Changes to the abdomen are common with aging, weight loss, and pregnancy. These changes include extra (or loose) skin, extra fat, or diastasis (separation of the abdominal muscles resulting in a bulge over the abdomen). Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) procedures can improve the appearance of the abdomen and reposition the abdominal muscles. These procedures range in complexity, depending on the amount of skin and fat removed from the abdomen. At invMD Plastic Surgery we provide the tummy tuck in Bend for those who are a candidate for the procedure.
What is a tummy tuck?
Abdominoplasty is a surgical procedure that removes unwanted skin from the abdomen.
Who is a candidate for tummy tuck?
In general, candidates for a tummy tuck in Bend:
- Are in good physical and mental health
- Are at their goal weight with a body mass index below 30
- Have been weight stable for 6 months
- Do not have underlying medical conditions that preclude surgery
- Are non-smokers or are willing to stop smoking one month before and one month after the procedure
- Do not use nicotine products, or are willing to stop using products one month before and one month after the procedure (gum, chews, patch, vape)
- Are not exposed to second-hand smoke
- Have realistic expectations from the surgery
- Have redundant skin and unwanted pockets of fat on the abdomen
- Do not intend to have more children or undergo sudden weight changes
- Are at least 6 months post pregnancy, or 12 months post pregnancy if there is a significant muscle separation (diastasis)
What are the types of tummy tuck?
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Mini Abdominoplasty
Mini abdominoplasty uses a limited incision, and includes procedures that either leave the belly button in place, or that “float” the belly button. Floating the belly button means that the belly button attachment to the abdominal wall is released. The end result is a lower belly button, making mini abdominoplasty a good procedure for women with high belly buttons. The procedure can include skin resection with or without tightening of the abdominal muscles (plication). A smaller incision reduces the amount of skin and fat that can be removed. The postoperative scar will depend on the amount of tissue removed.
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Full Abdominoplasty
Full abdominoplasty involves removing skin and fat from the lower abdomen with tightening of the abdominal muscles. The belly button is moved to a higher youthful position. Scars are from hip to hip, and can usually be kept below the underwear line. There is also a scar around the belly button. Full abdominoplasty allows for maximum skin and fat removal.
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Lipoabdominoplasty
Lipoabdominoplasty combines liposuction with mini or full abdominoplasty. It is helpful in patients with upper abdominal fullness or in patients who desire improved abdominal contour. Liposuction can also be added to abdominoplasty to improve the flanks (love handles).
View Before and After Photos
How is a tummy tuck performed?
Your abdominoplasty journey starts with a consultation with Dr. Vial. Dr. Vial carefully examines your abdomen and discusses your goals and expectations. Based on your unique expectations and condition, he creates an individualized surgical plan for you.
Your tummy tuck in Bend is performed as an outpatient procedure, usually under general anesthesia. The day of surgery, Dr. Vial marks your abdomen and reverifies the planned scars with you. Once you are under anesthesia, Dr. Vial makes incisions on your abdomen consistent with your surgical plan. The length of the incisions depends on the amount of excess skin; larger incisions are necessary to remove larger amounts of skin. In some cases, muscles are tightened and/or liposuction may be used to remove unwanted fat. The upper abdominal skin will be pulled down, the redundant skin will be trimmed away, and the remaining skin will be sutured in place. Dr. Vial may also reposition the belly button into a new, youthful position. The incisions are closed with absorbable sutures.
What is the
recovery process
after a tummy tuck?
How you recover in the three months after your surgery determines the outcome for years to come. Dr. Vial will provide a list of step-by-step recovery guidelines after your surgery. After abdominoplasty, you will have a binder with bandages in place. The bandages will be removed 48 hours after surgery for showering. You will wear a compression garment for 2 months following surgery. The majority of the swelling will gradually dissipate in 3-4 weeks and the bruising will dissipate over the same amount of time. You can resume normal activities and work in 2-3 weeks, but you should avoid strenuous activities for 6-8 weeks.
What are the risks of a tummy tuck?
Dr. Vial prioritizes safety above all else and performs your tummy tuck in Bend using the safest surgical techniques. He only works with board-certified anesthesiologists and certified nurses to ensure optimal and consistent results. However, all surgeries, including abdominoplasty, carry inherent risks that Dr. Vial will discuss during your consultation.
The complications unique to abdominoplasty that are reported nationally include, but are not limited to:
- Abdominal skin numbness (expected between belly button and abdominoplasty scar)
- Contour irregularities
- Loss of belly button (rare)
- Blood clots (very rare)
Why choose Dr. Vial for your tummy tuck?
Dr. Vial is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training and experience in abdominoplasty procedures. He has trained at the world’s best institutions where many of these procedures were invented and continue to be advanced. He makes safety a top priority and has developed a reputation for beautiful, natural results.
