Tummy Tuck Surgery Procedure

Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Cosmetic Plastic Surgery for Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, & Washington DC

Abdominoplasty or tummy tuck surgery generally begins with a horizontal incision placed just above the pubic area. The tummy tuck surgery incision extends upwards and outwards towards the hip bones and the length depends primarily on the amount of skin that needs to be removed.  The curve of this incision will also vary according to your anatomy, the style of bathing suit or undergarments you prefer to wear and the surgical technique used by Dr. Michael J. Brown, M.D.

The shape of the tummy tuck plastic surgery incision is a soft, gentle curve that is similar to a U with a flat bottom. The bottom of the U occurs at the point of the abdomen directly above the pubic area. The sides of the U run along the pelvis up to the top of the hip bones. In todays styles the incision has had to be flattened out because of the lower waisted paint lines. When the higher legged swim suits where in vogue the incision had to be more curved to be hidden. Dr. Michael J. Brown can place the incision anywhere that you like or prefer, but once that decision is made the scar is permanent. A second incision is made to free the navel from the abdominal tissue when performing a full tummy tuck surgery.

During a tummy tuck plastic surgery, the skin and fat together are separated from the abdominal wall. This exposes the abdominal muscles and the tissue sheaths that surround them.  The muscle sheaths are then stitched together to tighten the abdominal wall. This will also reduce the waistline by flattening the buldge and pulling in the sides. After the muscle wall has been tightened, the excess skin is stretched downward, and cut away. The skin that is left is then redraped over the abdominal area and sutured in place; this is why it is called a tummy tuck surgery.

Depending on your desired results, the tummy tuck surgery can take anywhere from one and a half to two and a half hours. You and Dr. Michael J. Brown will discuss your desired results, and he will determine the appropriate procedure during your tummy tuck consultation. If you are searching for a safe tummy tuck surgery and superior results in Northern Virginia, Maryland or Washington,DC, plastic surgeon, Dr. Michael J. Brown is a top choice to have this procedure from. His patients come from Loudoun, Fairfax, Reston, Herndon, Leesburg, Dulles, Ashburn, Middleburg, Great Falls, Potomac Falls, Alexandria, Vienna, Falls Church, Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, Richmond,Washington, DC to name a few local areas.

What are the different types of Tummy Tuck?

There are essentially two different types of tummy tuck operations: a complete tummy tuck and partial or mini-tummy tuck. Both of these operations may involve liposuction. The type of tummy tuck required depends on the degree of problems a person wishes to overcome. Dr. Michael J. Brown, M.D. will discuss in detail the particular method that he believes will help you achieve the best result for your particular case. Liposuction will usually be involved.

Complete Tummy Tuck

A complete tummy tuck surgery is for patients who require the most skin and fat removed. The incision will be made low at about the same level as your pubic hair. The abdomen skin is cut from hipbone to hipbone with this option. Dr. Michael J. Brown will use this access incision to manipulate and contour the skin, tissue and muscle as required. An incision is created around the navel to release the navel from the abdominal skin.  The original belly button opening is pulled downward and removed with the excess skin that is cut away. The more of a dramatic result a person desires, the longer the scar will have to be. A new opening is created to reposition the navel on the abdominal skin.  Drainage tubes may be placed under your skin, and these will be removed in a few days.You should also look into the recovery time of tummy tuck surgery.

Partial or Mini Tummy Tuck

The mini-tummy tuck is the plastic surgery option for patients who have less skin and fat deposits than the full tummy tuck candidate, and the concern is predominantly the lower abdomen region. So mini-tummy tucks are appropriate for people who have only a minor amount of skin and fat to be removed. A mini-tummy tuck also uses a shorter incision than a complete tummy tuck.  During this plastic surgery procedure, your navel is typically not cut away from the abdominal skin. The skin and fat layers are separated between the incision and your belly button. In most mini-tummy tucks, only a limited muscle tightening or no muscle tightening is required. A mini-tummy tuck procedure usually takes one to one and a half hours depending on your own personal situation and the complexity of your needs.

It will not produce significant tightness and will be limited in how much excess skin can be removed. Some women come into the office and want all of the excess skin removed from below their belly button (after pregnancy) but do not want a scar. These types of patients need to understand that the mini tummy tuck is an excellent operation in a selected group of patients. You must understand that every plastic surgery has trade-offs and limitations.

Whether you are having a complete or a mini tummy tuck, the incision site will require stitching and bandaging. It is very important that you follow all of Dr. Michael J. Brown?s instructions on how to care for the dressings and drain tubes, if required, in the days following surgery.  Dr. Michael J. Brown and his staff will also instruct you on how to position yourself while sitting or lying down to help ease discomfort.

To read about what Dr. Michael J. Brown's tummy tuck patients say visit the testimonials page for tummy tucks.

Alternatives to a Tummy Tuck

When considering a surgical procedure, such as a tummy tuck, it is important to be aware of non-surgical alternatives to a surgical procedure.  For tummy tucks, the alternative is to not treat the areas of loose skin and fatty deposits. Liposuction surgery may be an alternative to tummy tuck if there is good skin tone and localized abdominal fatty deposits in an individual of normal weight. Dr. Michael J. Brown has lasers that have used to tighten modest amounts of loose skin on the lower abdomen and around the belly button.  Diet and exercise programs may be of benefit in the overall reduction of excess body fat.

Tobest help our patients make well-informed decisions we have provided additional information in our tummy tuck section. Read more about how to prepare for tummy tuck surgery. We also provide information about tummy tuck surgery risk and possible complications. Dr. Michael J. Brown provides his patients with extensive post op instructions for tummy tucks, a few key examples are provided for you online. You can also learn more about insurance coverage; visit the tummy tuck and insurance page.

As with any cosmetic surgery,prior to any surgical procedure, it is best thatyou have read and understand the consent forms required for a plastic surgical procedure.Top.

Tummy Tuck
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Mini Tummy Tuck
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Tummy Tuck
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Tummy Tuck
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Tummy Tuck
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Tummy Tuck
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Tummy Tuck
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Mini Tummy Tuck
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