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At Sinno Center for Plastic Surgery, we understand that sometimes no matter what you try, your stomach does not look the way you want it to. A tummy tuck may be the correct procedure for you to have or regain the flat stomach you want. Find out if this procedure is right for you by setting up a consultation with Dr Fady Sinno to talk about your specific needs and answer any questions you might have about the procedure.

What is a tummy tuck?
Who should have one?
How is a tummy tuck done?
What results can you expect with a tummy tuck?
How can you prepare for your tummy tuck?
What can you expect when you are healing?
How long will results last?
What are the possible side effects or risks?
Are there other procedures that can be done along with a tummy tuck?
Are there any alternatives to abdominoplasty?
Will insurance pay for the procedure?
Next steps …

WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK?
A tummy tuck is a surgical procedure that will help reduce or flatten a protruding abdomen. This is done surgically by tightening muscles of the abdomen and/or removing excess fat, tissue and skin.

WHO SHOULD HAVE ONE?
If you cannot reduce your protruding stomach with weight loss or exercise, you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck. People who have had multiple pregnancies, significant weight loss or other conditions that have stretched out abdominal muscles and skin can benefit from a tummy tuck. Individuals who have stabilized at their desired weight have better success with a tummy tuck.

HOW IS A TUMMY TUCK DONE?
The procedure can be done as outpatient or with overnight stay in a hospital. You will receive general anesthesia during the procedure so that you feel no pain.

As shown at the right, an incision is made across your abdomen above the pubic bone. Unwanted skin, fat and tissue are then removed, and stomach muscles are tightened up surgically. Absorbable stitches are used to close the incision.

Tummy tucks are classified into 3 categories: standard, mini and modified. Dr. Sinno will work with you to identify the best approach for your body.

Liposuction of the abdomen, hips and flanks is commonly done at the same time, as needed.

WHAT RESULTS CAN YOU EXPECT WITH A TUMMY TUCK?
A tummy tuck will give you a much flatter, smoother abdomen overall. Abdominal muscles and stretched skin will be tightened during the procedure. Your figure will look better and you will feel better about yourself.

HOW CAN YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR TUMMY TUCK?
The best way to prepare your body for surgery is to make healthy lifestyle choices in the weeks beforehand. Exercise regularly. Get adequate sleep. Eat right. Take vitamin supplements. Reduce stress. If you prepare your body for surgery, your “back-to-normal time” is often reduced.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT WHEN YOU ARE HEALING?

Pain
After your tummy tuck, you will experience some degree of pain for 10-20 days.
Dr. Sinno uses several tools for pain management including long acting local anesthetic administered at the time of surgery and the placement of "pain-pump" devices that continue to deliver the local anesthetic for several days.

Dressings
You will wear an elastic abdominal binder garment around your abdomen for several weeks after surgery. This provides gentle pressure that will give you stability and help reduce swelling. You can remove it if it is too uncomfortable.

Dr. Sinno also will insert one or two drains into the surgical area to allow fluid to drain from the treated area. You will be instructed about how to handle these drains at home. They are usually removed several days after surgery.

You can shower the day after your drains are removed. The stitches are absorbable and concealed under the skin. The incisions are covered with surgical tape and glue.

Activity
You will not be able to stand up completely straight for at least a week, and possibly longer. However, you must start moving and walking within 1-2 days after surgery. Walking around the house every few hours helps reduce the possibility of blood clots.

You can probably resume light activity within 10-15 days. You will not be able to do strenuous exercise or sports for at least 6 weeks, possibly longer.

Diet and Nutrition
Good diet and nutrition will help your body heal better, and faster, after a surgical procedure.

Drink plenty of water or clear fluids; up to 64 ounces a day is recommended
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables with every meal
Eat small amounts of protein with every meal
Eat every 4-5 hours; do not wait longer to eat
Eat more frequent meals, with fewer calories per meal
Eat breakfast within an hour after you get up
Use vitamin supplements, especially antioxidants, to promote healing and renew energy

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WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OR RISKS?
All surgical procedures carry a degree of risk. Risks range from minor, normal side effects to the rare and highly unusual complications. Some procedures may be unsuitable for certain individuals. Dr Sinno will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your medical conditions and abdominal anatomy before recommending the safest plan of action.

Normal side effects include:

Scars. You will have a long scar around your abdomen or a shorter scar if a mini tummy tuck is feasible. Dr. Sinno can discuss incision options with you to help conceal scar lines in different style clothing and bathing suits.
Skin changes. Skin contours may be slightly uneven or wrinkled, but this will disappear in time. A persistent bulge at the corner of the incision may occasionally require a simple touch up procedure in the office.
Numbness. You may have some loss of sensation in the area treated. It may take several months for the numbness to disappear.

ARE THERE OTHER PROCEDURES THAT CAN BE DONE ALONG WITH A TUMMY TUCK?
Other body contouring procedures (most frequently liposuction) are commonly done along with a tummy tuck operation.

ARE THERE ANY ALTERNATIVES TO ABDOMINOPLASTY?
This procedure is completely optional, so you may choose not to do it. You may have some degree of success in reducing your protruding abdomen with liposuction, weight loss and/or exercise. Excess skin and stretched abdominal muscles can only be treated by the tummy tuck operation.

WILL INSURANCE PAY FOR THE PROCEDURE?
A tummy tuck is an optional treatment and considered cosmetic. Therefore, it is not covered by insurance. You are responsible for full payment.

HOW LONG DO RESULTS LAST?
The results are permanent unless the abdomen is stretched again by massive weight gain or another pregnancy.

NEXT STEPS . . .

Please feel free to contact us. We can answer your questions and create a customized plan that will work best for you and your body.