Tummy Tuck
Dr. Khalifeh's Tummy Tuck Before & After Photos
How is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
A standard abdominoplasty surgery takes approximately two to three hours to perform. It is often combined with liposuction to produce a beautifully sculpted waistline. The surgery addresses the interface between the fat and the muscles, elevating the skin and fat off muscles in the pubic area, extending to the rib cage. The navel is left attached to the abdominal wall muscles.
The second step involves tightening the underlying muscles to create a firmer abdominal structure. The third step is the precise excision of excess skin and fat. The fourth step is a reapproximation of the skin, an advanced surgical technique to minimize scarring. A surgical drain is left in place to allow for the shedding of excess fluid during the early stages of healing. The final step involves the recreation of the umbilicus (relocating the belly button) placed in the perfect location at the lower-midpoint of your abdomen.
Take the time to review real-world “before and after” images of patients who have had tummy tuck surgery from Dr. Khalifeh. The first step in restoring a sculpted, firm abdomen is to schedule a private consultation.
Before & After Tummy Tuck in Washington DC
*Tummy Tuck Before and After Photo Disclaimer: there’s no guarantee of specific results and that the results can vary
Smartlipo vs. a Tummy Tuck: Which is Right For Me?
Many women who have been left with excess fat on the abdomen after having children may consider Smartlipo, a minimally invasive form of liposuction. Smartlipo can produce beautiful results, but if you have excess stretched skin and tissue, Smartlipo alone cannot achieve the slimming, firming, restructuring outcome of tummy tuck surgery.
Naval sculpting and reattachment
The majority of tummy tuck surgeries require a repositioning of the navel. This leaves your abdomen looking more natural. A new navel may be sculpted, or the existing navel is relocated to the most attractive, natural position.
Tightening the abdominal muscles
As we age, our abdominal muscles become looser. During your tummy tuck procedure in Washington DC, Dr. Khalifeh will remove any pockets of excess fat. He will also remove extra skin and tighten lax abdominal muscles to create a firm, sculpted look. Loose or split abdominal muscles are repaired to create a toned, firm appearance, and the waistline is slimmed.
Removing stretch marks during tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
If you have stretch marks, Dr. Khalifeh may be able to improve or even eliminate their appearance during the skin removal process of your tummy tuck procedure. Any of your stretch marks that are located a little below your navel can usually be removed. Many times, any remaining stretch marks will appear less prominent after your tummy tuck procedure.
Skin removal during tummy tuck surgery (abdominoplasty)
After the abdominal muscles are repaired and tightened, excess skin is removed. Dr. Khalifeh may use liposuction to remove excess fat before suturing the area.
Closing the incisions
Once your surgery is complete, Dr. Khalifeh will suture your incisions. A surgical drain will be placed to speed the healing process and limit any pain from fluid buildup under the skin. The surgical drain is typically removed about a week after your surgery the stitches within two weeks. Your abdomen will be protected with a compression garment to minimize bruising and swelling and support the tissues so they heal smoothly.
Tummy tuck recovery
Depending on the tummy tuck technique, the recovery time can range from one to four weeks.
- You should expect some bruising and tenderness. You will need at least one week off work and may need longer.
- You should avoid nicotine during your recovery period as it inhibits the healing process.
- It takes up to three months to recover fully from your tummy tuck procedure.
- Avoid any vigorous physical motions during healing.
- Will I have scars after a tummy tuck?
Scarring is inevitable, but Dr. Khalifeh’s carefully planned incision locations will minimize the visibility of your surgical scars. At first, scars from your surgery will be visible and red; with proper scar healing, they will heal and become thin, silver lines.
- Can a tummy tuck be performed at the same time as a hernia repair?
Tummy tucks, and related procedures such as panniculecotmies, can be sometimes combined with hernia surgeries. In some ways, the tummy tuck muscle tightening over a hernia can help reinforce the repair and make the hernia less likely to recur. For large hernias, we work with general surgeons who are experts in bowel surgery so that we protect the bowels during surgery and free up the bowels so we may stitch the hernia. Sometimes, an absorbable reinforcing bioengineered layer is used as well to provide extra strength during the repair. To undergo combined surgeries, you must be in good health, as it does prolong the duration of the surgery.
- Will my health insurance pay for an abdominoplasty?
Health insurance does not cover a cosmetic abdominoplasty. In select cases, depending on your health history (with your primary care physician), some aspects of your surgery may be covered.
- How long before I can return to my exercise program, or having sex?
You will need some patience, as you cannot return to exercise for four to six weeks, although you will likely feel well enough to return to work or social activities within seven to ten days. You will have to refrain from sex for about three to four weeks to ensure your incisions have fully healed.
