Abdominoplasty

Sandpoint, Hayden, Coeur d'Alene and North Idaho

Tummy Tuck Questions

What is involved in abdominoplasty surgery?

• In a full tummy tuck, an incision is made across your lower abdomen, from hip to hip, and another incision is made around your navel. The navel is never actually removed – only cut away from the skin and repositioned.
  
• The skin and fat tissue is separated from the abdominal wall.
• The vertical rectus muscles (the “six-pack” muscles) are tightened by stitching them together.
• The skin and tissue flap is pulled down and the excess is removed.
• A new hole in the skin is made for your navel, and it is positioned in place.
• Sometimes, liposuction is also used to remove fat from the upper abdomen or flanks
• The incisions are stitched closed.
• Drainage tubes may be left in place for 1-2 weeks

What is the difference between full and limited-incision (or “mini”) abdominoplasty?

Limited-incision abdominoplasty, or a mini-tuck, addresses the area below your belly button. There is no incision around your navel, and the abdominal incision is much smaller. Recovery is significantly quicker and easier. A mini-tuck is only appropriate for certain patients who do not have a lot of excess skin and fat above the belly button.

Why choose abdominoplasty over liposuction?

Liposuction only removes fat. It does not remove the excess skin or tighten the muscles. It can be performed in combination with abdominoplasty, when appropriate, for the upper abdomen and flank area. If excess skin and overstretched muscles are not an issue for you, I may recommend liposuction instead.

How long does the procedure take?

Full-incision abdominoplasty can take one to four hours, depending on the extensiveness of the procedure. A mini-tuck does not take as long to perform.

Are the results of abdominoplasty permanent?

Yes, if you take care of yourself. You have control over maintaining the results with a healthy diet and exercise. Pregnancy, weight gain, and the natural effects of aging will affect the results. I recommend that you consider surgery only after your weight is stable and you do not plan to become pregnant.

I am morbidly obese. Can abdominoplasty help me?

Not at this time, but it is an option to restore your body contour once you have lost the weight. There is a surgical procedure, called a panniculectomy, which removes hanging tissue over your belt area if it is causing significant health problems or lifestyle compromise. In some cases, the belly button will be completely removed. Bariatric surgery procedures for weight loss are performed by general surgeons and require an extensive work-up, consultation and nutrition monitoring. It can be a life-changing procedure to help you lose weight when everything else has failed. Following drastic weight loss, you may find that you need an abdominoplasty procedure to improve the contour of your body.

Will abdominoplasty leave visible scars?

Yes. Full-incision abdominoplasty leaves a scar from hip to hip across your lower abdomen, just above the pubic area. A mini-tuck leaves a smaller scar.

Will my abdominoplasty be paid for by my insurance?

In some cases, it is paid for by insurance if the excess tissue is causing medical problems or lifestyle compromise, but you should check with your insurance plan to find out if it will be covered.

Dr. Michelle Spring provides surgical expertise and exceptional patient care in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in Sandpoint, Ponderay, and all of Northern Idaho. With extensive training in breast surgery, body contouring, and facial surgery, she offers cosmetic procedures with an emphasis on natural results, safety and personal attention to your individual goals. If you are considering cosmetic surgery, learn more by viewing our Plastic Surgery Photo Gallery or FAQ's page, and contact Dr. Spring today to schedule your tummy tuck consultation.

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