Tummy Tuck
(Abdominoplasty)
The Austin, TX specialistPlastic / Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Parker
located in Austin, TX.
Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a "tummy tuck," is a surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. Dr. E. Richard Parker a board certified plastic surgeon of Austin has found this procedure can dramatically improve the appearance of a protruding abdomen.
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The best candidates for a tummy tuck?
The best candidates for a tummy tuck are men or women who are in
relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or
loose abdominal skin that won't 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.
If you feel that you desire to have a flatter abdomen and desire
to look more attractive in your slacks and form-fitting clothes
then a Tummy Tuck may be the procedure for you.
THE SURGERY
Complete tummy tuck surgery usually take two to five hours,
depending on the extent of work required. Partial tummy tucks
may take an hour or two.
Most commonly, Dr. Parker will make an incision in the lower abdomen just
above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the
navel from surrounding tissue. With a mini tummy tuck, the
incision is shorter and the navel is not moved, however, excess
skin above the navel is not tightened.
The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is
removed. A new hole is cut for navel, which is then stitched in
place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressing will be
applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess
fluid from the surgical site. Pain pumps are also used to reduce
the postoperative pain.
THE RECOVERY
For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen
and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort, which can be
controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the
surgery, you normally are released within a few hours after
surgery.
Dr. Parker will give you instructions for showering and changing your
dressing. And though you may not be able to stand straight at
first, you should start walking as soon as possible.
Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days, and
deeper sutures will absorb. A support garment may replace the
dressing on your incision.
GETTING BACK TO NORMAL
It may take you weeks or months to feel like your old self
again. If you start out in top physical condition, with strong
abdominal muscles, recovery from a tummy tuck will be much
faster. Some people return to work after two weeks, while others
take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate.
Exercise will help your heal better. Even people who have never
exercised before should begin an exercise program to reduce
swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles.
Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do
it comfortably.
YOUR NEW LOOK
Tummy tucks, whether partial or complete, 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 feel this procedure could enhance your look, please call our office today at (512) 617-7500 to schedule your personalized
consultation. Let Dr. Parker help you look your best in the new year.
Call our Austin, TX office today at (512) 617-7500 to schedule your consultation. We look forward to meeting you in person. Dr. Parker is a member of the ASPS and ASAPS associations and is also active in the local community organizations. Dr. Parker supports (Austin City Hall, Austin Chamber of Commerce, Austin Realty Board, and Austin Rotary
.Visit our plastic / cosmetic surgery office located in Austin, Texas (TX) near the areas of West Lake, Lake Austin, Rosedale, North Loop, Hyde Park, Windsor Park, Coronado Hills, Windsor Hills, Heritage Hill, University Hill, Crestview, West Lake Hills, Barton Hills, and Sunset Valley.
