Costs
Costs for this procedure vary, depending on the doctor,
the location, and the difficulty of the specific case.
Please call our offices at 310.575.1500 for an exact
quote. Our prices are very competetive and you can
be sure that you're getting the very best surgeon with
Dr. Cheski.
The Procedure
Everybody wants a flat, even, firm tummy, but few succeed.
Pregnancies, weight gain and weight loss take a tremendous
toll on a a person's body, especially in the stomach
area. Repeatedly stretched and scarred, most women's
bellies are loose, oversized and out of shape while
most men get a "Bee Belly" or "Love Handles".
Often, the situation cannot be improved much, even with
a strenuous exercise program. There is a solution.
An abdominoplasty (also known as a tummy tuck) can
help. Excess skin and tightening the underlying musculature
gives the stomach a flatter, firmer, tighter appearance
as well as a thinner waist.
The information given here is general. Because each
patient is different, questions that you may have regarding
your body may not be fully explained here. A consultation
visit with your doctor is highly recommended to give
you the best information about your specific case.
How is it done?
There are several popular approaches. The most common
is an incision across the lower abdomen, just above
the pubic area but beneath the "bikini line". An incision
is also made around the belly button to free the surrounding
skin. The skin is separated from the abdominal wall
and lifted up above the rib cage. Next, the surgeon
pulls the loose tissue/muscle from the left and the
right sides together towards the center and suture both
sides together. This tightens the muscles, provides
a stronger abdominal wall and makes the waist smaller.
The skin is lowered. Excess skin is removed. A new
opening is made for the belly button at the proper position
(the original location is much lower). The incisions
are closed with sutures (sutures and staples may be
used). A dressing is placed over the incision area.
After the first couple of days, the dressing may be
replaced with an abdominal supporter. A light support
garment may be worn for several months.
How long does surgery take?
Surgery takes about 2-5 hours depending on the extent
of the repair.
Does it hurt?
Some soreness and discomfort are expected but can
be controlled with medication. Bed rest for 2-3 days
is recommended. While in bed, legs should be bent at
the hips in order to reduce the strain on the abdominal
area.
Do I need to be put to sleep for the surgery?
Abdominoplasty is usually done under general anesthesia.
Do I have to stay in the hospital?
An overnight stay after the surgery is usual, mainly
for your comfort and safety. Although, some patients,
whose area of repair is minimal, are able to return
to home once recovered from anesthesia. This is usually
discussed and decided by the surgeon during the pre-operative
visit.
How long until I can go back to work?
The expected recovery period is 2 to 4 weeks, after
which one may return to work.
How long before I can resume normal activities?
After 2-3 days, walking and resuming daily activities
may be expected with avoidance of overactivity and strain
such as lifting. Activity should be limited for 4-6
weeks. Normal activity may be resumed with the surgeon's
permission.
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What
benefit could I expect from the surgery?
By removing the sagging, excess skin and accumulated
fatty tissue, a flatter, firmer abdomen is achieved.
The waist also appears smaller.
Is there much scarring?
Although every effort is made to minimize the scarring,
the scars will be permanent. As time passes, the scar
will fade. Within 3 - 6 months the scars will get flatter,
lighter in color and improve considerably.
Risks/complications?
There are the standard risks associated with anesthesia
(allergy to the medicine, increased risk if you are
not healthy, etc.), which you will need to discuss with
your doctor and/or anesthesiologist. Scars are expected
but become lighter and flatter with time. The risk of
infection is ever-present, any time the skin barrier
is broken, but with the care that is taken by the surgeon,
the staff and you, the risk should be minimal.
This information is only intended as an introduction
to this procedure and should not be used to determine
whether you will have the procedure performed. A consultation
with our qualified surgical counselor is recommended
to determines your specific needs.
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