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.

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 I need any more visits before surgery?

It is highly recommended that you meet with Dr. Spring at least one more time before your surgery to answer any questions and review the procedure. You will also need to have a “History & Physical Exam” a few weeks before surgery which will be done by Dr. Spring (or it may be done by your primary care physician). You will have an opportunity to ask any remaining questions that day as we go over the procedure and all operative paperwork.  If you require medical clearance and lab tests before surgery, please plan on arranging for the appointments as soon as possible so that information is available for Dr. Spring to review at your final preoperative appointment.

Where will the procedure be done?

Depending on scheduling availability and the length of your surgery, the procedure may be done at Pend Oreille Surgery Center, an outpatient surgery center, or Bonner General Hospital.

What kind of anesthesia will I have?

Most patients have general anesthesia and are completely asleep during the procedure. In some cases, the procedure may be done with deep sedation. If you are having liposuction of only 2 or 3 areas, light sedation is also an option.

How long does the procedure take?

Liposuction requires about 30 minutes per a body region. An arm lift requires about 2 hours while an abdominoplasty or thigh lift requires 2 to 3 hours.  The total time in the operating room may be 1 hour or more longer than these times as you are prepared for surgery and awaken from anesthesia.

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.

Will I go home the same day?

Yes, most patients are ready to go home 2 to 4 hours after the procedure. Someone will need to drive you home and stay with you that night. If you are from out of town and would like to stay in the Sandpoint area overnight, please ask Dr. Spring’s staff about hotel options.  We also can provide you with the contact information for registered nurses who work at the surgery center and can provide you with overnight assistance in the event that you are traveling alone. 

Will I have any drains after surgery?

In most cases, Dr. Spring will use drains after abdominoplasty, armlift or thighlift. If you are having only liposuction, no drains are needed.

What medications will I need after surgery?

You will receive a prescription for a pill containing a narcotic/acetaminophen (Tylenol) combination. Three days after your surgery, you may also start using ibuprofen (Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) which can be obtained before your procedure without a prescription. Most patients stop using the narcotic pills after 2 to 3 days and change over to acetaminophen alone or with ibuprofen or naproxen.  You will also be given a prescription for an anti-nausea suppository, which you can use if necessary.  Please follow all directions regarding medication use.

Will I need any special garments?

Gentle compression of the treated area is important after surgery.

After liposuction or a thighlift, you will receive a snug garment to wear for 2 weeks. You may shower while wearing it but do not remove it until told to do so by Dr. Spring. If you receive an abdominal binder also, you may remove the binder on the third day after surgery for 15 minutes twice a day as needed during the first week and for 30 minutes twice a day during the second week.

After an armlift, keep your arms wrapped for at least 2 weeks after surgery. On the third day after surgery, you may remove the wraps for 15 minutes twice a day as needed during the first week and for 30 minutes twice a day during the second week.

After an abdominoplasty, you will have a binder around your abdomen for 2 weeks. On the third day after surgery, you may remove the binder for 15 minutes twice a day as needed during the first week and for 30 minutes twice a day during the second week.

How often will I need to come back after surgery?

Dr. Spring will see you within 3 days after surgery and again after 1 to 2 weeks, 4 to 6 weeks, and after 3 to 4 months. If you would like to be seen at any other time, Dr. Spring will be happy to do so.

Will there be any sutures to remove after surgery?

In most cases, there are no sutures to remove except for those associated with drains. There may be a few sutures to remove in the office, but most of the sutures are absorbable and placed underneath the skin.

What are my restrictions after surgery?

Wait until the third day after surgery to shower. Light regular activity is allowed during the first week but should be limited if it causes discomfort. Avoid heavy straining or lifting more than 10 pounds (about the weight of a gallon of milk). Do not drive if you are using narcotic pain medications. If you had liposuction only, you may resume regular activity as tolerated after 2 weeks, otherwise you should wait for 4 to 6 weeks.

How long before I can return to work?

After liposuction, most patients can return to work in one week. You may need to wait 2 weeks before returning to work after an abdominoplasty, armlift or thighlift.

Will I need any therapy after surgery?

No, just be sure to start walking regularly the day after surgery to prevent stiffness.

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.

What can I do to minimize scars after surgery?

Silicone gel sheets have been shown to improve scar appearance after surgery. Please refer to the enclosed Scar Information sheet for details.

When will I see the final results?

It may take 2 to 6 weeks to see results after liposuction. There may be changes for up to 3 months after surgery as swelling improves. Although you will see results quickly after an abdominoplasty, armlift or thighlift, it may take 3 to 6 months for all swelling to resolve.  Please remember, scars will continue to mature for up to a year or more.  Avoiding the sun, performing scar massage, using topical silicone therapy, continuing good nutrition and tincture of time are the best ways to improve the appearance of your scars!

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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