This surgery is for women or men with sagging abdominal skin and abdominal wall muscle separation who are at or close to their goal weight. Tummy tucks in Troy are a body sculpting surgery, and are not intended for weight loss.
A tummy tuck removes excess skin at the abdomen and tightens the rectus abdominis (the six pack) muscle. This procedure is typically performed after a woman has had one or more children or in men or women with a history of substantial weight loss. This operation makes the abdomen flatter and helps to restore the continuity of the abdominal wall muscles, often alleviating the “still pregnant” appearance of the abdomen. Dr. DeLuca-Pytell can perform a tummy tuck at our Troy office to remove stretch marks if the stretch marks are below the belly button. The muscle repair may make core exercises more effective and in some can help back pain.
For a stretched abdomen with stretch marks and hanging skin, a tummy tuck gives a flatter abdomen which responds better to toning exercises. Patients report feeling better in bathing suits and clothing and increased self confidence.
The tradeoff for a flatter abdomen is a long scar that spans hip to hip (and sometimes longer) as well as a scar around the belly button. Skin sensation may decrease below the belly button. Not all stretch marks can be removed. Sometimes, the excess skin may continue around the back for which a belt lipectomy (a tuck for the back) may help. The end of the scar may stick out after healing is over (called a dog ear) and need revision. Dr. DeLuca-Pytell performs drainless abdominoplasty using a technique that eliminates painful and annoying drainage tubes.
This is a cosmetic procedure, paid for by the patient. For Troy patients with severe rashes and significant skin overhang after gastric bypass or other large weight loss, health insurance may cover a portion of the tummy tuck procedure. This coverage almost always requires precertification, meaning there is a list of qualifications that must be met in order to meet criteria the insurance company puts forth to meet medical necessity. This can only be determined by examination. At this time, Dr. DeLuca-Pytell is no longer accepting insurance for panniculectomy operations.
2 – 4 hours (depending on the extent of procedure).
General anesthesia, you will be asleep and monitored the entire time.
Outpatient, you will go home the same day.
Temporary swelling, bruising, and some pain. For the first 7-10 days after surgery, expect to walk slightly hunched over. Sensation of the skin of the lower abdomen will be different initially. Fluid collections below the skin are possible. Dog ears or excess skin at the end of the scar may occur but can be removed in the office.
Pain, bleeding, infection, damage to nearby structures, need for other procedures, recurrence of skin and abdominal laxity, dissatisfaction with the appearance of the abdomen, asymmetry of the scar and umbilicus, inability to remove all stretch marks, seroma, sensory changes including permanent loss of sensation, wound healing delays requiring wound care, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolus.
Tired of sagging abdominal skin after weight loss or pregnancy? A tummy tuck in Troy could be a great option for you to get the figure you want. To learn more about this procedure, contact us today. We will listen to your cosmetic concerns and goals and help you determine whether this surgery is a good fit for you.
