Maryland Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck, known in medical terms as an “abdominoplasty,” is a surgical procedure that removes the surplus skin and fatty tissue from your middle and lower abdomen while it tightens and reworks the muscles in this area. Dr. Chiaramonte, a board-certified Alexandria VA plastic surgeon, has found that this procedure can provide notable improvement to a bulgy or protruding abdomen.
The Best Candidates for a Maryland Tummy Tuck
The best individuals to seek out a tummy tuck are those who are in healthy shape, but are have problematic fat deposits or loose skin that’s not affected by diet or exercise, however strict. The procedure is very effective for women who have had multiple pregnancies and whose muscles and skin have lost elasticity to the point where they cannot be improved naturally. A similar loss of elasticity in more aged patients, which also often occurs with slight obesity, also responds well.
If you want to gain a less protruding abdomen, get rid of your “love handles” and look better in form-fitting fashions, a tummy tuck may be able to take care of your problem. Several of Dr. Chiaramonte’s patients have chosen to combine their procedure with liposuction; through a specially-designed “lipoabdominoplasty” procedure known as the Bella Body Lift, the area between the breasts and stomach is shrunk and contoured.
Dr. Chiaramonte will meet with you in a customized, private appointment to find out if an abdominoplasty is a good choice for you. Please contact our office to set up an appointment to meet with Dr. Chiaramonte.
Maryland Tummy Tuck Surgery
The procedure usually takes 2 to 5 hours from start to finish, dependent on the amount of work there is to be done. A partial procedure may take an hour or two.
Often, Dr. Chiaramonte will create a straight incision from your hip bone to the opposite hip bone, just above the groin area. An additional cut is made to remove the navel from ancillary flesh. In the case of a mini tummy tuck, the incision is less long and the navel stays where it is; however, any surplus skin above the navel is left alone.
The free flap of skin is then gently stretched downward, while any excess skin is excised. A new opening is cut for the navel, which is then firmly sutured into place. The cuts are sutured, gauze is wrapped around the site, and a small drain may be temporarily put in to sluice out the naturally-occurring fluid. This operation does produce a non-removable scar which, depending on the intensity of the original problem and the procedure required to deal with it, can extend from hip bone to hip bone.
After Your Tummy Tuck Surgery
For the first few days after the surgery, your abdomen will probably be swollen, and you’re likely to feel some discomfort, which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be sent home within a couple of hours or you may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days.
Dr. Chiaramonte will give you instructions for bathing/showering and changing your dressing. Although you may not be able to stand up straight at first, you should start walking as soon as possible. Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days. Deeper sutures, with ends that protrude through the skin, will come out in two to three weeks. A support garment may then replace the dressing over your incision.
Getting Back to Normal
It may take you while to bounce back from the procedure. If you go into the operating room in good shape with strong muscles, your recovery will be much more speedy. Some people can go back to work after two weeks, while others take three or four to regain their old selves.
Gradual amounts of exercise will help the healing process immensely. Even people who have never engaged in exercise before should begin an movement program in order to reduce inflammation, lower the risk of dangerous blood clots, and help tone your muscles. Strenuous forms of motion such as lifting, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.
Your New Look
Tummy tucks, whether they are partial or complete, can produce great results for patients with weak abdominal muscles or sagging skin. And in most cases, the results are long-lasting if the patient follows a balanced diet and exercises regularly.
As mentioned above, a Maryland tummy tuck patient might also benefit from a liposuction or our Bella Body Lift, but additional procedures that will help you make the most out of your abdominoplasty may include a breast reduction, a breast lift, or laser skin resurfacing.
To learn more about a Maryland tummy tuck, visit our office in National Harbor, Maryland, request a free consultation online, or call the office at 866-BELLA-06.
