Las Vegas Tummy Tuck >>
What a Tummy Tuck Can Do.
Abdominoplasty, or a tummy tuck, is a procedure that can reduce a protruding abdomen for a slimmer, trimmer appearance. Although a tummy tuck results in a more healthy appearance, keep in mind that another result is a permanent scar that, in some cases, can extend from hip to hip. There are many different types of tummy tucks, some involving only a small incision similar to a C-section, while others require more extensive incisions. The length of the scar from a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is dependent on the amount of skin that needs to be excised. At times the belly button also has to be moved so that it remains in a normal position, and that can involve a separate scar that Dr. Garcia can explain to the patient.

Who Might Consider a Tummy Tuck.
A tummy tuck is most successful when the procedure is done on men or women in fairly good shape but who happen to have fat deposits or loose abdominal skin they could not rid through diet or exercise. A tummy tuck does not take the place of an appropriate diet or that of liposuction. Tummy tucks are indicted when excess skin needs to be removed, or muscle tightened, neither of which can be done by liposuction or diet alone. There are also individuals who are too heavy and have a large amount of fat and skin both, where the best situation may be to do an aggressive liposuction first in order to thin the skin out to a more normal depth, and then come back a few months later and do the abdominoplasty to remove the loose skin and tighten the muscles. This can give those particular patients the best result possible because now not only is the excess skin and fat gone but one can see the attractive abdominal contours after a tummy tuck. People who have experienced a loss in elasticity of abdominal skin due to age or multiple pregnancies could also benefit. People who intend to lose a lot of weight and women who plan future pregnancies should postpone having a tummy tuck. Those who have scarring from a previous tummy tuck should be aware that subsequent procedures could make scarring worse.

Planning.
Once you decide to have a tummy tuck, Dr. Garcia will explain the entire procedure to you. Discuss with him all of your expectations, and don't be afraid to ask any questions. There should be no mystery involved in the procedure. By the time you're ready for surgery, you should be as familiar with the procedure as you can. Remember that a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure and as such carries with it an element of risk. Although Dr. Garcia is a talented, accomplished plastic surgeon, sometimes complications do occur. These include rare instances of infection or blood accumulation and poor healing, which leads to more noticeable scars. These scars can always be revised at a later date and made to look more inconspicuous. Any weight loss that is planned should be done prior to the surgery as any significant weight loss after a tummy tuck can result in skin that is loose again and the patient would then need more surgery. One also has to anticipate two weeks of minimal activity and then an additional two weeks of moderate activity. Most patients have returned to their normal routine 4-6 weeks after their tummy tuck.

Preparation.
Dr. Garcia will give you specific guidelines on what to eat and drink and what vitamins or medications you should take or avoid prior to your surgery. If you smoke, quit at least two weeks before and after surgery. Smoking impedes the healing process and may increase scarring, thus leading to less than optimal results. Some patients may benefit from additional procedures, like liposuction. Other patients may require more moderate operations, like a mini-tummy tuck or a partial tummy tuck, in conjuction with liposuction. Dr. Garcia will help you decide which procedure is right for you.

Procedure.
In a tummy tuck, an incision is made right above the pubic area from hipbone to hipbone in extensive procedures, and just over the pubic hair only in mini tummy tucks. The navel is separated from surrounding tissue by a second incision, if it is going to be moved a significant amount. The surgeon then stitches the muscles underneath into a new, tighter position. Small catheters, which infuse a local anesthetic for 2-4 days, are then placed on top of the muscles in order to keep the patient comfortable and minimize the need for postoperative pain medications. Finally, the skin flap is stretched down, stiched into place and excess skin is trimmed away. A mini-tummy tuck takes a smaller incision and does not require your navel to be moved. A partial tummy tuck involves separating the skin between the incision and the navel, stretching the skin down, trimming away the excess and stitching it back into place. The typical tummy tuck takes from two to five hours. A mini-tummy tuck takes only one or two. Additional time may be required if liposuction is also done at the same time.

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