Tummy Tuck Procedure Steps

Tummy tuck is a major cosmetic surgery procedure that will involve a series of steps. The steps may slightly vary in each case depending on the specific surgical technique chosen. The surgeon will discuss with the patient about the procedure steps during the initial consultation to keep them informed and help to relieve them of any pre-surgery anxiety.
The patient should feel free to clarify any concerns or doubts about the tummy tuck aesthetic procedure at the outset. A well-informed patient will be in a position to make better decisions and feel more confident about the surgery. Dr. Thomas Fiala is a board certified plastic surgeon providing tummy tuck and other procedures to patients in Orlando, Altamonte Springs, FL, and surrounding communities.

Placing the Incisions

Following anesthesia, the tummy tuck cosmetic surgery procedure will begin with the surgeon placing incisions in pre-determined discreet locations. The number and length of incisions will vary according to the type of technique and the degree of correction involved.
For example, in circumferential tummy tuck, the incision will be made around the entire waist line, including the back. A partial tummy tuck, on the other hand, will only involve a small incision below the navel.

Repositioning the Navel

A full traditional tummy tuck surgery will usually involve repositioning of the navel to match with the newly sculpted abdomen. In some cases, the navel may have to be detached and replaced in the new position. Alternatively, the surgeon may sculpt a new navel instead of reattaching the original one. Such intricate and artistic steps can be best performed by a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon.

Tightening Underlying Muscles

If the underlying abdominal muscles are weak or separately, it may cause the tummy to protrude. The surgeon will tighten these muscles to create a firmer and flatter abdomen. The abdominal skin will be separated from the abdominal wall through the incisions, and then the muscles will be pulled tighter together. Muscles will be sutured to provide a more toned look to the abdomen and make the waistline appear narrower.

Removal of Excess Skin

Once the weak muscles have been tightened, the surgeon will pull the abdominal skin downward to make it appear tighter and smoother. Excess skin will be trimmed away at this point. Liposuction may be needed in some cases at this stage to reduce stubborn fat deposits before the skin is pulled taut. Dr. Fiala receives patients from Orlando, Altamonte Springs, FL, and nearby areas for tummy tuck surgery.

Reducing Stretch Marks

Tummy tuck surgery is not designed to remove stretch marks, but in many cases, it is possible to reduce their appearance depending on the location of incisions. If the stretch marks are under the navel, these may be removed along with the loose skin. Other stretch marks may also improve after the surgery.

Incision Closure

The incisions will be closed with dissolvable or removal sutures once the surgery is completed. Temporary drain tubes may be placed below the skin in the incision areas to collect excess fluid. Sutures and incisions may be removed together in about 10 days.

For More Information on the Treatments and Procedures Offered, contact award winning Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Fiala at Fiala Aesthetics in Greater Orlando to Schedule Your Consultation:

 
 
Serving patients in and around Greater Central Florida: Orlando, Altamonte, Lake Mary, Maitland, Winter Park, Clermont, Casselberry, Lake Mary, Longwood, Celebration, Heathrow, Windermere, Dr. Phillips, Sanford, Deltona, Deland, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, Cocoa Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Tampa, Jacksonville, Sarasota and more.
Voted the #1 Best Plastic Surgeon in Orlando, Florida by the readers of Orlando Magazine.