm and flat stomach.
Tummy tuck is a procedure frequently performed by Dr. Gregory Diehl, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in Port Jefferson Station, Suffolk County, New York, that is extremely gratifying where it not only restores the patient's body but also his/her self- confidence. At your complimentary consultation Dr. Diehl will discuss all aspects of Tummy Tuck Surgery with you. Dr. Diehl will also determine whether you are a good candidate for the Tummy Tuck Surgery.
How is a Tummy tuck performed?
The first step is to decide whether a Mini-Tummy Tuck or a Full Tummy Tuck is indicated. This depends how loose the skin is, and how much to remove. Dr. Diehl will discuss the options with you during your consultation.
A Mini-Tummy Tuck is performed when only the lower half of your abdomen is loose, and the belly button area looks youthful. The Mini-Tummy Tuck is done by placing the incision very low, so that the scar is always under your panties or bathing suit, much like a cesarean scar. The muscle is tightened from the belly button down to the pubis. The incision is shorter than a full Tummy Tuck, the upper abdomen is left alone, and the belly button is not changed. From the belly button down your tummy will be flat and the loose skin will be removed.
A Full Tummy Tuck is performed when both the upper and lower abdomen have been stretched, including the belly button. More skin tightening is planned, and the abdominal wall is tightened from the very top of the abdomen down, past the belly button, down to the pubis. Full-length tightening of the abdominal muscles from a Full Tummy Tuck results in the firm and flat tummy that is desired. The skin is made maximally tight, giving you a flat stomach, and the belly button is reshaped to a youthful almond shape. Most of the stretch marks will be removed as well.
What is the recovery for Tummy Tucks?
Mini-Tummy Tuck recovery is shorter and simpler than with a Full Tummy Tuck. With Mini-Tummy Tuck, you will need about 10 days before returning to your normal routine.
Full Tummy Tuck recovery is a bit longer. The initial discomfort is handled with a “pain pump”, which is a continuous drip of anesthetic through a tiny tube. Dr. Diehl will see you the day after your surgery to remove this, and to change your bandages for you. A home-visiting nurse service is available should you choose; for the first few days the nurse will check on you and help with bandages and such. The first 3 days feel like a cesarean section operation, and are handled with pain medications, such as Vicodin. There are small drains which remain for about a week. At about a week to 10 days you will feel well and want to start getting back to your usual routine. However, a Full Tummy Tuck needs to heal a little while longer, and Dr. Diehl encourages his patients to take it easy for an additional week.
Tummy Tuck patients, whether mini or full, are advised not to rush back to work; this is your time, that you deserve, and you should plan a leisurely recovery. In summary, a tummy tuck patient needs two weeks off work, sometimes three, depending on the type of work. Gym and sports activities may be resumed at about 4 weeks.
How do I choose the right surgeon for MY Tummy Tuck?
It is very important to choose a surgeon who is experienced in Tummy Tuck Surgery and has been Board Certified in Plastic Surgery. You should view his before and after photos as well. Dr. Gregory Diehl, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, in Port Jefferson Station, Suffolk County, has been performing Tummy Tucks on long island for over 18 years, fulfilling many patients' desires to have flatter tummies!
If you wish to learn more about Tummy Tuck Surgery, call for a complimentary cosmetic consultation with Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Gregory Diehl in Port Jefferson Station, Long Island at 631-476-7300.
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