If you get pregnant the muscles that have been tightened during the surgery will lose around 40% of their tightness. In such a case women usually come in for a revision procedure.

Yes, your tummy tuck results will change should you get pregnant. Pregnancy can take apart the tightening of the vertical muscles which is done during the procedure. If you plan on getting pregnant then it's best to wait until afterwards to get the operation.

Otherwise known as abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck is a operative method intended to make the abdominal region look better. By getting rid of the extra fat and skin and reducing the muscles of the abdomen, the tummy is made flat. Usually the price of a tummy tuck is not covered by insurance, although in some situations, such as spreading of the anterior muscles or a hernia, insurance may cover a portion of the cost.

The drains are removed in 7 to 14 days after the procedure when the drainage is less than 30 cc / 24 hours for each drain. The abdominal binder or a garment is used for compression. These may be taken off as needed. The brown tape or steri-strips can be removed after 5 to 7 days and scar massage is started. Please see the section on scar massage for instructions. Dissolving sutures are used. Gentle activity is encouraged. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 4 weeks following surgery.

Child bearing after abdominoplasty would negate the effects of the procedure. There are other methods of contouring, such as liposuction, which work well for these patients.

It is always best to have all your children before pursuing an abdominoplasty. Pregnancy can cause your skin to restretch and weaken the newly tightened abdominal muscles.

The tummy tuck procedure simply removes excess skin with its underlying fat and tightens the muscles of your abdomen. It has no interference with pregnancy what so ever.

Tummy tuck results can be extremely long-term. By eating well and remaining in good physical shape you can preserve it.

Even though times are different depending on each individuals situation, the common tummy tuck surgery can be anywhere from two to five hours long.

If anesthesia is used for the operation then it should not be hurt. You will, however, feel uncomfortable and have some tenderness. Your surgeon will provide you with medicine for these symptoms.

You can get pregnant after a tummy tuck without injury to yourself or the baby. The pregnancy will, however, stretch the abdominal wall muscles and overlying skin and potentially reverse some of the improvement. It is therefore recommended in most cases to wait until after child bearing before getting a tummy tuck. If you have any additional questions about the tummy tuck procedure, contact us or schedule an initial consultation to speak directly Dr. Bottger.

The panniculectomy or tummy tuck removes the excess skin and fat from the abdomen as well as tightening the muscles of the abdominal wall. Liposuction of the abdominal region removes deposits of excess fat only. Liposuction is a less invasive procedure than the panniculectomy.

Abdominoplasty” can be done as early as 6 weeks after pregnancy, but unless you have someone reliable to help with the baby, it’s best to wait 6 months to give your body time to recover from the pregnancy and delivery. If diet and exercise have not helped flatten your stomach, a tummy tuck can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen, giving you flatter and firmer stomach.

This partial procedure removes excess skin in a smaller area of the belly (just the lower part of the abdomen) than with a complete abdominoplasty. Unlike in a full abdominoplasty, the belly button is usually not moved. The surgeon may tighten the abdominal muscles along with removing skin and fat. A mini-abdominoplasty can give very good results.

Tummy tucks are often associated with a scar from hip bone to hip bone. In this procedure, the belly button is repositioned causing a small scar surrounding it. Although the lower abdominal/pubic scar is usually covered when a bathing suit is worn, the scars are visible without clothes. The scars will fade with time.

Recovery time is different for each individual. Some, within two to four weeks, can go back to work after the operation, however laborious work should be delayed for four to six weeks after.

Danger can be involved with many types of surgeries. During tummy tuck surgery, the possible problems that can happen are: bleeding under the skin flap, blood clotting, prominent scarring, a virus, slow healing, loss of skin, and the requirement for additional surgery.

Usually for a tummy tuck a lengthy cut is made right over the pubic region and runs across to each hipbone. Another cut is typically around the belly button, too. If you're getting a partial abdominoplasty than the belly button is not cut and the opening over the pubic region is considerably shorter. The resulting scars will become paler and smooth out over a period of time.