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Phoenix Arizona Tummy Tuck | Body Sculpting Center

MEDIA INFORMATION
Program:	Good Evening Arizona
Air Date:	11/15/05
Procedures:	Liposuction Tummy Tuck Liposhifting

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Marisela Alonzo Liposhifting & Tummy Tuck
Length: 03:08

Arizona Tummy Tuck Procedures

A tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen. But bear in mind, it does produce a permanent scar which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip.

If you are considering an Arizona tummy tuck, this will give you a basic understanding of the procedure; when it can help, how it is performed, and what results you can expect. It cannot answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on the individual patient and the surgeon. Please ask your surgeon about anything you do not understand.

The best candidates for Arizona tummy tucks are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that will not respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.

Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy. If you have scarring from previous abdominal surgery, your doctor may recommend against a tummy tuck or may caution you that scars could be unusually prominent.

A tummy tuck can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it will not necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.

Tummy tucks, whether mini or full, produce excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. And in most cases, the results are long lasting if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly. If you are realistic in your expectations and prepared for the consequences of a permanent scar and a lengthy recovery period, a tummy tuck may be just the answer for you.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Recovery :

POSITION:
Because abdominoplasty involves removal of the extra abdominal skin and (usually) tightening of the abdominal muscles, you will experience some difficulty standing up straight for a week or two or even longer. During this period, you may find it more comfortable to place a pillow or two under your knees while in bed. The tightness will gradually disappear as you heal and progressively use your body muscles for the activities of daily living. Please make no special attempts to stretch or pull the abdomen straight during the first 2-3 weeks of healing. You must change your position and walk around the house every few hours to reduce the danger of blood clots.

DRESSINGS:
We may place an elastic abdominal binder around your tummy after surgery, in some cases to provide some gentle pressure, to give you stability, and to reduce swelling. If it feels too tight or causes pain, take it off. We do not want the binder to interfere with circulation to the skin, which could cause blistering or skin loss! You may also remove it temporarily for laundering. Many patients wear the binder for several weeks after surgery and some choose to wear it for several months. Let your own comfort and the amount of swelling you experience guide you. We want you as comfortable as possible without swelling.

DRAINS:
Your surgeon will probably place one or two drains into the surgical area at the time of surgery and will bring them out through small incisions made in the pubic area. These drains evacuate the fluid that accumulates after surgery and enable you to heal faster. When the drain is first put in place, the bulb at the end of each tube will be compressed to create gentle suction. As the fluid collects in the bulb, it will expand.

DRAIN CARE:
Secure the bulb of the drain to your clothing or the abdominal binder with a safety pin. Whenever the bulb fills or expands 50% or more, empty the bulb by opening the plug at the top and pouring out the contents. Do not attempt to remove the bulb from the tubing. Squeeze the bulb to recompress it, and put the plug back into the hole at the top in order to maintain the vacuum. If the bulb fills rapidly after emptying it, or you need to empty it more than five times a day, please call us at (480) 464-8000. Your surgeon or a nurse will remove the drains anywhere from 5-10 days after surgery, when the fluid begins to turn a clear straw color and/or the amount of drainage diminishes. You may shower the day after your drains are removed.

ACTIVITIES:
Tummy tucks are probably the most uncomfortable operation we perform. You will experience some pain for 10-20 days and will not feel like resuming sports or heavy exercise for at least 4 weeks. After the first week, you may resume moderate walks for as long as is tolerable. Too much initial activity can prolong swelling.

EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT:
We recommend that you protect your scars from the sun for a year after surgery. Even through a bathing suit, a good deal of sunlight can reach the skin and cause damage. Wear a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 when out in sunny weather.

SPECIFIC “AS YOU HEAL" INSTRUCTIONS

TIGHTNESS:
Your abdomen will feel tight for a month or longer. If you have had a muscle repair as well (the usual case), you will feel the most tightness down the center of your tummy where your surgeon has actually repaired your muscles. This hurts more than any other part of the procedure.

HEALING OF SENSORY NERVES:
Usually, the skin of the abdomen remains partially or completely numb for several months or longer. Tingling, burning, or shooting pains indicate regeneration of the small sensory nerves. This feeling will disappear with time and is not cause for alarm. It may take as long as 2 years for sensation in your abdomen to be restored completely.

FEELING OF FULLNESS:
You may pleasantly find that you feel full sooner than normal when you begin to eat regular meals.

ACTIVITIES:
If your job keeps you sedentary, you may plan on returning to work in 7-14 days, with the understanding that you will still have discomfort with motion. Please discuss this with your surgeon and the nursing staff. Here again, swelling may indicate too much activity. Do not plan on resuming aerobic or strenuous exercise for about 4 weeks after surgery. Let your body tell you what it can do.