Congratulations on your amazing weight loss. As a result of your great success, you may now have excess abdominal skin, residual fat deposits, weakened abdominal wall muscles, and hanging skin in the pubic area that affects your genital region. The abdomen is the most common area that after weight loss patients ask Dr. Michaels to correct.
Contents
Procedure
A tummy tuck involves a low lying incision and will often extend from hip to hip. The length of the incision will depend on the amount of excess skin to be removed. These incisions are marked low and Dr. Michaels will try to hide them underneath your undergarments or bathing suit. During your procedure, the skin of the abdomen is elevated exposing the underlying abdominal wall muscle. This layer is then tightened with permanent sutures to optimize your contour. If you have a hernia, it will also be corrected at this time. The pubic region is then rejuvenated, the excess abdominal skin is then removed, and your belly button is then re-positioned through a new incision.
As post-weight loss patients often have more than one area that they desire corrected, it is not uncommon to combine another body contouring procedure, such as arm lift or thigh lift, with your tummy tuck. This will be discussed with you during your consultation.
Before and After Photos
A tummy tuck is considered a cosmetic procedure, unlike a panniculectomy which is performed for a medically necessary reason. A panniculectomy is a reconstructive procedure that removes only the hanging apron of skin from the lower portion of your abdomen. It does not include muscle tightening, preservation of the belly button, or liposuction. There is a subset of patients that desire the cosmetic outcome of a tummy tuck, but also have medically necessary reasons to have their hanging skin (pannus) removed. For these patients, we will submit information to your insurance company to attempt to see if the medically necessary portion of your procedure will be covered. In cases that get approved, your insurance company may pay for the reconstructive portion of your procedure. You will ultimately be responsible for the cost of your procedure.
Quick Facts
Length
2-5 hours (depending on extent of procedure)
Anesthesia
General
In/outpatient
Usually inpatient with 1 overnight stay
Side effects
Temporary swelling, bruising, tightness and some pain
Risks
Pain, bleeding, infection, rare damage to nerves, asymmetry, incomplete improvement, recurrent laxity
Recovery
1-2 weeks back at work. 2 weeks light exercise. 3 weeks more strenuous activity. 8-12 weeks for swelling to resolve and patient can resume normal activity.
Duration of results
Can be permanent if diet and exercise are maintained
If you would like to learn more about the tummy tuck procedure, click here or call (301) 468-5991 in Rockville, Maryland or (703) 957-8610 in Fairfax, Virginia to schedule a consultation.
