A full tummy tuck – also known as a formal abdominoplasty – delivers the most dramatic result available in tummy tuck surgeries. In fact, this surgery removes excess skin and fat while also restoring separated abdominal muscles.
Many women seek formal abdominoplasty surgery to correct diastasis recti. Diastasis recti is the separation of the muscles which meet at the midline of your stomach.
Given that, it is very common during and following pregnancy to experience diasti recti because the uterus stretches the abdominal muscles to accommodate the growing baby.
In some instances, the gap remains long after pregnancy and can result in a pooch. In severe cases, diastasis recti repair can only be accomplished surgically. The formal tummy tuck, with muscle tightening, is a comprehensive procedure with a longer recovery period.
The full tummy tuck is best suited for patients with a large amount of fat or skin to remove, and who are able to devote a longer period of time to recovery. Many full tummy tuck patients have recently lost a large amount of weight, or women who have weak abdominal muscles and excess fat after giving birth.
Liposuction removes excess fat in areas of tight, elastic skin. However, some skin loses elasticity over time, and won’t bounce back with fat removal alone. A formal abdominoplasty removes both excess skin and fat, and tightens muscles that have been stretched after pregnancy or weight loss. While liposuction has a shorter recovery period, tummy tucks deliver more dramatic results.
To begin the procedure, the anesthesiologist will administer anesthesia. While a patient is under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision from hip bone to hip bone, ideally beneath the bikini line. In some cases when more fat and skin needs to be removed, the incision could extend beyond the hips.
A formal abdominoplasty removes all the skin from the pubic area all the way up to the umbilicus. The deep layer is fully tightened. Separated muscles in the abdominal region are repaired. The surgeon may use minor liposuction to remove fat. He will then pull the upper skin down and stitch a low transverse incision.
Different people have individual body types, and where these final scars are placed can be different. Placement depends on the length of the torso and the tightness of the upper abdominal skin. The umbilicus is brought through the skin after re-draping and a new hole is cut for it. The surgeon tightens the muscles by sewing the two sides together, which helps women who have lax muscles.
Dr. David Janssen and Dr. William Doubek are experts in tummy tucks. The Wisconsin plastic surgeons are helping women and men from places such as Green Bay, Appleton, Fond du Lac, and Sheboygan perfect their personal Renaissance. Contact Fox Valley Plastic Surgery at 920-233-1540 to request your consultation in either the Oshkosh or Appleton office.
The average recovery period for a full abdominoplasty is between 2-4 weeks, during which rest is recommended. However, quick showers are permissible 24 hours after the procedure.
Walking between rest periods prevents blood clots from forming. Serious complications can arise from blood clots, and patients should seek immediate medical care if they believe that they may have a blood clot.
After an abdominoplasty, the patient wears an abdominal binder which holds the dressings in place. Unless showering, the patient must wear the binder at all times until the physician tells the patient otherwise. A drain will come out through the pubic area under the skin to remove excess fluid. Discomfort, including swelling and bruising, is common but controlled with medication. Full abdominoplasties result in a long scar that the surgeon attempts to place as low as possible.
The ability to return to work at a desk job depends on a patient’s individual healing ability, pain tolerance and motivation. Full abdominoplasty patients typically take off 7-10 days before returning to a desk job. Only a highly motivated patient can return to a desk job in 7 days because there will still be discomfort from the surgery and the drains interfere with clothing options. Lifting is absolutely forbidden for 6 weeks, so an early return to work is not suggested for patients with active jobs.
Before & Afters
An abdominoplasty is a cosmetic procedure, which is not paid for by insurance. In general, the cost of a formal abdominoplasty ranges from $12,500 – $16,000 depending on the amount of work needed. The price includes the surgeon’s fee, the facility fee at the Theda Care Surgery Center, and anesthesia. The pricing is subject to change, and will change if the surgery is done at another facility, and if there are unique circumstances surrounding the surgery, etc.
Fox Valley Plastic Surgery highly recommends the use of Strataderm® immediately after wound closure and for several weeks afterwards for optimal healing. Stratamed is the first film-forming silicone gel-based wound dressing approved for the use on open wounds and compromised skin. Depending on the length of the incision, a tube of Strataderm costs $32-54.
Additionally, FVPS offers discounts for multiple cosmetic procedures: 15% off the surgeon’s fee for the 2nd cosmetic procedure, and 30% off the surgeon’s fee for the 3rd procedure. The operating room fee is discounted 50% for the 2nd+ procedure, while anesthesia is based solely on time. Tthere are zero interest financing options available through Care Credit and Alphaeon Credit. (Additional discounts not mentioned here may be available).
To find out more about full tummy tucks, request your consultation online or call the office at 920-233-1540 to set up your appointment. There is a $100 consultation fee.
You can now have a VIRTUAL CONSULTATION via Doxy.me with Dr. Janssen. This encrypted telemedicine system is an easy-to-use online tool that allows you to schedule a HIPAA compliant video call with no download required. Please call the office at 920-233-1540 or email us at info@fvpsurgery.com for instructions on how to proceed.
Like an in-office visit, we will usually need your 1) demographics, 2) insurance information (if applicable), 3) area(s) of concern, 4) photos of the area(s) of concern, and 5) complete health history. We’re here for you more than ever.
Meeting with either Dr. David Janssen or Dr. William Doubek, both board-certified plastic surgeons, will give patients an unbiased assessment of their abdomens. During the consultation, an evaluation of the patient’s physical and emotional health will be used to create a personal care plan. Based on the findings of a physical exam, a determination of the best surgical or nonsurgical procedures will be discussed and presented to the patient.
