Dr. John Pierce is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Here the Doctor has answered some of the common questions bizymoms visitors have about Tummy Tuck.

 
Q.    What is a Tummy Tuck? 

A.    A tummy tuck (also known as an abdominoplasty) is basically removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightening up the abdominal wall that can get stretched out after child birth or weight gain/loss.  There are many variations and the specific type of tummy tuck depends on many variables.

Q.    How is a tummy tuck performed?

A.    The surgery is usually done under general anesthesia.  An incision is made in the lower abdomen and the skin and fat are raised off of the muscle and fascia (the fibrous tissue that covers the muscle).  Extra fat is removed by direct excision and liposuction.  The abdominal wall is tightened with sutures.  The belly button is brought through a new hole and the excess skin is removed.  We place a drain that stays in place for around a week and compression garment is used to minimize bruising and swelling.  Most patients stay overnight in an outpatient surgery recovery facility

Q.    How long does tummy tuck surgery take?

A.    3 hours

Q.    Are there risks and complications to a tummy tuck?

A.    As with any surgery, there are risks.  The risks include, but are not limited to bleeding, infection, loss of skin, fluid accumulation, scarring.

Q.    What should one expect after the operation?

A.    There will be moderate postoperative pain and "tightness" in the immediate postoperative period.  We ask you not to get your heart rate up for around 2 weeks and avoid heavy lifting for 6 weeks.  Most people can return to work, depending on their job, after 2 weeks.

Q.    How much does a tummy tuck cost?

A.    The cost depends on the type of abdominoplasty performed.  The average cost is around $11,000.  This includes surgeon’s fee, O.R. fee, anesthesia and recovery center fees.

Q.    How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?

A.    With good diet and exercise, the results are permanent.  You can still gain weight and if the weight gain is excessive, the skin can stretch out again.  We also recommend that women who plan on having children, wait until they are through having children before undergoing an abdominoplasty.