Tummy tuck surgery, or an abdominoplasty, is a common plastic surgery procedure performed by University of Florida Health plastic surgeons. We know one’s midsection is a challenging area to keep flat and firm, which is why we offer lasting solutions to this seemingly complex dilemma.
While it’s no substitute for good diet and exercise, tummy tuck surgery can help restore weakened or separated abdominal muscles and removes excess fat and skin.
We invite you to continue reading to learn more about how an abdominoplasty is performed.
1. Initial consultation and establishing a plan
Your University of Florida surgeon will want to meet with you to determine if you’re healthy enough to undergo the procedure and examine areas of concern in your abdominal area. It’s important to understand that an abdominoplasty is no substitute for good dieting and exercise and that it should be done for you, not to satisfy someone else’s desires.
2. Administration of anesthesia
A tummy tuck is a quick plastic surgery procedure that’s performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation at our outpatient surgery center. Surgeons will decide which one to use during your initial consultation. DO NOT EAT BEFORE YOUR PROCEDURE AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
After the anesthesia takes its effect, UF surgeons will begin cutting the incisions. First, they cut a horizontal incision on the lower abdomen. The length of this incision is determined during the initial consultation.
Through this incision, surgeons will tighten weakened abdominal muscles and remove excess fat and skin. Sometimes an incision around the navel is required to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen. Take a look at the pictures below for an illustration of these incisions and sutures (stitches).
3. Closing the incisions and recovery
After University of Florida tummy tuck surgeons complete their repair of muscles and removal of skin and fat, they will close the incisions with dissolvabloe stitches and skin glue. They will place bandages over the treated area.
Results of an abdominoplasty are apparent once the surgeons complete the procedure. You will see some swelling at first and have difficulty standing fully upright until internal healing is complete but this should begin to improve a week or two after surgery.
Most people who are administered anesthesia have no problems, but everyone is different. It may take awhile to wake up or it can happen abruptly, but when you do, you may feel hot, cold or a bit numb. You may even feel a little nauseous and go through either a crying or giggling spell. Don’t worry, it’s all normal and your surgeon will be watching over you as the anesthesia wears off.
Bookmark and check back regularly with the Florida plastic surgery knowledge center to learn more about tummy tuck surgery and other plastic and cosmetic surgeries performed by UF surgeons at our Gainesville plastic surgery clinic.
Call 352.265.8402 or contact us today to schedule a consultation.