TUMMY TUCK (Abdominoplasty)
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If you have loose or sagging abdominal wall skin and weak muscles from multiple pregnancies or prior surgery and you desire a smoother, flatter abdomen, then you may be a candidate for an abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck
Here at the Plastic Surgery Center this procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with IV sedation by our board-certified anesthesiologist. Occasionally, it may be performed under general anesthesia at the hospital
There are several different procedures: a mini-abdominoplasty has the shortest scar and tightens the lower abdominal wall skin only. The standard abdominoplasty has a scar that goes from hip to hip and tightens all of the abdominal wall skin, and the extended abdominoplasty scar extends around the flanks on to the lower back and tightens the abdomen and the flanks (love handles).
This procedure is one of the more uncomfortable plastic surgery procedures with one to three days of hospitalization or skilled nursing care indicated for an extensive procedure (outpatient day surgery is usually recommended). Light activity is comfortable in 10-20 days, but sports will not be comfortable for about six weeks.
Occasionally, if the abdominoplasty is being performed for medical reasons, the procedure may be partially covered by insurance. However, the patient is responsible for payment.
The specific risks for each patient 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 may occur occasionally but major complications are unusual.
Click here for more before-and-after Tummy Tuck photos.
Verne Weisberg, MD, FACS
John Cederna, MD, FACS
Plastic Surgery Center
195 Fore River Parkway, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 775-1933
(800) 688-9133
