Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty is performed under a general anesthesia and usually performed as an outpatient procedure. There are numerous surgical options to consider when a tummy tuck is performed by Dr. Vinyard. For starters, the incision shape and size is determined based on the amount of excess skin you have on your abdomen. Some patients with an abundance of hanging skin may require a full tummy tuck (a technique where Dr. Vinyard places the incision along the lower abdomen from hip to hip, just above the pubic region). When you have a smaller amount of fat and lax skin in your midsection, you may be better suited for a less invasive technique such as a mini-tummy tuck. The surgical incision for a mini-tummy tuck is in the same location but is not as wide as a full tummy tuck scar. Regardless of how it is performed, all tummy tuck procedures at VIPS involve the removal of hanging skin, fat reduction, and the repair of the rectus abdominal muscles.

When abdominoplasty surgery is completed, you will be monitored and released wearing a compression garment to decrease swelling. Standing upright and walking will be hard to accomplish at first, so you should rest for several days. Resuming normal movement becomes easier once the abdominal muscles adjust and the incision begins to heal. Most patients can generally resume a normal routine somewhere around two weeks. Exercise can resume later, closer to eight weeks or when you are cleared by Dr. Vinyard. The midsection will feel some discomfort and tightness, but you will feel healthy and normal again after recovering.

If you have a job that allows you to not move very much (such as a desk job), you can most likely return to your normal work life in two weeks. Otherwise, you will need to avoid heavy lifting and repetitive tasks for 4 – 6 weeks (when the swelling has subsided as well). Bruising You may return to the majority of all of your normal activities at six weeks. The majority of the swelling should conclude at six weeks, but you may experience intense swelling if you do too much too quickly. You will be very close to your final result at three months while you continue to experience the softening of the tissues in that area throughout the first year. Your scars will continue to improve for up to two years. We take your first official “post-op” photos at three months as well.

During your consultation, Dr. Vinyard will customize your unique procedure plan based on your specific needs and goals before discussing costs. He can estimate your costs as soon as the type of tummy tuck has been selected, what technique will be used, what anesthesia is needed, and more. To make sure you get beautiful results from a skilled plastic surgeon, VIPS offers a variety of different payment methods.

We do not directly finance any procedure. You may also want to research options through your bank of choice. We also accept all major credit cards including VISA, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.

There are three main types of tummy tucks: full, mini, and extended. In your consultation, Dr. Vinyard will ask about your needs and intentions for cosmetic surgery. Then, he can decide which tummy tuck will give you the best results. A full tummy tuck is good if you want to fix issues in the upper and lower abdomen, while a mini tummy tuck is good if you only have concerns below your belly button, like a “pooch.” An extended tummy tuck is designed to improve the abdomen as well as the hips and upper thighs.

Incisions for your tummy tuck will depend on which type you are getting. For all tummy tucks, Dr. Vinyard makes the thinnest incisions possible to limit visibility. He also makes incisions in hidden areas (in the pubic region or belly button) so they can be concealed by a swimsuit or underwear. After your surgery, it’s important to follow your scar care instructions so your incision marks heal flat and blend into your natural skin.

While you can get pregnant after a tummy tuck, it will alter your results. Dr. Vinyard recommends that you be done with planned pregnancies and childbirth before you consider a tummy tuck. If you do get pregnant after a tummy tuck, a second surgery can be performed to refresh your results.

It is very common for a patient to have a combination of skin tightening surgeries with a tummy tuck to see more dramatic improvements. During your consultation with Dr. Vinyard, talk to him about your concerns so a personalized treatment plan can be developed that resembles your goals. You may combine a tummy tuck with a thigh lift for a lower body lift or several areas for body contouring. If you are trying to improve your body after pregnancy or losing a significant amount of weight, you may be an ideal candidate for a mommy makeover or after weight loss surgery.