Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
See before and after photos of tummy tuck
The tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, procedure can be helpful for men and women alike who suffer from excess skin and fat on the abdomen, and stretched abdominal muscles. The procedure is especially beneficial for those who have undergone major weight loss or pregnancy and who have a surplus of loose skin in the abdomen as a result. Going beyond the limitations of liposuction to remove excess fat alone, the tummy tuck procedure removes excess skin and tightens weak muscles.
For those who only need work in the lower abdomen, the mini tuck is an option. In this procedure, only the area from the lower abdomen to the navel is targeted. For the full tummy tuck, both the tissues above and below the navel are treated.
Who Should Consider a Tummy Tuck?
People who undergo tummy tucks often complain that their midsection will not shrink despite changes in diet and exercise. For these individuals, the biggest problem is that weight loss has resulted in a surplus of loose abdominal skin that will not shrink on its own. If you’re considering a tummy tuck procedure, you should be in good general health, have a stable body weight, and maintain realistic expectations about cosmetic surgery.
Among the many benefits of the tummy tuck are the following:
- Firm abdominal skin
- Visible muscle tone
- Flat abdomen
- Youthful lower abdomen and navel
View our Before and After Photos of Cincinnati area tummy tuck patients
What to Expect During Your Tummy Tuck
Your tummy tuck will be performed at the Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. The procedure is most often conducted using general anesthesia, though intravenous sedation is also an option.
Once the incisions are marked and the anesthesia is administered, Dr. Mandell-Brown will make a horizontal incision across the midsection. At this time he will repair any weak abdominal muscles with internal sutures. The excess skin and fat is tightened and the excess tissues are trimmed. In some cases, for the full tummy tuck, a new opening is made for the navel. To finish your tummy tuck, the skin is redraped and the incisions are closed with layers of dissolvable sutures.
What is Recovery Like?
Recovery from the tummy tuck is estimated at about two weeks, though this varies. The drains that were inserted during surgery will be removed within one to three days after the tummy tuck. Focus on resting as much as possible during the first days of recovery, and begin ambulating (walking around) within the first 12-18 hours. The elastic abdominal compression binder should be worn for up to six weeks following surgery to help prevent swelling and the development of seromas.
Dr. Mark Mandell-Brown is triple board certified in Body Cosmetic Surgery, Facial Plastic Surgery and Head and Neck Surgery. That is to say, Dr. Mandell-Brown has the kind of credentials you want in a cosmetic surgeon. Please give us a call at (513) 984-4700, or send an email with any questions about the tummy tuck procedure, or to set up an initial consultation with Dr. Mandell-Brown.
We are committed to only the best patient care and are eager to know how we can help you in your decision making process. Our state-of-the-art facility with its many amenities and proximity to the Bethesda North Medical Complex will be sure to both impress you and put you at ease.
