Cassidy Mitchell, MD

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

An abdominoplasty, commonly referred to as a tummy tuck, is a procedure designed to flatten and shape the abdomen by removing excess skin and fat along with tightening of the abdominal muscles. Laxity of the abdominal wall can develop either as the result of pregnancy or following significant weight loss. Despite exercise, the extra skin persists and the abdominal muscles remain lax.

If you are interested in a potential abdominoplasty, contact Lincoln Aesthetic Surgical Institute today to set up a free consultation with Dr. Mitchell. Dr. Mitchell will meet with you in private to discuss if an abdominoplasty is right for you!

The Procedure:

Abdominoplasties are either performed as an outpatient basis or with a short overnight stay. If you are scheduled as an outpatient, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you at least the first night following surgery.  Periodically, abdominoplasty is performed in combination with either a hernia repair or hysterectomy. We will work with your other surgeon to make your experience as smooth and as comfortable as possible.

Dr. Mitchell will place your scar as low as possible on your abdomen, typically in the same location as a C-section scar, in order to keep it hidden under clothes or bathing suits. The length of the scar typically extends across the abdomen, from hip bone to hip bone, although length can vary depending on the extent of extra skin and fat to be removed. After the extra skin and fat has been removed, Dr. Mitchell will place sutures to tighten up the loose abdominal muscle and return tone back to the abdominal wall. Dr. Mitchell frequently performs liposuction at the same time to help improve the overall contour. Small drains will be placed during the procedure to remove excess fluid. Because liposuction is commonly performed at the same time as the abdominoplasty, a compression garment with be placed at the conclusion of the surgery just before you are awakened.

Dr. Mitchell places all sutures to close the incisions internally. This has several benefits for his patients - the scars are of the finest quality possible and there is less discomfort as there is no need for painful suture removal.  In addition, this also allows patients to shower sooner after surgery, once the drains are removed.

Recovery:

You will see Dr. Mitchell in his office for a follow up appointment one to two days after the surgery. The dressings will be removed at that time and further instructions will be given. 

The drains will be removed in the office approximately one week after surgery. After removal of all the drains, you will be allowed to shower. The compression garment will be worn for four to six weeks.

The general recommendation is to take two weeks off from work to recover.  There is great variability in the recovery period between patients, but a period of two to three weeks is typical to return to most normal activities and work, although some patients return sooner.  Strenuous activity must be avoided for several weeks following surgery and Dr. Mitchell will inform you when it is safe to resume certain activities and exercise.  

Some discoloration and swelling will occur initially, but this will subside over the following days to weeks. There will be a tight feeling of the abdominal muscles which will be present for several days to weeks.  Some patients cannot stand completely upright for several days after surgery.  Most residual swelling will resolve within one to two months. It is important to wear your compression garment as instructed to help expedite the resolution of post-operative swelling.  It is also very important to walk around as much as possible after surgery to promote circulation.

The improved contour of your abdomen after abdominoplasty will be long lasting.  Significant weight gain / weight loss or pregnancy after surgery can alter the shape of the abdomen and may necessitate another procedure.

Risks:

Dr. Mitchell will discuss in detail all of the risks commonly associated with an abdominoplasty during your consultation.

Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with you include bleeding, infection and reactions to anesthesia. Following a tummy tuck, you may have areas of temporary numbness which rarely may be permanent. Wound healing problems are uncommon but can lead to increased scarring which may necessitate additional revisional surgery. Early ambulation is encouraged to help decrease your risk of developing a deep vein thrombosis, which can potentially dislodge and travel to your lungs causing a pulmonary embolism.

If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery, as cigarette smoking before or after abdominoplasty can significantly hinder the wound healing process.  Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. Dr. Mitchell will review your medications and discuss in detail what medications you should avoid.