Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
English Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center offers Tummy Tuck surgery to patients in Little Rock, Arkansas, North Little Rock, Arkansas, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Conway, Arkansas, Jacksonville, Arkansas, Sherwood, Arkansas, Jonesboro, Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, Fort Smith, Arkansas and surrounding areas.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
The purpose of having a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is to remove excessive soft tissue (skin and fat) from the lower abdomen while tightening the underlying fascial system with attendant muscles. This procedure is indicated when there is bulging due to abnormal stretching of the abdominal wall and excess skin and fat. The extent of surgery depends on the amount of excess soft tissues as well as the laxity of the abdominal muscles. Symptoms such as low back pain, skin rashes and abdominal discomfort may be relieved as a result of the procedure.
Click here to see tummy tuck before and after pictures.
How is a Tummy Tuck performed?
Tummy tuck surgery is carried out by Dr. English at his surgical facility in Little Rock under general anesthesia. In some cases, the belly button is repositioned because of the amount of skin that is removed. Although hidden by clothing, a scar is unavoidable. It may widen over time, however, revision is uncommon. Every effort is made to reduce the size of the scar and to make it as inconspicuous as possible through such methods as taping the incision post-operatively and the use of IPL and laser treatments. In spite of the incisional scar, most of Dr. English's Little Rock, North Little Rock and Pine Bluff tummy tuck patients are enthusiastic about their results.
What is recovery like after a Tummy Tuck?
At his practice in Little Rock, most of Dr. English's patients reported moderate swelling around the incision, peaking in between 72 – 96 hours. As a general rule, 80% of the swelling is gone in four to six weeks and the remainder should resolve in four to six months. To minimize swelling, patients should rest and sleep in a reclining position for at least two weeks after surgery. It is important that patients sleep on their backs rather than their sides. Avoidance of salt in the diet also helps to prevent excess swelling. Hourly movement of the lower extremities helps to prevent leg swelling and blood clots.
Bruising may occur in the surgical area following the procedure. If bruising develops, it should be much improved in two to four weeks. Some oozing along the incision may occur the first 24 to 72 hours after surgery. Areas of numbness, firmness and tenderness around the incision and under the skin are common. Normal feeling should return several months after surgery.
Lifestyle issues (for example smoking) or previous abdominal surgeries, such as gallbladder, gastric by-pass, C-section, or liposuction, may delay healing and/or change Dr. English's recommendations. Since nothing heals symmetrically or suddenly, the best result will usually be achieved six to nine months following the procedure. The best outcomes result from following the post-operative instructions and practicing good health habits.
What's my next step?
At the English Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center, Dr. Jim English and his professional staff offer plastic and reconstructive surgery to patients across Arkansas including: Little Rock, North Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Conway, Jacksonville and Sherwood . If you feel a tummy tuck may be right for you, your next step is to contact the English Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center office today to schedule your free tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) consultation! There is no obligation. Before your consultation, make a list of all questions or concerns you have about the surgery and bring them to your appointment so that your surgeon can address them. Make this first step to a better looking you! Call our Center now! You'll be glad you did! |