One of our most popular plastic surgery procedures is the tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty. A tummy tuck is an extensive, complex procedure that addresses skin, muscle, and fat in the abdominal area. It results in a flatter, more toned stomach than you may be able to achieve with diet and exercise alone. It is a particularly good procedure for women whose abdominal muscles have weakened and protruded after childbirth.
A tummy tuck works by excising loose skin, stitching loose muscles back together, and reducing excess fat. It is more complex and extensive than liposuction, and gives more dramatic results. Baltimore plastic surgeon Dr. Adam Basner has extensive experience performing tummy tucks for both men and women, and customizes each procedure based on your unique anatomy and circumstances.
If you are interested in a tummy tuck, call Dr. Basner today at 410-616-3000 to schedule your initial consultation.
The Tummy Tuck Experience
Your tummy tuck journey starts with your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Basner. During your consultation, he will examine you, take your medical history, learn about your lifestyle and goals, and determine whether you are a good candidate or not. Some patients think they need a full tummy tuck when they only need liposuction, or vice versa. Dr. Basner will recommend the treatment plan he thinks is best for your unique situation during your consultation.
After your consultation, your surgery will be scheduled if you decide to move forward. Dr. Basner will give you pre-operative instructions and let you know what to expect the day of the surgery and during your recovery. A tummy tuck is an outpatient procedure, so you will typically not need to stay overnight at the hospital.
During and after your tummy tuck, you can expect:
- General anesthesia
- Surgery lasting around 2 to 4 hours
- A short stay in the hospital, in order for the anesthesia to wear off and to make sure you are fit to leave
- Receive detailed post-operative instructions
- Have someone drive you home
- Rest and relax at home
Dr. Basner uses Exparel, an injection that helps with pain and prevents the need to take narcotic painkillers the first day or so after your surgery. You should plan on having help around the house for chores and childcare for at least the first week, as you will not be able to do any strenuous activities (including lifting a small child).
How Long Do Tummy Tuck Results Last?
We know that tummy tuck surgery is a big, expensive decision, and of course you want your results to last a long time. Luckily, tummy tuck results are very long-lasting, as long as you maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Most tummy tuck patients will never need another tummy tuck in their lifetime.
That being said, you can definitely lose your results if you do not maintain a healthy lifestyle. While the fat will be slow to come back, if you gain a lot of weight, eventually your stomach will not be flat anymore. If this happens, or if you unexpectedly become pregnant after having a tummy tuck, you can have revision surgery.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are wondering if a tummy tuck would benefit you, please don't hesitate to call Dr. Basner at 410-616-3000 to schedule your initial consultation. We serve patients in Baltimore, Lutherville Timonium, Columbia, and other nearby areas of Maryland.