Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty
- removes hanging skin and fat from middle & lower abdomen
- tightens the abdominal muscles
- a major surgery that can greatly improve abdomen
- does leave a permanent scar
- women and men in good physical condition
- those who have a protruding abdomen that won't go away with diet and exercise
- persistent fat deposit
- excess drooping skin
- women with loose muscles and skin from multiple pregnancies
- older people whose skin has lost elasticity
How do I know if I am a good candidate? Back to Top
- you are healthy
- be honest with Dr. Culbertson about medications, including over-the-counter, vitamins or supplements, drinking alcohol, and smoking cigarettes
- you are at your goal weight and have maintained it for several months
- you are not planning any more pregnancies
- you are psychologically stable
- your lifestyle will allow for recovery from major surgery
- your expectations are realistic
- you expect a change in the appearance of your abdomen that will make it look better and give you more confidence
- you do not expect it to transform your looks, your life, or how people treat you
How do I prepare for a Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty? Back to Top
- consult with Dr. Culbertson
- have your complete medical history ready, she will need to review it
- you and she will discuss your expectations and desires very carefully
- talk about what technique(s) will help you attain your desired body contour
- recommend the procedure that will help you get the closest to that goal
- Dr. Culbertson will explain her technique, the type of anesthesia, the facility where the surgery is done, and the risks and benefits of the surgery
- instructions on eating, drinking, medications to avoid or that you must take
- please follow these guidelines carefully, they are there to keep you safe
- if you smoke, plan to quit for at least four weeks before and two weeks after your surgery
- continue to eat healthfully, proper nutrition and calories are essential for good healing
- notify your surgeon if you develop an illness of any kind
- arrangements for your postoperative care
- transportation from surgery
- help for the first days after surgery
- nursing care for the first two nights
What do I expect from a Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty? Back to Top
- the surgery will take three to five hours for a full tummy tuck, from one to three hours for a mini tummy tuck
- your abdomen will feel very tight, due to stretching of the skin and possible tightening of the muscles
- in a complete abdominoplasty you will have a long incision from hip-to-hip just above the pubic area and around your navel which has been repositioned
- in a partial abdominoplasty you may have a shorter incision and you won’t have any around your navel
What can I expect after a Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty? Back to Top
- your abdomen may feel tight and sore, you will have pain medicine prescribed by Dr. Culbertson to alleviate the discomfort
- you may require nursing care for the first days after surgery and you will have arranged this in advance through Dr. Culbertson
- even though you may not be able to stand up straight, you will need to begin walking as soon as possible
When will I feel like myself again? Back to Top
- the better shape you are in before surgery, the more rapid your recovery
- it will be two to four weeks before you are up to returning to work
- it will take weeks or longer before you are completely back to normal
- exercise will help in your recovery, even if you never exercised before
- however, avoid strenuous exercise until at least six weeks after surgery
How will I look? Back to Top
- the surgery will significantly improve the appearance of those patients with lax abdominal muscles and or excess skin
- if you eat healthfully and exercise regularly, the results will last you a long time