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Tummy Tuck

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Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a very powerful body contouring procedure. The main goals of abdominoplasty are to restore shape and function to the abdominal core. This procedure is one of the more invasive cosmetic procedures performed with a higher overall risk level. Your selection of a highly qualified and skilled surgeon is a must when approaching higher-risk surgeries. Dr. Papillion is board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery as well as general surgery. Dr. Papillion is well equipped to provide you with amazing results in the safest manner possible.

Below the quick facts, Dr. Papillion has answered the key questions you need to know about abdominoplasty. Keep reading to learn more!

Do you repair the muscles or diastasis?

Yes, repair of any muscle separation is a standard part of abdominoplasty. A rectus diastasis is when the connective tissues that hold the muscle together separate. This occurs mostly with the process of pregnancy. Repair of the separation can give more shape and contour to the abdomen and realign the muscle of your abdomen.

How is an abdominoplasty performed?

The basic steps of abdominoplasty are very straightforward. Once you are safely anesthetized under general anesthesia, the abdomen is cleaned sterilely and covered with sterile drapes. After this, a lower abdominal incision is made. The loose abdominal skin is raised up to expose the abdominal muscles. If the abdominal muscles have any separation, they are repaired with sutures. After muscle repair, the loose abdominal skin is pulled in a downward fashion to estimate how much skin is to be removed. The skin is marked and trimmed away. The lower abdominal incision is then closed with sutures.

Do you have drains?

I use drains commonly in abdominoplasty. When you lift up the loose abdominal skin and then close the lower incision, you create a space under the skin where fluid can accumulate. This fluid, if not drained, will collect and oftentimes form a capsule around the fluid, where it can remain trapped for a prolonged time period. The drains are there to prevent the buildup of fluid and to allow the abdominal skin to heal back to the muscles.

Do you perform drainless abdominoplasty?

Yes, I do perform drainless abdominoplasty, but I prefer not to. When you perform drainless abdominoplasty, you must place many more sutures to attach the abdominal skin back down to the abdominal wall. The extra sutures take more time to heal, you often have dimpling of the skin, and the more suture and suturing, the higher risk for infection sites and bleeding sites. And even with all the sutures, you can still collect fluid requiring draining of abdominal fluid in the end. So, yes I do this procedure when desired, but I prefer to use drains when possible.

Is liposuction done at the same time as Abdominoplasty?

Liposuction can be done at the same time as the abdominoplasty. Liposuction is often used to help shape the hip and flank regions to give an improvement in contour to those regions. The combination of an abdominoplasty and trunk liposuction often combine to give an enhanced shape of your core.

What does recovery look like?

Immediately after surgery, you will wake up in the recovery room. You will be sitting in a flexed position slightly bent at the waist. This flexed position is to help with comfort as your abdomen will feel a little tight for the first few days. You should walk slightly bent over at the waist for 2-3 days until your abdomen feels more relaxed, then you can walk upright as tolerated. The first night, it can be helpful to sleep in a recliner, or propped up on several pillows in bed and under your knees as this flexed position will be maintained. You will need to get up and walk around the house for a few minutes every hour when awake. This movement is good for recovery as it allows you to take deep breaths and helps with good blood flow and circulation to your legs. The first few days are spent with light walking and conservative movements. Your pain will slowly decrease over the course of a week. You typically see me about 5-7 days after surgery. At this time, I will check everything to make sure you are healing well and most likely remove one or both of your drains. Patients typically return to desk-type work activity around 2 weeks after surgery. At 3-4 weeks after surgery, you can usually increase your walking and movement activity to a faster pace, depending on how you are healing. Your activity level beyond this time period depends on how you are healing and progressing overall.

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Abdominoplasty in Nashville Tennessee

These were some of the most common questions pertaining to Abdominoplasty “Tummy Tuck”. Every patient is different, and a customized consultation will be best to hear specifically what will be your best options for optimal abdominal contouring. Schedule your consultation today! We can’t wait to meet you!