Tummy Tuck or Abdominoplasty
Tummy Tuck, or Abdominoplasty in Plastic Surgery Tijuana is performed to correct an excess amount of skin/subcutaneous tissue in the abdominal area.
Tummy Tuck, or Abdominoplasty is performed at our plastic surgery practice to correct an excess amount of skin/subcutaneous tissue in the abdominal area, especially involving the lower abdomen, which has developed after pregnancies or a large weight loss.
Through a tummy tuck, women and men can achieve a slim, tightened look that often can’t be achieved with diet or exercise alone. Once the abdominal skin and muscles have been stretched to a certain point, it is almost impossible to reduce this excess tissue without surgical intervention.
Pregnancy and childbirth can permanently alter the abdomen, as well as the breasts and other areas. Many mothers choose to have a tummy tuck as part of a mommy makeover, a combination procedure that simultaneously addresses many areas of the body affected by pregnancy.
About The Procedure
During surgery, Dr. Rafael Camberos removes the excess skin/fat from the middle/lower abdominal wall, and tightens the underlying muscles to create a flatter appearance to the abdominal wall. This may be combined with liposuction to improve the cosmetic result.
The abdominoplasty scar lies just above the pubic hairline, with the length of the scar depending on the amount of excess tissue to be removed and the build of the patient. our surgeon can indicate the exact length of the scar after he examines the patient at the time of the consultation.
A full abdominoplasty will also leave an umbilical scar, but this is not required in a more limited, subumbilical abdominoplasty.
Types of Tummy Tuck
Our plastic surgeons customize each tummy tuck procedure to the unique needs of the patient. Options, pictured below, include:
- Full tummy tuck removes excess stretched, loose skin from the abdominal region below the ribs to the pubic bone. This option usually involves repositioning the belly button.
- Extended tummy tuck, often performed as part of a circumferential body lift, removes excess skin and tissue all the way around the midsection. The belly button is often repositioned or recreated, as well. Circumferential body lifts are common for people who have lost a massive amount of weight, especially after gastric bypass surgery.
- Mini tummy tuck is appropriate for a select few patients whose upper abdomen is relatively firm and who want to tighten loose skin below the belly button. This option involves a shorter incision and reduced recovery time compared with the full tummy tuck. The belly button is not affected by this technique.
After The Procedure
Abdominoplasty surgery requires an overnight hospital stay and is performed under general anesthetic. Following surgery, patients generally complain of tightness rather than pain. Any discomfort is relieved by painkillers.
Following surgery, wound healing will occur within two weeks. If you work in an office, you can return to work in one to two weeks after surgery, and two to three if your work is more physical. You can resume low-impact physical activity in one to two weeks, and high-impact physical activity in three to four. Scar resolution will occur within six to nine months.
Tummy Tuck Information
For more information about tummy tuck surgery or abdominoplasty, request a consultation online. Or you can call our office at +1 (619) 598 – 2517 and one of our helpful staff members will schedule your appointment.
- STOP SMOKING: Smoking reduces circulation to the skin and impedes healing. It is best to avoid smoking, second hand smoke and cigarette replacements, such as nicotine patches or gum, in the perioperative period. While you should ideally stop smoking for 4 weeks before and after your surgical procedure, our surgeon will determine what may be appropriate for an individual scenario.
- TAKE MULTIVITAMINS: Start taking multivitamins twice daily to improve your general health once you have scheduled your surgery.
- TAKE VITAMIN C: Start taking 500 mg of Vitamin C twice daily to promote healing.
- START TAKING AN IRON SUPPLEMENT: A good iron supplement, such as Feosol Spansules, is required starting one week before surgery and four weeks following surgery. Bowel movements may appear darker than usual as a result. Feosol is available without prescription.
- DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN OR IBUPROFEN: Stop taking medications containing aspirin or ibuprofen. Review the list of drugs containing aspirin and ibuprofen carefully. Such drugs can cause bleeding problems during and after surgery. Instead, use medications containing acetaminophen (such as Tylenol).
- LIMIT VITAMIN E: Limit your intake of Vitamin E to less than 400 mg per day.
- FILL YOUR PRESCRIPTIONS: You will be given prescriptions for medications. Please have them filled BEFORE the day of surgery and bring them with you.
- CONFIRM SURGERY TIME: We will call you to confirm the time of your surgery. If you are not going to be at home or at your office, please call us to confirm at +1 (619) 598 – 2517.
- PRESCRIPTIONS: Make sure that you have filled the prescriptions you were given and set the medications out to bring with you tomorrow.
- CLEANSING: The night before surgery, shower and wash the surgical areas with an antibacterial soap such as Dial, Safeguard, or pHisoHex.
- EATING AND DRINKING: Do not eat or drink anything after 12:00 midnight except for a small amount of water to rinse your mouth while brushing your teeth.
- SPECIAL INFORMATION: Do not eat or drink anything! If you take a daily medication, you may take it with a sip of water in the early morning.
- ORAL HYGIENE: You may brush your teeth but do not swallow the water.
- MAKE-UP: Please do not wear moisturizers, creams, lotions, or makeup.
- CLOTHING: Wear only comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that does not go over your head. NO TIGHT PANTS. Remove hairpins, wigs, and jewelry. Please do not bring valuables with you. Remove all piercings and artificial nails.
- CHECK IN/PREPARATION:
- Scheduled Surgery Time: You should plan to arrive earlier than your scheduled surgery time. Please do not be late. This will delay the surgery and delay other patients from having surgery and may result in having to reschedule your surgery.
- CARETAKER: Someone must spend the first night after surgery with you and accompany you from the surgery center if you have any anesthesia other than local anesthesia.
Initially, your abdomen will probably be swollen and feel sore. You will need to wear a compression garment for the first 6 weeks to minimize swelling and encourage a smooth, compact abdominal shape.
- Eat any food you normally eat.
- Drink alcoholic beverages only after you have stopped taking your pain medications.
- Do not smoke for 6 weeks after surgery.
- Do not sleep on your stomach for 6 weeks.
- Do not lift objects up to 10 pounds during the first 2 weeks.
- Do not run, jump or perform any other vigorous physical activity for 6 weeks.
- Take a shower every day, wash your wounds carefully with water and soap.
- Avoid removing adhesive tape placed under your wounds for 4 weeks.
- Make sure to dry your wounds well (you should use a hairdryer on a low setting to completely dry the wounds and the adhesive tape).
- Wear your post-surgery compression girdle at least 6 weeks after surgery 24/7. Remove your surgical girdle only during the shower.
- Because abdominoplasty involves removal of extra abdominal skin and tightening of abdominal muscles, you may experience some difficulty standing up straight for the first week or two after surgery. Please do not make any special attempts to stretch or stand up straight during the first three weeks of healing. The tightness will gradually soften as you heal and progressively use your body muscles.