What is a Tummy Tuck?
Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, removes excess fat and skin and, in most cases, restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer.
Dr. Guilfoyle performs a special procedure to enhance your tummy tuck results. He calls it the Zip Tuck.
During the procedure, not only does he repair the anterior abdominal wall with plication (the tightening of stretched or weakened bodily tissues or channels by folding the excess in tucks and suturing), but he also performs a plication on the lateral abdominal oblique muscles allowing for a more hourglass appearance.
A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals.
Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include:
- Aging
- Heredity
- Pregnancy
- Prior surgery
- Significant fluctuations in weight
What a Tummy Tuck Won’t Do
A tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program.
Although the results of a tummy tuck are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies would be advised to postpone a tummy tuck.
A tummy tuck cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised.
Tummy Tuck (Zip Tuck) Procedure Steps
A tummy tuck/ Zip Tuck procedure includes the following steps:
- Anesthesia – Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedures. The choices include intravenous sedation and general anesthesia. Your doctor will recommend the best choice for you.
- The Incision – A full tummy tuck requires a horizontally-oriented incision in the area between the pubic hairline and belly button.
The shape and length of the incision will be determined by the amount of excess skin. Once the abdominal skin is lifted, the underlying weakened abdominal muscles are repaired using plication. the anterior abdominal wall plication and plication on the lateral abdominal oblique muscles is performed.A second incision around the navel may be necessary to remove excess skin in the upper abdomen.
The upper abdominal skin is pulled down like a window shade. The excess skin is trimmed and the remaining skin is sutured together. A new opening for the belly button is created. The belly button is popped through to the surface and sutured into position.
- Closing the Incisions – Sutures, skin adhesives, tapes or clips close the skin incisions.
- See the Results – Your tummy tuck will result in a flatter, firmer abdominal contour that is more proportionate with your body type and weight.
Preparing for Tummy Tuck Surgery
In preparing for tummy tuck surgery, you may be asked to:
- Get lab testing or a medical evaluation
- Take certain medications or adjust your current medications
- Stop smoking
- Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding
A tummy tuck will be performed in an accredited hospital. Dr. Gregg Guilfoyle offers overnight support in Coordinated Health’s spa-like care unit after your surgery. Ask for details!
If your tummy tuck is performed on an outpatient basis, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and to stay with you for at least the first night following surgery.
