Posted: October 11, 2017
What is Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty is also known as a tummy tuck and involves the removal of loose skin and fat cells from the abdominal area, along with tightening the abdominal muscles for a lean and tone appearance.
What are the Types of Abdominoplasty?
If you choose to have a tummy tuck, Dr. Jon Harrell of the Weston Center for Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery can perform either a full tummy tuck or a mini tummy tuck. A full tummy tuck is more invasive and removes fat and skin from the entire stomach area, while a mini tummy tuck takes less time and only focuses on the abdominal area below the navel.
Dr. Harrell can help you determine which procedure you'd be a tummy tuck candidate for.
What Is a Full Tummy Tuck?
A full tummy tuck will take between 2-5 hours and will require general anesthesia. The procedure will usually only involve 2 incisions. The first incision will be around your navel and the second will run from your lower hip along your bikini line. Dr. Harrell will make this incision thoughtfully so it can be easily hidden by your underwear or swimsuit line. If the navel needs to be moved for a better appearance, there may be a third incision from the navel to the bikini line as well.
A full tummy tuck involves the removal of loose skin, stretch marks, and fat from the entire front area of your stomach. During a full tummy tuck, Dr. Harrell will also suture together your abdominal muscles, giving them a tighter and more compressed appearance.
What Is a Mini Tummy Tuck?
During a mini tummy tuck, Dr. Harrell will only make one incision that will run along your lower hips and bikini line. A mini tummy tuck will take between 1-2 hours because it is less invasive than some other forms of body contouring. A mini tummy tuck only requires local anesthesia and a sedative.
During a mini tummy tuck, loose skin, fat, and stretch marks will be removed from the lower abdominal area. Abdominal muscles will also be sutured together for a trim and tight look.
What Should I Expect After Abdominoplasty?
In order to minimize swelling, you will return home with drainage tubes placed in the abdominal area that will help remove excess fluid. These tubes will be removed within 1-2 weeks, however. After the surgery, Dr. Harrell will have you wear a compression garment for several weeks in order to minimize swelling in the area and aid in comfort. The stitches will be removed in stages over the 2 weeks following surgery. Most patients can return to work within 1-2 weeks and typically can return to strenuous activity within 8 weeks of the procedure.
With over 24 years of experience, Dr. Jon Harrell has the training and expertise that you can trust when making a decision about a tummy tuck. He will perform the procedure with a trained eye and leave you feeling great about your new look. Contact The Weston Center for Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery by calling (954) 526-0066 or completing our online appointment form when you're ready to take the first step toward a thinner, healthier life.