Understanding the tummy tuck procedure

If you are struggling with unwanted abdominal bulging that does not respond to dieting and exercise, you are not alone. Each year, thousands of clients consult a plastic surgeon about removing their unsightly belly fat for a slimmer, firmer torso and a more attractive fit in swimwear and eveningwear.

Our Saratoga abdominoplasty removes excess fat and skin and, in most cases, restores weakened or separated muscles to create a smoother and firmer abdominal profile. Tummy tucks are not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. It cannot correct stretch marks unless the blemishes are located on the areas of excess skin to be excised. Individuals of normal body weight and proportion can treat loose and sagging abdominal skin caused by such conditions as:

  • Pregnancy
  • Heredity
  • Aging
  • Prior Surgery
  • Significant fluctuations in weight

Candidacy for a tummy tuck at a glance:

  • Patient is in good health, mentally and physically with no major medical issues
  • Patient is at a normal weight for their frame but with stubborn belly fat
  • Diet and exercise have not produced the desired results
  • Patient may have had more than one pregnancy, resulting in skin laxity/stretch marks
  • Patient does not plan to lose a significant amount of weight
  • Patient is not planning to get pregnant
  • Patient is a non-smoker, or is willing to quit 2-4 weeks prior to surgery
  • Patient has realistic expectations for their results based on consultation with Dr. Ridha

Call and make an appointment

Our dedicated, friendly staff can arrange for a consultation around the busiest schedules. This first visit is very important. You should come to your Saratoga Springs tummy tuck appointment focused on the matter at hand with a list of your expectations and concerns, as well as unguarded openness and honesty. Being up-front with Dr. Ridha is the key to a successful and safe procedure. With your active involvement, he can help you through every step of the process in confidence. Your first visit may include:

  • A candid talk about why you are considering a tummy tuck and what you hope to achieve
  • An evaluation of your general health and examination of your abdomen, which may include photographs and taking measurements
  • Informative discussions about the benefits and risks of the procedure, the surgical facility, how to prepare for surgery, and how to recover
  • Information on financing, costs and insurance coverage
  • A thorough assessment of all current medications, including over the counter pills and herbal supplements
  • Access to our library of before and after photographs of client success stories with the tummy tuck
  • Information on any other procedures of interest, and how they may be combined with a tummy tuck for reduced downtimes and lowered costs
Tummy Tuck Saratoga, NY

What can I expect?

You will go into surgery with a detailed plan created by yourself and Dr. Ridha. Surgeries are unique to every patient, but most include the following steps.

A tummy tuck is usually performed on an outpatient basis, which means you need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery. Also, someone must be with you for at least the first night following surgery.

The procedure is performed while you are sedated or under general anesthesia. A full tummy tuck procedure requires a horizontal incision in the area between the pubic hairline and navel. The shape and length of the incision is determined by the required degree of correction. Through the incision, weakened abdominal muscles are repaired and sutured, and excess fat, tissue, and skin are removed.

A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen. Internal incisions are closed with layered sutures, and ones close to the skin are closed with sutures, skin adhesive, surgical tape, or clips.

Dressings or bandages will be applied to the incisions. A small, thin tube may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid. Surgical incisions must not be subjected to excessive force, abrasion, or motion during healing. Dr. Ridha provides easy-to-follow instructions to care for yourself after surgery, which includes a follow-up visit to our tummy tuck Saratoga Springs office.

The final results will become apparent within two weeks when swelling has subsided and you are able to stand fully upright.

The Mini Tummy Tuck

For those clients whose abdominal trouble zone lies mainly below the navel, a mini tummy tuck may be the most appropriate procedure, saving the client downtime and resulting in less scarring.

Dr. Ridha will create an incision above the pubic area stretching from one hip to the other, with an optional second incision made at the navel. This incision is very much like the one used for a cesarean section during childbirth. It will be possible to neatly hide the scar within a bikini or other undergarment. Once the skin has been separated from the abdominal wall, the doctor will then tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess fat from the lower belly.

The Reverse Tummy Tuck

When excess skin and fat need to be removed from the upper portion of the abdomen rather than from the lower, a reverse tummy tuck is used to tone and tighten the area. The incision used is an inframammary one right below the breast crease, ensuring the scars are well-camouflaged. The reverse tummy tuck procedure is often performed in tandem with a breast augmentation since the incisions can be used for both treatments, sparing the patient extra downtime and discomfort.

The Drainless Tummy Tuck Technique

Drains are an inconvenient and sometimes painful side effect of some tummy tuck procedures. A drain reduces fluid buildup in the space between your abdominal muscles and skin. The drain is placed at your side near the incision and makes sitting, walking, sleeping, and showering much more difficult.

Advancements in surgical techniques and a deeper understanding of how the body heals has led to a new drainless tummy tuck. During a drainless tummy tuck, an incision is made across the lower abdomen. If necessary, the muscles of the abdominal wall are tightened and reattached for structural support and longer lasting results.

The skin and muscles are joined together at several points as the skin is laid flat across your abdomen. The skin is pulled tight and excess skin is trimmed away before the incision is closed. Securing the skin to the abdominal wall reduces the amount of space between them where fluid can collect, eliminating the need for a drain.

Benefits of a Drainless Tummy Tuck

A drainless tummy tuck results in a more quick and easy recovery. Without drains you will have the freedom to move around almost immediately after returning home. Although strenuous activity should be avoided, you will be able to walk around the next day without the inconvenience of drain tubes.

Showering and sleeping will be much easier without a drain. Other methods require one to two weeks of healing time before showering, but you will be able to shower the next day after a drainless tummy tuck.

The drainless technique also allows for a quicker recovery. You can return to work earlier and regain mobility faster than with a traditional tummy tuck. A drainless tummy tuck will allow more independence and a quicker recovery time while providing the same slimmer, contoured appearance.

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72 Railroad Place, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

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