Tummy Tuck
What Is a Tummy Tuck?
Also Known As an Abdominoplasty
Tummy tuck surgery, or abdominoplasty, tightens and reshapes the abdominal area, helping to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing, slimmer overall appearance. Having a flatter, firmer midsection can dramatically improve the way clothing fits and looks, helping you feel more confident and comfortable in your body. During the procedure, the abdominal muscles are tightened and excess, sagging skin is eliminated, correcting a protruding belly and leaving the midsection flatter and better toned. Tummy tucks are popular procedure for men and women, particularly those whose bodies have undergone dramatic changes from weight loss or pregnancy.
When To Consider a Tummy Tuck
The decision to have any cosmetic procedure is personal, and patients choose to have tummy tucks for a variety of reasons. The best candidates are at or near their ideal body weight, are non-smokers in good health, and have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve for them. If any of the following describe you, a tummy tuck is an option to consider: • Diet & exercise have helped you lose weight, but your abdomen still protrudes and lacks tone • Your abdominal muscles and skin are stretched and sagging following pregnancy • After losing significant amounts of weight, you now have loose, excess skin hanging around your belly • You have always had a belly that “sticks out,” even though you are in very good shape
A tummy tuck can help patients in any of these situations address what they don’t like about their shape and achieve a firmer, flatter abdomen.
Types of Tummy Tucks
No two patients start with identical concerns, nor will any two patients share the exact same goals. There are 3 types of tummy tuck procedures that can be performed are: 1) Traditional Tummy Tuck 2) Mini Tummy Tuck 3) Fleur-De-Lis Tummy Tuck.
The most common type we preform here at Maningas Cosmetic Surgery is the traditional tummy tuck procedure. This includes intense liposuction of the upper and lower abdomen, flanks, lower back and bra-line, removal of excess skin, umbilical (belly button) repositioning and muscle repair (AKA diastasis recti repair). This incision usually runs hip-to-hip, but will be placed low so it is well hidden by undergarments and swimsuit bottoms.
A mini tummy tuck is done in rare instances where the patient only has a small amount of excess skin they want removed. This type of tummy tuck does not include intense liposuction, umbilical repair or muscle repair. The recover process is easier, and the incision is about the size of a c-section scar, but the results aren’t as drastic.
Finally, a fleur-de-liss tummy tuck is an option to consider for massive weight loss patients that are dealing with a lot of excess skin. This type of tummy tuck procedure allows Dr. Maningas to remove skin horizontally and vertically to allow for maximum skin tightening. This tummy tuck procedure includes liposuction, umblical repositioning and muscle repair. The pro of this type of tummy tuck is maximum skin removal, the con is there is an additional vertical incision that runs down the middle of the tummy, as well as the hip-to-hip incision.
During your consultation, Dr. Maningas will recommend the type of tummy tuck that will achieve your desired outcome and create natural-appearing results with the least scarring possible.
Had a great experience. Dr. Maningas and his staff are very kind. All of my questions were clearly answered and I felt completely comfortable.
I cannot not say enough wonderful things about Dr. Maningas and his practice. Everyone is so pleasant. I could not be more happy with the care I received!
Dr. Maningas is a fine person, skilled surgeon, and enjoys helping his patients. He will be a true asset to the community and I look forward to his return to Joplin.
I have had the best experience hands down. Dr. Maningas and my nurses the day of my surgery were absolutely incredible. They made me feel comfortable and at ease.
I worked alongside Dr. Maningas during his fellowship training year and was impressed by his surgical skills and compassion for his patients.
DO I HAVE TO WEAR A COMPRESSION GARMENT?
Yes. You will be sent home in compression garments following surgery. For the best possible result, it is crucial you wear these garment(s) as instructed. Garments can worn up to 4 month post-op for enhanced results.
WILL MY INCISIONS BE VISIBLE?
Yes; however, Dr. Maningas makes every effort to place incisions appropriately so they are easily hidden by undergarments and swimsuits. Unless a fleur-de-lis tummy tuck is preformed, in which there is no way to hide the vertical incision.
WILL I HAVE DRAINS?
It is not uncommon for patients to have drains temporarily placed in the incisions to help remove fluid after surgery. If this is the case for you, our clinical staff will give you detailed instructions for keeping the area clean and well-maintained until their removal at your one week follow-up appointment.
HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO BE OFF WORK?
Depending on how physically demanding your job is, you may be ready to return to work after 2 – 4 weeks. If you have a desk job, you should be able to go back to work on the early side of this time frame, but if your job involves lifting, straining or other strenuous activities, expect to take up to a month away from such tasks. Every patient recovers differently and deals with pain a little differently. We strongly encourage all patients to at least have 14 days of downtime to recover before returning to work and low-impact daily activities.
Request a Consultation
Submit a consultation request and one of our patient care coordinators will get back to you soon
about making an appointment that fits best with your schedule and surgical timeline.
By submitting this form, you will not be scheduled for an appointment, simply to let us
know of your interest and to gather more information so we can efficiently assist you.