Tummy Tuck
At the Cosmetic Surgery Center of Sacramento, Dr. McMenamin recommends tummy tuck surgery to both women and men to effectively address problems of excess fat and skin in the abdomen. Causes of the development of fat and skin in the abdomen include the overstretching of skin from pregnancy, or significant weight loss.
During the procedure, the loose abdominal tissue is contoured to create a more streamlined appearance. Surgical techniques involved in the tummy tuck include surgical skin removal and in some cases, liposuction.
When to Choose the Tummy Tuck
Candidates for the tummy tuck enjoy good health, are non-smokers, and are already at a stable body weight. The most common complaints among those who elect to undergo surgery are:
- Midsection that is out of proportion with the rest of the body
- Loose abdominal skin as a result of major weight loss
- Loss of skin elasticity in the midsection.
For long-lasting results, it is best if the candidate has no plan for future pregnancy.
Before and After Tummy Tuck, Sacramento CA
View more tummy tuck before and after photos
*actual patient, your results may vary
What to Expect During Your Tummy Tuck
Before you leave your home, you must take the medication given to you at your preoperative visit according to the directions on the package. Also, you will shower with the disinfectant soap. Be sure to read the additional instructions on the white “Pre Op Handout” that was given to you at your preoperative visit that outlines the time you need to arrive and other instructions.
Upon arriving at our facility, you will be greeted and changed into appropriate garments for surgery. The surgeon will use felt tip pens to mark out the areas being treated. Preoperative photographs will be taken.
After one last trip to the bathroom and a step on the scale, you will be escorted to the operating room. While lying on a heated surgical bed, an I.V. will be started and you will be hooked up to a monitor that will regularly check your heart tracing (EKG), blood oxygen level, and blood pressure/pulse. You will be given fluids through your I.V. The anesthesiologist will ask you a few general health questions. He will administer sedative medications as needed for your comfort. For all practical purposes, you will sleep through the procedure. You will NOT be administered a general anesthetic unless that has been prearranged and your surgery is being performed at the hospital or surgery center outside of our office.
After prepping the treatment area with a disinfectant, your skin and abdominal wall will be numbed with a dilute anesthetic solution. A small amount of fat may be removed from the abdomen by suctioning. An incision will be made basically from pelvic bone to pelvic bone. The skin and fat layer will be elevated away from the muscle layer of the abdomen from the pubic line to approximately the breast line. The navel will be totally released from the elevated tissue. A strong suture will be used to tighten the musculature of the abdominal wall. The excessive skin and fat will be cut off from the lower edge. A new navel hole will be made in the skin flap. The navel stump will be brought through the new hole, and the tissue will be sutured to fashion a new navel. One or two “drains” will be placed at the outer edges of the abdominal incision and the lower abdominal incision will be closed with sutures. Note: This facility does not use staples to close incisions.
After the abdominoplasty incision is closed with sutures, steristrips will be placed. Absorbent padding and/or a soft folded towel will be applied under an abdominal compression binder. Compression will help prevent a fluid collection under the skin. The drain tubes will be attached to fluid collection bulbs that will be attached to the binder. Lastly, Jobst anti-embolism stockings will be put on your legs to help prevent blood clots. When it is determined that you are stable for discharge, you will be disconnected from the IV and the patient monitors. Verbal and written instructions on home care will be given to you and your home care person, along with discharge medications and supplies. You may have some level of numbness, tingling, swelling, redness, sharp shooting sensations, pain, and other sensations for weeks to follow. We would expect you to improve dramatically over the first three to four weeks and then have gradual improvement from there. It will take a full year to completely heal from this surgery. There are many variables that determine the final outcome of this surgery. Your surgeon will discuss with you what you can realistically expect.
Recovery and Results
It is not uncommon for patients recovering from the tummy tuck to experience a feeling of tightness in the abdominal area directly after surgery. You should focus on resting as much as possible during the first days of recovery, and begin ambulating within the first 12-18 hours in order to prevent deep vein thrombosis in the leg. The elastic abdominal compression binder should be worn for up to six weeks following surgery to help prevent swelling and the development of seromas.
Symptoms of discomfort will likely increase as you near the second and third days following surgery. Any pain medication should be taken per Dr. McMenamin's instructions. Read more about the tummy tuck procedure:
Dr. McMenamin is a highly distinguished cosmetic surgeon practicing in Sacramento, demonstrating the level of competency you want in a surgeon who is performing an extensive procedure like the tummy tuck. Please give us a call at (916) 564-8888 or send an email if you are interested in learning more about the tummy tuck. Our office is conveniently located near downtown Sacramento and only a 30 minute drive from Roseville, CA.