Tummy Tuck

For most adults, the abdomen is the area of the body where fat most commonly accumulates. As it does, it stretches the skin. Eventually people are left with stubborn fat and folds of abdominal skin that do not respond well to dieting or exercise.

Am I an abdominoplasty candidate? Abdominoplasty is appropriate for a wide variety of people concerned with the contours of their abdomen. You might be a tummy tuck candidate if you have experienced any of the following:

• Massive Weight Loss: After losing large amounts of weight, many people are left with extra skin and residual fat. There are a variety of procedures available for these people, including tummy tuck, breast lift and reduction, and body lift. For most of these patients, some combination of procedures including abdominoplasty is the solution. 
• Recent Pregnancy: Pregnancy stretches the abdominal muscles and skin in a way that is often impossible to reverse without surgery. Using modern tummy tuck techniques, Dr. Rhodes can tighten the muscles and skin in addition to removing fat.
• Aging: Over time, everyone's skin begins to lose elasticity and sag. Genetic factors are partially to blame, but eventually time catches up with almost everyone. Patients whose skin has sagged with age can turn to abdominoplasty to help turn back the clock.

Patients also need to meet certain basic requirements, including a minimum level of health, to qualify for a tummy tuck. Dr. Rhodes evaluates abdominoplasty patients from St. George, Las Vegas, and elsewhere in detail before recommending surgery.

Tummy Tuck Surgery

The first step in an abdominoplasty is to make an incision across the abdomen, below the navel. The length of the incision varies based on the amount of skin to be removed. In some cases, the incision will stretch from hip bone to hip bone, while in others it will be shorter.

After separating the abdominal skin and cutting it away from the navel, Dr. Rhodes repositions and tightens the stomach muscles. Finally, he stretches the skin down, trimming away the excess, creating a new hole for the navel, and reattaching the skin to complete the tummy tuck.

Abdominoplasty Recovery and Results

Tummy tuck is a major procedure, and Dr. Rhodes' Las Vegas and St. George-area patients should be prepared for a significant recovery period after surgery. Certain patients may need to stay overnight in the hospital after abdominoplasty. Swelling and pain are to be expected, but they can be controlled with compression bandages and medication. Patients should spend the first few days after surgery resting and recovering.

Dr. Rhodes usually removes stitches about a week after surgery. At this point, most tummy tuck patients are ready to begin a light exercise regimen that will speed the healing process and help prevent blood clots. Patients need to continue wearing their compression bandages and exercising gently for several weeks, but should avoid strenuous activity for up to six weeks as they heal.

Some scarring is inevitable even after healing is complete, but Dr. Rhodes works with every abdominoplasty patient at his St. George practice, located near Las Vegas, to choose an incision site that will best be concealed by his or her clothing. Ultimately, most patients feel that this scarring is a small price to pay for a flatter, smoother stomach.