Tummy Tuck Scottsdale with Arizona Plastic Surgeon Dr. Sean Lille

Email Scottsdale Tummy Tuck Surgeon Dr. Lille

Is a tummy tuck right for me?

A tummy tuck is something you should do solely for yourself, not for others or to fit any ideal image.

Other factors that make you a good candidate for Abdominoplasty are:

Physically you are healthy and at a stable weight
Your expectations are realistic
You do not smoke
You feel bothered that your tummy is too large

It is even possible for individuals with an otherwise normal body weight and proportion to develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. A flat and well-toned stomach is something many of us strive to achieve through exercise and weight control. Sometimes even when using these methods we cannot achieve our goals.

Other factors that might cause you to want a tummy tuck:

Pregnancy
Aging
Significant fluctuations in weight
Heredity
Prior surgery

What are the steps of the procedure?

A tummy tuck procedure first begins with anesthesia. Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgery. You will either be given intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, which will be determined before the procedure. Once you are comfortable we begin with the incision. A horizontally-oriented incision between the pubic hairline and navel is required for full abdominoplasty. The degree of correction necessary determines the shape and length of the incision. Weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and sutured through this incision, while excess fat, tissue and skin is removed. There is a possibility a second incision around the navel may be necessary for the removal of excess skin in the upper abdomen.

After the procedue is complete we close the incisions. Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips are utilized to close the skin incisions. Once the incision is closed the surgery is complete and your next is to see the results! A tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour more proportionate with your body type and weight.

The final results may be initially be obsured due to swelling, along with your inability to stand fully upright until all internal healing is complete. Within one or two weeks, you should be standing tall and confident admiring your new slimmer abdomen.

What will a tummy tuck not do?

First and foremost, a tummy tuck is not an alternative for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program.

One must note that eventhough the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly affected by significant changes in weight. Because of this individuals who are planning to lose substantial or women who may be considering pregnancy in future may be advised to postpone a tummy tuck.

Also, a tummy tuck does not correct stretch marks, although there is a chance these could be removed or somewhat improved if their location is on the areas of excess skin that will be excised.

What should I expect during my consultation with Dr. Lille?

Your candidness during your consultation definitely affects the success and safety of your tummy tuck procedure. You will be asked numerous questions about your health, desires and lifestyle.

Be prepared to discuss:

Why you want the surgery, your expectations and desired outcome
Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
Use of current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drugs
Previous surgeries

Dr. Lille may also:

Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
Take photographs for your medical record
Discuss your options and recommend a course of treatment
Discuss likely outcomes of the tummy tuck and any risks or potential complications

How do I prepare for the surgery?

Before the surgery, you may be asked to:

Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
Stop smoking well in advance of surgery
Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding

Once you’ve decided to go through with the surgery Dr. Lille will cover:

What to do on the day of surgery
The use of anesthesia during your tummy tuck
Post-operative care and follow-up

Facts , Safety Information and Risks involved with Abdominoplasty

Deciding to have tummy tuck surgery is extremely personal and you personally will have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if any risks and potential complications are acceptable.

You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

Possible risks of abdominoplasty include:

Unfavorable scarring
Bleeding (hematoma)
Infection
Fluid accumulation
Poor wound healing
Skin loss
Blood clots
Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
Anesthesia risks
Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
Fatty tissue found deep in the skin might die (fat necrosis)
Major wound separation
Asymmetry
Recurrent looseness of skin
Pain, which may persist
Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
Persistent swelling in the legs
Nerve damage
Possibility of revisional surgery
Suboptimal aesthetic result

What will my recovery be like?

Following the surgery, dressings or bandages may be covering your incisions, and you may also be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize any swelling along with providing support to your abdomen as it heals. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect.

Be sure to ask your Dr. Lille specific questions about what you can expect during your personal recovery period.

Where will I be taken after my surgery?
What medication will I be taking post-surgery?
Will I personally have dressings/bandages applied after surgery? When will they be removed?
Are the stitches removed? When?
When is it appropriate for me to resume normal activity and exercise?
When do I come back for follow-up care?