The Tummy Tuck Procedure

After prolonged periods of trying diet and exercise to refine the contours of your body, you may be wondering what other options are available to help achieve your desired result. A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a cosmetic procedure offered by Elizabeth A. Kinsley, MD, to help clients achieve a firmer and flatter abdomen. Review the details of this procedure and what to expect before and after surgery.

What Is a Tummy Tuck?

Dr. Kinsley can perform a tummy tuck procedure to help you tighten and reshape your abdomen. This surgery involves removing excess, sagging skin to help create contoured and aesthetically pleasing results.

Types of Tummy Tucks

Understanding the types of tummy tucks available and discussing your preferences with Dr. Kinsley will better help you both determine which option is best suited for your goals.

• Full or traditional abdominoplasty: this will tighten all of the abdominal wall skin and muscles
• Extended abdominoplasty: this will tighten all of the abdominal wall skin and muscles, but is more invasive and requires a longer incision to remove skin or fatty tissue from the hip and lower abdominal, or “love handle,” area
• Mini abdominoplasty: this will only tighten the skin of the lower abdominal wall

Are You a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

If you have loose or sagging abdominal wall skin, frequently associated with abnormal relaxation of the anterior abdominal wall muscles—often following multiple pregnancies or other surgery—you may be a candidate for a tummy tuck procedure. You may also be a candidate if you are unable to tighten abdominal wall skin with exercise. Additional methods that may enhance these results are liposuction, breast reduction, breast augmentation, breast lift, or thigh lift.

Tummy Tuck Preparation

Before the surgery, let Dr. Kinsley know about any medications you’re taking or plan to take soon. Select a trusted friend or family member to drive you home after the surgery, as you may still be feeling the effects of the anesthetic afterward.

Tummy Tuck Procedure

Abdominoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Mini abdominoplasty tightens the lower abdominal wall skin only and leaves the shortest scar. Modified abdominoplasty addresses conditions where just the muscle wall or abdominal skin requires repair. Standard abdominoplasty tightens all of the abdominal wall skin and muscles and leaves a standard scar.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

You may be able to return to work or your normal activities about two to six weeks after surgery. A tummy tuck can be one of the more uncomfortable plastic surgery procedures and will likely require more time for recovery. You will be encouraged to start moving and walking within one to two days. Light activity is comfortable in 10 to 20 days. Sports will not be suitable for about six weeks.

Is a Tummy Tuck Safe?

Any surgery involves some level of risk, and Dr. Kinsley will review specific risks and the suitability of this procedure for you during your consultation. Some risks can include prolonged swelling, numbness, or skin discoloration; however, every patient’s surgical and recovery experiences vary.

Will a Tummy Tuck Leave Scars?

Scarring varies depending on the procedure you select. Tummy tuck scars are often the same length as a C-section scar.

Elizabeth A. Kinsley, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon serving patients throughout the greater New Orleans area. She employs the latest technology and nonsurgical and surgical procedures available. Make an appointment today to discuss your desire to undergo a tummy tuck.