If you're considering a tummy tuck in San Francisco
...
A tummy tuck can't replace a sensible weight-loss
or exercise program. The procedure is best-suited for
adults of any age who have relatively stable weight.
The visual benefits are greatly diminished for those
planning to lose or gain substantial weight.
This includes women considering a future pregnancy.
In addition, previous abdominal surgery may limit the
results of your tummy tuck surgery . There are several key criteria
to consider:
- Are you planning to
become pregnant in the future?
- Are you relatively
healthy, without life-threatening illnesses or medical conditions?
- Do you have any medical
conditions which could impair healing from abdominoplasty surgery?
- Are you a non-smoker?
- Have you previously
had abdominal surgery?
- Are you committed to
proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, including moderate amounts of physical
exercise?
- Can you candidly share
your expectations for the tummy tuck surgery?
- Can you fully disclose
your health history to Dr. Mosser, including current medications, your use
of vitamin and herbal supplements, as well as your use of alcohol, tobacco,
and other drugs?
- Can you adhere to Dr.
Mosser's instructions before and after tummy tuck surgery?
Dr. Mosser performs tummy tuck
surgery in several locations
in San Francisco. Plastic
surgery procedures may be scheduled for his office at 450
Sutter Street in Union Square, as well as California
Pacific Medical Center and St. Mary's Medical
Center in San Francisco.
A tummy tuck is usually performed
while you are under general anesthesia, although
local anesthesia and sedation may also be used.
These decisions will be made well ahead of surgery,
based on the specific abdominoplasty surgery you
will undergo as well as considerations to your
own specific needs.
During your tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery, the size and
location of the incision depends on the amount
of excess skin to be removed. For example, in a full tummy tuck, an incision will be made between
the pubic hairline and the navel. The shape and
size of this incision will be determined by the
amount of tissue to be removed. Sometimes, an additional
incision around the navel is required to remove
excess tissue in the upper abdomen. In both cases,
weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and excess
tissue is removed.
On the other hand, a mini
tummy tuck corrects only
the area below the navel. A much shorter incision at
the pubic bone is typically all that's necessary.
In some cases, only liposuction is required to remove
excess fat. In others, liposuction will be used in
conjunction with other techniques.
Immediately after tummy tuck surgery, you will experience swelling and discomfort
at the incision sites. This is completely normal. Dressing and bandages will
cover the sites and you may also be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression
garment in order to minimize swelling. These bandages and garments can also
provide support to your abdomen as it heals. Dr. Mosser may temporarily insert
a small tube at these sites to drain any excess fluid. He will give you very
specific instructions about how to maintain the surgical site and drains. In
the meantime, it is necessary for you to follow certain guidelines that
will speed your recuperation:
- Discomfort after tummy tuck surgery is common
and Dr. Mosser will work with you to control your pain through medication.
- You should return to
light walking as soon as possible in order to reduce your risks for blood clots
and other setbacks.
- Your initial wound will
mend within five to ten days, after which your sutures, if any, will be removed.
- You must avoid bending,
lifting, or straining any part of your abdomen; in addition, Dr. Mosser may prescribe
you to sleep with your knees elevated.
- You will probably be
ready to return to work within a matter of days after tummy tuck surgery so long
as it doesn't
entail heavy lifting or vigorous exercise.
- You will want to keep
the incisions out of direct sunlight for a full year after surgery.
Results—the Amazing New You
Results from your tummy tuck surgery should be apparent almost immediately, though
it may take several weeks for the swelling to completely dissipate. In the
meantime, you may still feel numbness over the incision and it may take
a year or more for the scars to shrink. You may not see the full effect of
a tummy tuck until swelling has subsided and you are able to stand fully erect
(usually within a week or two). The result is a flatter, firmer abdominal contour, more
proportional with your body profile and general weight.
Learn more about the Tummy Tuck Basics in San Francisco
View Frequently Asked Questions about Tummy Tuck Surgery |
