Tummy tuck surgery is designed to address problems of loose skin and stretched tissues on the abdomen. These conditions are common after pregnancy or significant weight loss. With a tummy tuck (also known as abdominoplasty) Dr. Kluska can remove excess skin and tighten the muscles of your abdomen.
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| What is it? | Surgical procedure used to remove excess skin from the lower abdominal region and restore integrity to muscles of the abdomen |
| In/Outpatient | Outpatient or Inpatient |
| Anesthesia: | General or Sedation and local |
| Time: | 2 hours |
| Recovery: | 3 to 6 weeks |
Are you a candidate for abdominoplasty?
If your abdomen is out of proportion because of pregnancy or weight loss, you may be a good candidate for tummy tuck surgery. When the skin and tissue around a person's waist becomes stretched, it is unlikely to shrink with diet, exercise or any other traditional method. Fortunately, loose skin on the abdomen can be removed with a tummy tuck.
Candidates should be:
- In good health
- At a stable body weight that is close to their ideal weight
- Non-smokers
- Dissatisfied with loose or protruding abdominal tissue
Although a tummy tuck will not interfere with pregnancy, patients are generally advised to postpone surgery if they are planning to become pregnant. This procedure can be performed on both women and men.
How Tummy Tuck Surgery Works
Abdominoplasty requires about 2 hours of operating time under sedation anesthesia. Before the procedure begins, Dr. Kluska will determine where the incisions should be placed and mark them accordingly. Your anatomy and clothing choices are taken into consideration so you can easily conceal the scar after surgery.
A horizontal incision is made on the lower tummy, allowing Dr. Kluska access to repair the abdominal muscles with sutures. Excess skin is lifted and removed and the skin is redraped. If necessary, liposuction will be performed around the waist and hips. The belly button can also be remodeled or relocated. Layers of dissolvable sutures are placed to close your incision(s).
After Your Tummy Tuck: Recovery and Results
You will be wrapped in gauze dressing and a special elastic garment after surgery. Medications will be prescribed by Dr. Kluska to help you manage discomfort during this time. Some patients will require special surgical drains to remove fluid that accumulates.
Post-operative visits with Dr. Kluska will be scheduled to monitor the results of your tummy tuck. Recovery time is 1 to 3 weeks. Optimal aesthetic results would include tighter, firmer skin on the abdomen, fewer stretch marks and visible muscle contour.
Possible Tummy Tuck Complications
Like all cosmetic surgery procedures, the tummy tuck carries a risk of complications. Adverse events include but are not limited to haematoma, seroma, scarring, infection, tissue loss, bleeding, DVT and pulmonary embolus. Dr. Kluska can provide more information about these complications during your consultation.
If you are seeking a body contouring surgeon in Pennsylvania or West Virginia, contact the office of Dr. Michael Kluska at the Center for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery located in Greensburg. Email us with questions or call 724-836-0400 to schedule a consultation.
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