Abdominoplasty

(Tummy Tuck)

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Tummy Tuck or Mini Tummy Tuck

Abdominal muscles that have been pulled apart and weakened from pregnancy and weight gain in most cases cannot be restored by eating fewer calories and spending more time working out. Excess skin around the abdomen after significant weight loss, in most cases, is not going to resolve with extra sit-ups. This frustrating permanent bulge can be improved with a tummy tuck or an abdominoplasty. This surgical procedure that removes excess fat and skin, while tightening the abdominal wall can create a firmer, flatter, abdominal profile.

Dr. Ricciardelli has over 25 years of surgical experience and keenly aware of what is important when tightening the muscle and re-draping the abdominal skin. “It’s important that the belly button looks natural after removing potentially large amounts of skin and stretch marks. It takes a little extra time and technical ingenuity to create recreate this look,” says Dr. Ricciardelli. There is no substitution for experience and understanding to ensure that the scars are well hidden beneath a two piece bathing suit and underwear. Dr. Ricciardelli may also further improved your results with targeted liposuction for excellent, long lasting results.

If you’re considering abdominoplasty…

Abdominoplasty, known more commonly as a “tummy tuck”, is a major surgical procedure to remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen and to tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall. The procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen often created by pregnancy.

If you’re considering abdominoplasty, a consultation with Dr. Ricciardelli will give you a basic understanding of the procedure-when it can help, how it’s performed, and what results you can expect. To get started call 910.794.5355 or schedule your appointment online.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

During your tummy tuck recovery, dressings or bandages may be applied to your incisions, and you may be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimize swelling and support your abdomen as it heals following surgery. Small, thin tubes may be temporarily placed under the skin to drain any excess blood or fluid that may collect. You will be given step by step instructions for a healthy recovery before your surgery.

The best candidates for abdominoplasty

The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit or loose abdominal skin that won’t respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs with slight obesity, can also be improved.

Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight should postpone the surgery. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy.

Is tummy tuck surgery for me?
If you have excess skin, muscle weakness, and localized fat in the abdominal area you may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck. Women whose abdominal muscles have been stretched and weakened by pregnancy, as well as significant weight loss, also may benefit from a tummy tuck procedure. If you are planning to become pregnant or lose a significant amount of weight, you should postpone your surgery. During your consultation Dr. Ricciardelli will discuss the benefits of this surgery and whether or not you are a good candidate.
What is a “mini” tummy tuck?
A mini tummy tuck is an ideal procedure for people with a small amount of excess skin and fat in the lower abdomen. As the name implies, there is a shortened scar and recovery time as compared with a full tummy tuck. Dr Ricciardelli will discuss whether or not you are a good candidate at your consultation.
Can I have another procedure done at the same time?
Yes. But most often Dr. Ricciardelli will recommend that this surgery be combined with smaller, less invasive procedures such a liposuction or eye surgery. Dr. Ricciardelli will discuss other procedures that you may be interested in having done during your consultation.
What do I need to do before surgery?
At your consultation, Dr. Ricciardelli will discuss your medical history to determine the underlying cause for your condition and examine your abdominal region. He will discuss how the elasticity of your skin, amount of soft tissue and fat will affect your goals and expected outcome. If you are currently trying to lose weight, Dr. Ricciardelli will discuss your <em>realistic</em> weight loss goals and how that might affect your surgery. While every effort to make the smallest incision possible a lot will depend on your anatomy. Dr Ricciardelli will let you know what to expect and answer all your questions. Do not hesitate to bring a list. We love an informed patient.
What can I expect during and after surgery?
Your privacy and safety are very important to us. On the day of your surgery you will park in a designated, convenience space in back of the Summit building close to the private back door entrance of our office. Your surgery will most likely take about two hours in our AAAASF (Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) certified operating suite. After the procedure, you will wake up in our warm and caring recovery suite. Our recovery nurse will make sure that you are comfortable and inform your designated driver when you are ready to return to the comfort of your own home that day. You will be given detailed instructions for your specific needs. Most patients describe the pain as a mild discomfort that is easily controlled with mild pain medication.

On average, most patients are able to return to work in 1-5 days and to begin light exercise in 3 weeks. We recommend that you wear a compression garment for 1-2 weeks after your surgery to improve your results. You will be seen back in the office a few days after surgery. Expect to have possible bruising, swelling and tenderness of the abdominal area for a week or two. Dr. Ricciardelli will call you in the evening to check-in on your progress as well as see you back in the office for your post-operative visits. Our door is always open for any questions.

Why choose Summit Plastic Surgery & Dermatology?
It’s about confidence: confidence in your surgeon, confidence that your wishes and individual concerns will be heard, and confidence you will get the results you want. Dr Ricciardelli has the experience and reputation that ensures you are trusting in a surgeon with a known track record in the area and the qualifications and certifications that recognize him on a regional and national level.

Read Ashley’s Story

Ashley Wright

View Before & After Pics

Before & After Tummy Tuck Photos

How to Use Your Wrap Post Op

Ready to take the next step? Schedule your consultation now!

At your consultation you’ll meet with one of our surgeons and we’ll discuss all of your options and answer all of your questions.

Meet Dr. Edward Ricciardelli

Dr. Edward Ricciardelli is one of the most highly trained plastic surgeons in the country. He is the only plastic surgeon in the area who is board certified in both head, neck, and facial surgery and plastic surgery.  He has been performing facial surgery for over 29 years.  During that time he has taught and trained other plastic and facial surgeons, lectured around the country, given courses on facial surgery, and cared for thousands of surgical patients. Read more…

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