Even the name, abdominoplasty can sound overwhelming. However, the thought of a tummy tuck, as it is more commonly referred to, should not stress you out. If you have loose, sagging skin throughout the midsection or greatly weakened abdominal muscles, Dr. Bohley’s tummy tuck procedure can be a great way to restore your abdominal area and give you the flatter profile you desire. Here is what you need to know about tummy tuck.
Suitable Tummy Tuck Candidates
Perhaps you have lost a substantial amount of weight recently but still have excess, lax skin throughout your midsection. Perhaps you are a woman who is finished having children, but pregnancy took a toll on your body, weakening or even separating your abdominal muscles. If either of these circumstances sounds familiar, you may be a suitable candidate for tummy tuck.
In addition to the scenarios above, you should be in good overall health to be a suitable candidate for tummy tuck surgery. You should be at a stable weight that you are confident you can maintain after the procedure. And, you should not smoke, or be prepared to stop smoking several weeks before and after tummy tuck surgery.
To find out if you are a suitable tummy tuck candidate or to schedule a one-on-one consultation, please contact the Dr. Bohley Cosmetic Surgery office by calling (503) 253-3458 today.
The Tummy Tuck Procedure
Tummy tuck is usually performed on an outpatient basis and takes about two hours. Patients are sedated with general anesthesia.
To begin the procedure, tummy tuck Portland provider Dr. Bohley creates an incision that runs horizontally across the lower abdomen from hipbone to hipbone. Dr. Bohley places the incision in an area that is hidden by an underwear or bikini line. Then, he restores the weakened abdominal muscles. Dr. Bohley may use sutures to repair separated muscles or provide the appearance of a six pack. He may next use liposuction to remove excess fat and / or excise any extra skin from the area before repositioning remaining skin. Dr. Bohley also shifts the navel, so it is in line with the newly sculpted abdominal area.
Certain patients may be suitable mini tummy tuck candidates. During mini tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Bohley uses a smaller incision and does not have to reposition the belly button.
With both tummy tuck approaches, the cosmetic surgery Portland provider inserts small tubes to help drain fluid and minimize swelling. He removes these tubes several days following surgery. Binding garments must also be worn for several weeks after the procedure to support the abdominal muscles while they heal and re-bond to the surrounding tissue.
Full aesthetic results are usually visible within six months to one year, depending on the individual. Keep in mind that the positive effects of tummy tuck can be diminished by major weight gain or pregnancy. That is why it is best to wait until you are finished having children to undergo tummy tuck surgery.
Individuals who desire a more contoured midsection but are close to or at their ideal weight may benefit from Dr. Bohley’s Portland liposuction treatment, especially if they have good skin elasticity. Dr. Bohley also provides mommy makeover for mothers who want their pre-baby body back.
