Tummy Tuck in Farmington Hills

What a tummy tuck addresses

A tummy tuck removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens weak or separated abdominal muscles. Many patients consider it after pregnancy, significant weight loss, or the skin laxity that comes with aging, when diet and exercise alone have not been effective.

It is not a weight loss procedure. As much skin is removed as can be safely removed to achieve the desired shape, so there is no set amount of weight or inches lost.

Types of tummy tuck

The right option depends on how much excess skin there is and where it sits, and is decided at consultation.

• Full tummy tuck — treats the entire abdomen, from just below the breasts to the pubic area, including tightening the muscles and repositioning the belly button.
• Mini tummy tuck — focuses on the lower abdomen below the belly button, with a shorter scar and faster recovery, for patients with minimal excess skin.
• Extended tummy tuck — for significant excess skin, especially after major weight loss, extending to the flanks and lower back.

Am I a good candidate?

Candidates are generally:

• in good physical health
• at a stable weight, close to their goal weight
• not planning future pregnancies
• non-smokers, or willing to quit before and after surgery
• realistic about the outcome

The procedure is aimed at a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that will not respond to diet or exercise, including muscles and skin stretched by pregnancy and reduced skin elasticity in older patients. Candidacy is decided at consultation.

How the procedure is performed

A tummy tuck is performed under general anesthesia and usually takes two to five hours, depending on the extent of work. A partial tummy tuck may take an hour or two.

Dr. Hardaway most commonly makes a low incision from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area, placed so it can be hidden by underwear or swimwear. She removes excess skin and fat, tightens the abdominal muscles, and may use liposuction to further shape the area. The belly button may be repositioned, and the incisions are closed with sutures. Temporary drainage tubes and a compression garment help reduce swelling.

Recovery

• Week 1 — swelling, bruising and discomfort are expected, and you will need help with daily activities. Walking starts the night of surgery. Rest in a slightly bent position and wear the compression garment. Drains are usually removed after a few days.
• Week 2 — pain and swelling improve. Light activity or a desk job may be possible, with no heavy lifting. Stitches are removed if necessary.
• Weeks 3–4 — more normal activity resumes gradually, still without strenuous exercise, and swelling continues to go down.
• Weeks 6–8 — most patients are healed and return to all normal activities, including exercise, once cleared by Dr. Hardaway.

Most patients take one to two weeks off work, and some take three or four. A support garment is worn for six weeks. You can shower when cleared, usually about 48 hours after the drains are removed, and you will not be able to drive for a few weeks. Swelling subsides within about two months, and complete healing takes 9 to 12 months.

A tummy tuck is major surgery and is not pain-free. Oral pain medication is required afterwards, often supplemented with a local anesthetic such as Exparel, which can last up to three days. After the first week, anti-inflammatory medication such as Motrin is usually sufficient, and most patients feel much better within two to four weeks.

After major weight loss

Patients who have lost a large amount of weight may have more extensive loose skin. An extended tummy tuck for post-bariatric patients can involve longer incisions and additional body contouring, such as arm or thigh lifts, often done in stages for safety. Dr. Hardaway evaluates your health and nutritional status before planning surgery.

Risks

All surgery carries risk. Risks of a tummy tuck include bleeding, infection, scarring, loss of sensation and fluid buildup. A tummy tuck leaves a permanent scar, placed where underwear or swimwear can hide it, which fades and flattens over time. Following the pre- and post-operative instructions reduces risk, and no outcome can be guaranteed.

Procedures often combined with a tummy tuck

Combining a tummy tuck with liposuction, known as lipoabdominoplasty, targets fat in the waist, flanks and upper abdomen while the skin and muscles are tightened, with a single recovery period.

• Liposuction
• Breast procedures
• Other body contouring surgery

Cost and financing

Cost depends on each patient’s needs and on whether other procedures, such as liposuction, are combined. Dr. Hardaway’s staff discuss pricing at consultation, and financing options are available. Insurance occasionally covers removal of excess abdominal skin and fat after massive weight loss.

Choosing a surgeon

Look for a board-certified plastic surgeon with proven experience in tummy tucks, review before-and-after photos and patient reviews, and consider meeting two or three surgeons before deciding.