Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, helps patients achieve a flatter abdomen by removing excess skin and fat. Many people find that factors such as aging, changes in weight, pregnancy, and stress make it difficult or even impossible to achieve a toned abdomen—even with a healthy diet and regular exercise. For such individuals, this surgical body procedure can help restore more youthful and aesthetic contours to the midsection.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Rukmini (Vinaya) Rednam has earned a stellar reputation in Houston and beyond for the exceptional results she achieves for tummy tuck patients. It is her goal to help each patient enjoy improved self-confidence by helping them achieve their aesthetic ideals.
Tummy Tuck Benefits
There are a variety of reasons Dr. Rednam’s patients may choose to pursue a tummy tuck. While many patients simply want to achieve a more slender, toned appearance, others have more specific motivations for abdominoplasty, such as:
Post Pregnancy Body Contouring
The skin and muscles of the abdomen naturally stretch to accommodate a growing baby, and it can be very difficult for a woman to restore her body to its pre-baby shape after giving birth. In addition to removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen after pregnancy, a tummy tuck can also repair diastasis recti. This separation of the abdominal muscles during pregnancy is often impossible to improve with diet and exercise in the majority of women.
Post Weight Loss Body Contouring
Patients who lose an extreme amount of weight are often troubled by significant excess skin in the abdomen. This excess skin can create a bulky appearance that detracts from the appearance of their success and, despite their efforts, prevents them from enjoying the figure they have worked so hard to achieve. A common post weight loss surgery procedure, tummy tuck surgery can remove excess skin and stretch marks to help patients enjoy a more slender and streamlined silhouette.
Regardless of a patient’s motivation for pursuing abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck can provide long-lasting
Trusted Source
Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Improve Quality of Life, Reports Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Go to Source
benefits,
including:
- Enhanced self-confidence
- Stretch marks are reduced or eliminated
- Smaller waist
- Flatter, more toned abdomen
- More youthful appearance
Preparing For Tummy Tuck Surgery
Your tummy tuck will most likely be performed on an outpatient basis, so it’s important to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after surgery and stay with you for at least 24 hours. You should also fill any prescriptions provided by Dr. Rednam and adjust your current medications as advised. It’s
Trusted Source
How should I prepare for a tummy tuck?
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Go to Source
critical
that tummy tuck patients quit smoking at least six weeks before surgery, and avoid anti-inflammatory drugs, asprin, and herbal supplements as they increase bleeding.
Tummy Tuck Procedures
A tummy tuck eliminates unwanted fat and skin from the lower abdomen. Dr. Rednam frequently uses liposuction during tummy tuck surgery to eliminate especially stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to exercise and dieting. In some cases, Dr. Rednam also tightens the abdominal muscles during tummy tuck surgery to further enhance aesthetic contouring and help patients achieve the flat, toned abdomen they
Trusted Source
Tummy Tuck
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Go to Source
desire.
There are a variety of tummy tuck options available. Depending on the patient and his or her desired outcome, any one of these techniques can be a good
Trusted Source
Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)
Regan J, Casaubon JT
Go to Source
option.
Abdominoplasty
A traditional tummy tuck involves the removal of excess fat and skin tissue from the lower and central abdomen to provide patients with a smoothly contoured abdomen. This includes the tightening of abdominal muscles, as well as liposuction of the anterior abdomen and flank area.
Mini Abdominoplasty
This procedure focuses on the removal of excess fat and skin in the lower abdomen when minimal excess is present. Patients with toned abdominal contours, no upper abdominal laxity, and minimal lower abdominal laxity may be good candidates for a mini tummy tuck. Mini abdominoplasty may be combined with liposuction and rectus diastasis repair.
Extended Abdominoplasty
This procedure is most commonly recommended for patients who have had significant weight loss. Dr. Rednam chooses this procedure when the excess skin of the anterior abdomen extends past the hips laterally. Extended abdominoplasty requires a longer incision to treat excess skin. This incision is still well-hidden and does not extend to the central back.
Dr. Rednam Discusses Tummy Tuck Surgery
Tummy Tuck Recovery
Following tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Rednam consults with each patient to give them the proper post-operative care instructions based on their unique procedure and lifestyle. Patients will be advised to wear compression garments with a single drainage tube in most cases to help them achieve optimal healing. Some patients may not require a drainage tube if they are a good candidate for a drainless tummy tuck.
Dr. Rednam advises most tummy tuck patients to restrict full activity and exercise for up to 6 weeks after abdominoplasty, though walking and light activity is encouraged. Most patients are able to return to work 2-3 weeks after their procedure, though patients with more active jobs may need to wait up to 6 weeks before going back to work.
Results from a tummy tuck are both immediate and progressive. As swelling decreases, well-hidden scars fade and beautiful natural results are revealed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tummy Tuck FAQs
The cost of a tummy tuck can vary depending on the patient’s unique anatomy and cosmetic goals. The best way to determine exact pricing is by scheduling a consultation.
A mini tummy tuck is a procedure designed for patients with minimal laxity in the upper abdominal skin. Please refer to the Mimi Abdominoplasty section above.
A tummy tuck is designed to be permanent, however, as with any cosmetic surgery results are subject to aging and lifestyle choices. Patients that adhere to healthy eating habits and regular exercise will enjoy long-lasting results.
Moderate pain is normal in the first week following tummy tuck surgery, although any discomfort will improve with each passing
Trusted Source
Five things to consider before getting a tummy tuck
ASPS
Go to Source
day.
Dr. Rednam will also provide medications to ensure your maximum comfort during this time.
Schedule A Consultation For Tummy Tuck
To learn more about your body contouring options, please contact us to schedule your tummy tuck consultation at our office in the Woodlands.
1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Improve Quality of Life, Reports Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/liposuction-and-tummy-tuck-improve-quality-of-life-reports-plastic-and-reconstructive-surgery. Accessed May 11, 2020.
2 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. How should I prepare for a tummy tuck? Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck/preparation. Accessed March 24, 2022.
3 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Tummy Tuck. Available https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck. Accessed May 12, 2020.
4 Regan J, Casaubon JT. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck). National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431058. Accessed May 12, 2020.
5 ASPS. Five things to consider before getting a tummy tuck. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/five-things-to-consider-before-getting-a-tummy-tuck#:~:text=A%20tummy%20tuck%20requires%20significant%20downtime&text=At%20the%20beginning%2C%20you%20will,focus%20on%20rest%20and%20healing. Accessed March 24, 2022.
Dr. Rukmini Rednam has either authored or reviewed and approved this content.
Page Updated: