Tummy Tuck

Enrich Your Spirit

You may be a candidate for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) if you have loose or sagging abdominal wall skin that is frequently associated with abnormal relaxation of the anterior abdominal wall muscles (often secondary to multiple pregnancies or prior surgery). You may also desire a tummy tuck if you are unable to tighten your abdominal wall skin with exercise. An abdominoplasty is intended to give the patient a smoother flatter abdomen.

Abdominoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia either within the hospital or in an outpatient setting. (Mini abdominoplasties can be performed under sedation and local anesthesia.)

• Mini abdominoplasty tightens the lower abdominal wall skin only (shortest scar).
• Standard abdominoplasty tightens all of the abdominal wall skin and muscle (standard scar).
• Extended abdominoplasty tightens the abdomen and the flanks or sides and muscle (longest scar extending around the flanks onto lower back.)

* Individual results may vary.

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Abdominoplasty is one of the more uncomfortable plastic surgery procedures. An overnight stay in the hospital is usually indicated and the On-Q pain pump is also available to help control pain after surgery. Light activity is comfortable in 10-20 days. Two drains are placed during surgery and left in for 10 days to 2 weeks. Sports will not be comfortable for about 6 weeks.

The specific risks and the suitability of abdominoplasty for a given individual can be determined only at the time of consultation. All surgical procedures have some degree of risk. Minor complications that do not affect the outcome occur occasionally. Major complications are unusual.

Call Barbara Howard, M.D. in Jefferson City, at (573) 635-9668 to schedule your personal consultation.