A tummy tuck is performed to help restore a more toned, flat stomach appearance. During the procedure, excess skin and fat are removed, and loose abdominal muscles are tightened in order to achieve your desired appearance. While Dr. Jean will customize your tummy tuck to address your unique needs and goals, the process for performing the procedure is pretty consistent.
Your tummy tuck will involve the following steps:
- General anesthesia is administered.
- Jean will make a horizontal incision along the bikini line. While the length of the incision varies based on the amount of skin being removed, incisions for full tummy tucks generally extend from hipbone to hipbone. A second incision may be made around the belly button if excess upper abdominal skin is being removed.
- Excess skin and fat in the region will be removed. Loose, stretched or torn abdominal muscles will be tightened. Your belly button will be repositioned and the remaining skin will be tightened.
- Jean will close the incisions using sutures.
Mini Tummy Tuck
In some instances, Dr. Jean may recommend a mini tummy tuck. This is a less invasive version of the procedure that focuses on the area beneath the belly button. Depending on the extent of your procedure, Dr. Jean may perform your mini tummy tuck under local anesthesia.
A mini tummy tuck involves a smaller incision along the bikini line. Dr. Jean will only remove excess skin and fat from the lower abdominal region. Loose abdominal muscles will be tightened, but the belly button usually won’t have to be repositioned. This is a less invasive procedure than a full tummy tuck and usually involves a shorter recovery.
Drainage-Free Tummy Tuck
Dr. Jean also performs a drainage-free tummy tuck when appropriate. This technique eliminates the use of drains during the recovery period. The procedure involves removing excess abdominal fat using liposuction along with limited skin elevation. Progressive tension sutures are used to close your incision. The drainage-free tummy tuck results in a shorter recovery than a full tummy tuck.
Contact our Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon
Please contact Main Line Plastic Surgery using the form on this page or call 484-222-0010 today to schedule a tummy tuck consultation. We serve patients in Bryn Mawr, Villanova and throughout the Main Line of Philadelphia.
