Tummy Tuck – Abdominoplasty
Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is a surgical procedure to remove skin and fat from the abdomen and to tighten the underlying muscles of the abdominal wall. It is frequently combined with Liposuction, so you are encouraged to also read our information on liposuction. A tummy tuck may also be performed during another type of surgery, for instance at the completion of a hysterectomy or other gynecologic surgery.
Tummy tuck surgery can markedly improve the appearance of your abdomen. The combined effects of aging, gravity, childbirth, fluctuations in weight, and a loss of skin elasticity all contribute to loss of tone in the abdomen as we age.
Dr. Onyewu approaches abdominoplasty to meet your specific needs. This means adequately assessing three factors – excess skin, excess fat, and muscle weakness. Each of these components will determine which procedure is best for you. With only mild fat excess and good skin elasticity, you may be a candidate for liposuction alone. For mild fat excess and skin excess confined to the area below your belly button, you may be a candidate for a mni-abdominoplasty with or without liposuction. For more severe excess skin and fat as well as patients who have muscle weakness or laxity, you will most likely require a full abdominoplasty to achieve the best results.
If you are planning a future pregnancy or anticipate a significant loss of weight in the future, it is probably best to postpone your tummy tuck until after these events have occurred to optimize your results.
Following tummy tuck surgery, many patients experience an immediate improvement in their self-esteem and discover a greater self-confidence. In addition, many also find greater access to different clothing styles and fashions and are less self-conscious at the gym, around the pool, or at the beach.
If you think you might be a good candidate for a tummy tuck, this page will give you a basic understanding of the procedure and the results you can expect. The cornerstone of Dr. Onyewu’ approach is to individualize treatment to your specific circumstances and goals and to ensure that you have an adequate understanding of the issues involved so that you are able to make a fully informed decision. This will help you achieve the appearance you desire with the least invasive procedure available, thus creating a mutually rewarding experience. Dr. Onyewu invites you to visit his office for a consultation to discuss the procedure in greater detail. You are also invited to email Dr. Onyewu with your questions, or we can mail you more detailed information regarding the procedure.
As you consider plastic surgery, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing your surgeon. Our pledge to you is to provide the latest, state of the art cosmetic plastic surgery in a safe and professional environment. Dr. Onyewu is a recognized specialist in the field of cosmetic plastic surgery and has been performing plastic surgery safely for 15 years.
Our goal is to provide you with the “ultimate patient experience.” Our well-trained staff will help you understand your procedure, our financial policies, the scheduling of your surgery, and your post-operative care. We are available to assist you during our regular office hours, Monday through Friday. Dr. Onyewu is also available 24 hours a day to post-surgical patients; he will give you his cell phone number after surgery so that you will always be able to reach him with any questions or concerns you might have during your recovery.
The Consultation
During your initial consultation, Dr. Onyewu will inquire about your medical history, prior procedures, medications, allergies, and your motivations for seeking plastic surgery. It is very important that you be thorough when providing your medical history, as this information helps to prevent complications during your care. When asked about medications, be sure to include any vitamin or herbal preparations, as these can affect your blood pressure and clotting ability. Honesty regarding your use of tobacco and alcohol is also very important, as these may have a profound impact on your recovery period and your ability to heal following your procedure.
After reviewing your medical history, Dr. Onyewu will discuss your concerns, priorities and motivations for pursuing plastic surgery, as well as your fears. After examining you, Dr. Onyewu will be able to offer advice and options to help you achieve the appearance you desire. He will explain the advantages and disadvantages of the different options you have before you.
At the completion of your consultation, our Patient Coordinator will give you a written estimate of the cost of your procedure. At this time, you will also have the option to schedule your procedure if you so choose. The decision to undergo surgery is a very important one, and the final decision should be given very careful consideration. Dr. Onyewu realizes the importance of this decision, and at no time will you be pressured to make a decision. You are also encouraged to bring your spouse, significant other, family member, or a friend to your consultation.
Watch below to see Dr. Onyewu discuss Tummy Tucks.
