Tummy Tuck St. Louis
Tummy Tuck or abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure used to tighten the abdominal wall muscles and remove excess fat and skin from the abdominal region. This procedure is common in men and women. Women often have the procedure after multiple pregnancies to improve their abdominal appearance. Patients should be near or at their ideal body weight.
Procedure Information
- Dr. Rottler or Dr. Hulsey will make an incision along the pubic area and around the navel. The abdominal muscles are tightened with sutures. Excess skin is removed after the abdominal skin is drawn downward. A tummy tuck usually takes 2-5 hours and is performed in an operating room.
Dr. Rottler and Dr. Hulsey now use EXPAREL® to minimize post-surgical pain. EXPAREL is a local analgesic. A single intraoperative injection given at the close of surgery delivers postsurgical pain control for up to 72 hours.
Side Effects from Tummy Tuck Surgery
- Swelling, bruising, soreness, and weakness for several weeks or months.
Recovery
- Back to work in 2-4 weeks.
- More strenuous activity 4-6 weeks.
- Scar fading 3 months to 2 years.
- Patients must not stand up straight for 1-2 weeks.
- Dr. Rottler and Dr. Hulsey use a progressive tension suture technique so no drains are needed.
Estimated Tummy Tuck Cost
- $9,600 and up. Price based on O.R. time used.
- Price includes surgeon’s fee, hospital, and anesthesia.
More Information
During the consultation with Dr. Rottler or Dr. Hulsey, you will be asked about the results you would like to achieve from abdominoplasty. This will help your surgeon to understand your expectations and determine whether they realistically can be achieved.
Am I a good candidate for abdominoplasty?
You may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck if you have one or more of the following conditions:
- excess or sagging abdominal skin
- an abdomen that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of your body
- abdominal muscles that have been separated and weakened
- excess fatty tissue that is concentrated in your abdomen
If you plan to become pregnant or lose weight in the future, you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon. Scarring from previous abdominal surgery may limit the results of your abdominoplasty.
BMI For Adults Widget
How will Dr. Rottler or Dr. Hulsey evaluate me?
Dr. Rottler or Dr. Hulsey may examine your abdomen while you are standing as well as lying down. Your skin tone and the degree of loose skin in the abdominal region will be assessed. Dr. Rottler or Dr. Hulsey also will evaluate the amount of excess fat in your abdomen and the condition of your abdominal muscles.
You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions, drug allergies, medical treatments you have received, pregnancies, previous surgeries, and medications that you currently take. It is important for you to provide complete information.
How Abdominoplasty Is Performed
Individual factors and personal preferences will determine the specific technique selected to smooth and flatten your abdomen.
Where are the incisions placed?
Generally, a horizontal incision is placed just within or above the pubic area. The length of the incision, which extends laterally toward the pelvic bones, depends largely on the amount of skin to be removed. The contour of this incision will vary somewhat according to the structure of your abdomen and the style of bathing suit or undergarments that you prefer. Your plastic surgeon will try to keep the incision within your bathing suit lines, but this may not always be possible.
Dr. Rottler or Dr. Hulsey will make a second incision around the navel so that the redundant skin above it can be pulled down. The excess abdominal skin is then removed. The position of the navel remains unchanged.
The skin of the lower abdomen that contains stretch marks may be removed as well. Any remaining stretch marks may be somewhat flattened and improved, but you should not expect a dramatic change in their appearance.
The tummy tuck may include tightening of the underlying abdominal muscles using sutures.
What are some variations to the common abdominoplasty technique?
There are many variations both to the design of the incisions and the technique itself. In some instances, it may be possible to avoid an incision around the navel. When the amount of loose skin is minimal and the excess fat deposits are located below the navel, a short horizontal incision is all that is necessary. This procedure is called a partial, or “mini,” abdominoplasty.
Sometimes liposuction may be used alone, or in conjunction with abdominoplasty, to remove abdominal fat. Endoscopic abdominoplasty is another technique for minimizing scars and may be useful when patients have only a mild degree of excess fat and muscle laxity.
Our surgeons will discuss with you the particular method that he or she recommends for achieving the best result in your particular case.
Far Better Than Expected
My tummy tuck results are far better than I even expected they would be. Dr Rottler was very informative and made me feel comfortable and made sure I was aware of all aspects of my procedure. All my follow up appointments were set prior to the procedure. The staff and Dr made me feel very relaxed before and the follow up care was amazing. Dr Rottler personally called to ask how I was feeling the night of my procedure and the next day. He went over aftercare again and made sure I was staying as comfortable with pain and discomfort as possible. I’ve heard of other Dr wanting to see you in person the day after, I was glad to send in pictures and not go into the office until 1 week post op.
Tummy Tuck Patient
Understanding Risks
Fortunately, significant complications from abdominoplasty are infrequent. Every year, many thousands of people undergo a successful tummy tuck, experience no major problems, and are pleased with the results. Anyone considering surgery, however, should be aware of both the benefits and risks.
I understand that every surgical procedure has risks, but how will I learn more so that I can make an informed decision?
The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed on a personal basis between you and Dr. Rottler or Dr. Hulsey, or with a staff member in their St. Louis office.
Some of the potential complications that may be discussed with you include bleeding, infection, and reactions to anesthesia. Tissue loss along portions of the horizontal incision is a possibility when the abdominoplasty is very extensive. This complication, which delays healing and prolongs recovery, is more common in patients who smoke or have medical conditions such as diabetes. Revisionary surgery is sometimes helpful in certain instances where incisions may have healed poorly.
Following surgery, occasionally, fluid may accumulate under the skin. Removal of this serum is a painless process but may require several visits to the plastic surgeon’s office.
You can help to lessen certain risks by following the advice and instructions of Dr. Rottler and Dr. Hulsey, both before and after surgery.
Your Surgical Experience
The goal of your plastic surgeon and the entire staff is to make your surgical experience as easy and comfortable for you as possible.
How should I prepare for surgery?
If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery. Aspirin and certain anti-inflammatory drugs can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications for a period of time before surgery. Your surgeon will provide you with additional preoperative instructions.
A tummy tuck may be performed on an outpatient basis. If this is the case, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and to stay with you for at least the next day or two. When a tummy tuck is performed in conjunction with medically necessary procedures such as a hysterectomy or hernia repair, a short hospitalization may be required.
What will the day of surgery be like?
Your abdominoplasty may be performed in a hospital, a free-standing ambulatory facility, such as our Seven Oaks Surgery Center, or office-based surgical suite.
Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. A general anesthetic is administered so that you will be asleep throughout the procedure. When surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area where you will continue to be closely monitored. Gauze or other dressings may be applied to your abdomen and covered with tape or an elastic bandage.
You may be permitted to go home after a few hours unless you and your plastic surgeon have determined that you will stay in the hospital or surgical facility overnight.
How will I look and feel initially?
The day after your tummy tuck, you will be encouraged to get out of bed for short walks to promote blood circulation. Although you may not be able to stand up completely straight, it is best if you do not sit for long periods of time during the first several days. Straining, bending, and lifting must be avoided since these activities might cause increased swelling or even bleeding. You may be instructed to sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees.
You will notice swelling and bruising, which is to be expected. The bruising and much of the swelling will disappear over a period of weeks. However, it may be months before all swelling subsides and you see the final result of your abdominoplasty. You may also notice some numbness over portions of the abdominal area, and this may persist for several months. Incisions will initially be red or pink in color. They will remain this way for many months following surgery and may even appear to worsen before they finally begin to fade.
When can I resume my normal activities?
It is important to realize that the amount of time it takes for recovery varies greatly among individuals. Depending on the extent of your abdominoplasty and your general physical condition, you may be able to return to non-strenuous work anywhere from one to three weeks after surgery. In many instances, you can resume most of your normal activities, including some form of mild exercise, after a few weeks. You may continue to experience some mild, periodic discomfort and swelling during this time, but such feelings are normal. Severe pain should be reported to your doctor.
Any sexual activity should be avoided for a minimum of two weeks, and your plastic surgeon may advise you to wait longer.
Results of Your Surgery
Abdominoplasty will enhance your body contour by making your abdomen firmer and flatter. You may find that you feel more comfortable in your clothing and are more confident about your appearance.
The incisions from the procedure will heal and fade over time. It is important to realize, however, that the incision lines will be permanently visible. In some instances, they will eventually be only faint lines. Certain individuals may have incision lines that are more noticeable. Fortunately, the incisions for your abdominoplasty are usually in locations concealed by most bathing suits and undergarments.
How long will the results last?
Unless you gain or lose a significant amount of weight or become pregnant, your abdomen should remain firmer and flatter for many years. However, gravity and the effects of aging will eventually take their toll. If, after a period of years, you again become dissatisfied with the appearance of your abdomen, you may choose to undergo a second procedure to restore a more youthful body contour.
Maintaining a Relationship with Your Plastic Surgeon
You will return to your plastic surgeon’s office for follow-up care at prescribed intervals, at which time your progress will be evaluated.
Please remember that the relationship with your plastic surgeon does not end when you leave the operating room. If you have questions or concerns during your recovery or need additional information at a later time, you should contact plastic surgeon Dr. Rottler or Dr. Hulsey.
Schedule a Consultation
Schedule your consultation for Tummy Tuck in St. Louis– contact Dr. Rottler or Dr. Hulsey and set up your appointment. During your appointment, you will be able to ask questions and bring up any concerns you may have about the procedure. Contact us today to get the look you’ve always wanted!
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