Tummy Tuck

If you have excess skin and fat folds on your abdomen caused by weight loss or pregnancy it is likely that you will benefit from an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck. The procedure can sometimes also improve stretch marks. A tummy tuck will enhance your shape by making your stomach firmer and flatter by removing excessive skin.

Prior to surgery, Dr. Waslen will assess how much excess fat and loose skin you have in your abdomen as well as the condition of your stomach muscles.

The standard abdominoplasty incision is made above the pubic area and extends in a horizontal line toward the pelvic bones. Effort is always taken to keep the incision below the line of a bathing suit or undergarment.

There are several approaches to this procedure depending upon the amount of skin and fat to be removed. Because there are several possible approaches that can be used for this surgery, Dr. Waslen will talk to you about the method he feels will achieve the best result in your case.

It is possible to experience tissue loss where the abdominoplasty incision is made if the procedure is extensive. Tissue loss happens more in those who smoke or have diabetes.

Other risks include fluid accumulation under the skin. This accumulated fluid can be removed painlessly in several follow up office visits.

You will be given a support garment to wear for several weeks and you should not sit for long periods in the week after your surgery.

While bruising and swelling disappear over a few weeks, numbness in some areas of the abdomen may persist for several months.

Scars will be deep in color for some time following surgery and will likely always be visible. In most cases, scars eventually fade to very faint lines.

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