What Does a Tummy Tuck Do?
A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures among both men and women. Our tummy tuck in Denver is intended to result in a smoother, tighter, flatter abdomen. As a highly experienced Denver tummy tuck surgeon, Dr. Slenkovich removes excess abdominal fat and skin during the tummy tuck procedure. He then carefully addresses the laxity of the abdominal muscles by directly suturing the muscles, thereby creating an internal corset to provide a tight, flat stomach. Tummy tuck surgery is often recommended for women who are looking to get their before-baby body back as part of a mommy makeover or as part of body contouring after massive weight loss. Tummy tuck patients benefit from the complete removal of fat and skin above and below the belly button, as well as if there is laxity of the abdominal wall musculature.
Are You a Tummy Tuck Candidate?
Good candidates for Tummy Tuck are those experiencing:
- Loose or sagging abdominal skin
- Inability to tighten your abdomen with diet and exercise
- Muscle and skin laxity as a result of pregnancy
- Muscle and skin laxity as a result of massive weight loss
- Skin damage
- Excess fat or laxity in only the lower abdomen and have tight muscles and skin in the upper abdomen
For many tummy tuck patients, abdominoplasty with liposuction has the potential for a more dramatic improvement than liposuction alone.
How is an Abdominoplasty Performed?
Abdominal tuck procedures are tailored to each person’s anatomy. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia. At Colorado Plastic Surgery Center all of our Denver tummy tuck procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. In the majority of cases, a swath of skin with all of its underlying fat is removed, and additional excision of fat is performed along with contouring of the trunk with liposuction. Laxity of the muscles is carefully addressed with direct suture tightening, creating an internal corset.
What Is Recovery Like?
Abdominoplasty can be one of the more uncomfortable plastic surgery procedures. You will be encouraged to be moving and walking within one-to-two days. Light activity is comfortable in 10 to 20 days. For most Denver abdominoplasty patients, sports will not be comfortable for about six weeks.
Tummy Tuck FAQs
What other procedures can I have performed during a tummy tuck?
Liposuction can be done during a tummy tuck to aid in the removal of residual fat. Other procedures, however, are typically not performed in the same surgery as a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck is itself an extensive surgical procedure that requires a fair amount of recovery time, and performing other procedures may not be appropriate for the patient. This can be discussed in-depth with our board-certified surgeon in your consultation. Some patients undergo a breast lift or augmentation in the same surgery - altogether making it a mommy makeover procedure. Every person is different.
When will I be able to drive again after a tummy tuck?
Patients can typically expect to resume driving within the first two weeks or ten days after their surgery. This will depend on how well you are recovering and your physical condition at that time.
When will I be able to do any lifting after a tummy tuck?
Lifting can put a lot of unnecessary strain on the incision sites. The abdomen muscles need to heal during this time, so it is best to wait until six weeks have passed before doing any moderate to heavy lifting. This should be worked up gradually to protect your body and avoid healing problems.
How much assistance should I plan on having after a tummy tuck?
Plan on having help with any childcare or household duties that require lifting or excessive motion. Having meals pre-arranged or pre-cooked is extremely helpful. Planning this assistance before surgery is key in minimizing your stress and ensuring a smooth recovery.
What is the difference between a mini tummy tuck and a full tummy tuck?
A full tummy tuck generally implies that the incision will be made along the panty line and around the belly button. Muscles in the abdomen will also be tightened during a full tummy tuck. A mini tummy tuck often involves more liposuction and less abdominal tightening. Therefore, a smaller incision is used and is appropriate in cases in which only the area below the navel needs help.
Will I have to wear special clothes or bandages after the procedure?
After the procedure, you will need to wear a fitted garment to minimize swelling. Most women switch to wearing Spanx to keep swelling down during the first two weeks. Any bandages required will be at the discretion of our surgeon.
Does a tummy tuck get rid of stretch marks?
Yes, many stretch marks can be removed during a tummy tuck if they are on the area of skin that is being removed during the procedure, on the lower abdomen. This can be discussed with our board-certified surgeon during your initial consultation.
What do I need to watch out for after a tummy tuck?
You will need to be very alert about the signs and symptoms of blood clots. You will have a drainage tube for a short while after surgery, and if it stops draining, then it could be a sign of blood clots. Swelling in the surgical site, abdomen, or calf may also be a sign of a blood clot. Shortness of breath as well is indicative of a blood clot and should be addressed immediately. Our surgeon will discuss any potential risks with you and will delineate a recovery plan that reduces the likelihood of complications – which are very rare.
Does Insurance Cover a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck is considered cosmetic and is not covered by insurance.
Financing:
At Colorado Plastic Surgery Center, we will be pleased to help you get the financing for this procedure so you can obtain the results that are arguably the best when it comes to a tummy tuck Denver has to offer. We are affiliated with companies that offer financing for cosmetic surgery.
