Abdominoplasty, also known as a Tummy Tuck, is indicated for patients with loose skin, excess fat, and lax muscles. These conditions are most commonly present after childbirth or excessive weight loss.
Abdominoplasties remove excess skin and fat as well as tighten lax muscles creating a more youthful and firm abdomen. Although a relatively long scar results, the scar can be placed low allowing for styles such as hip-hugger pants or skirts and bikinis. If only slight to moderate laxity is present, a mini Abdominoplasty, which limits the length of the scar, may be indicated.
One of the most common questions we hear at The Center For Plastic Surgery is if a patient is a good tummy tuck candidate. If you can answer yest to all of these questions, the answer is yes, you are an excellent candidate for a tummy tuck by Colorado Springs Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Gregory Bland.
- You are physically healthy and at a stable weight
- You have realistic expectations
- You are a non-smoker
- You are bothered by the appearance of your abdomen
The typical operative time, which will be performed in our AAAA credited operating room will take approximately 1 1/2 to 3 hours with local sedation or general anesthesia and recovery generally takes two to three weeks before resuming moderate physical activities.
As with all medical procedures, it is important that you do your research. Consider your options and look at before and after photos. Make sure that your surgeon is a board certified with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and a member of American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. As well, before undergoing cosmetic surgery in Colorado Springs or anywhere else, make sure that your facility is an AAAHC accredited health care facility.
The cost of a tummy tuck will vary but a personal consultation will present you with options including finance options available with CareCredit.
It is important to remember that tummy tuck surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image. As with all surgeries, there are some risks including infection, unsightly scarring, fluid collections, navel irregularities, and the need for revision can occur.
About the Center for Plastic Surgery: Dr. Bland holds two Doctorate degrees – a Doctorate in Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) and Doctorate in Medicine (M.D.) from the prestigious University of California at San Francisco (UCSF). A prominent Colorado Springs Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Bland is member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons as well as the prestigious American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.