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Tummy Tuck Plastic Surgery in Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Procedures and Services by Dr. Lewis Obi

A Tummy Tuck, technically known as Abdominoplasty, is a major surgical procedure that most patients elect to receive in order to:

• remove excess skin and stretch marks from the middle and lower abdomen.
• tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall.
• dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen.

But bear in mind, a tummy tuck procedure does produce a permanent scar, which, depending on the extent of the original problem and the surgery required to correct it, can extend from hip to hip. However, with the advent of special suturing techniques, scar management and advanced lasers, noticeability of tummy tuck scars have been significantly diminished in recent years. Dr. Lewis Obi usually performs a more corrective deep layer muscle tightening with the use of an inert synthetic mesh similar to that used for hernia repairs. Tummy tuck scars are generally limited to the area covered by a bikini.

If you're considering abdominoplasty (a tummy tuck), this outline will give you a basic understanding of the surgical procedure and:

• when it can beneficial.
• how it's performed.
• what results you can expect.

The tummy tuck outline won't answer all of your questions, since a lot depends on the individual patient and the surgeon. This is why it's encouraged to schedule a consult with Dr. Obi to discuss your goals and expectations.

The Best candidates for Jacksonville Tummy Tucks

The best candidates for abdominoplasty (tummy tucks) are:

• men or women who are in relatively good shape but are bothered by a large amount of excess skin and/or stretch marks associated with protuberant abdominal muscles that won't respond to diet or exercise.
• women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they cannot return to normal.
• older patients who may have a loss of skin elasticity after significant weight loss.

If there is an excessive layer of fat or obesity then these patients may benefit more with the newer technology of Palomar's SlimLipo that Dr. Lewis Obi helped pioneer. Also, women who plan future pregnancies should wait, as vertical muscles in the abdomen that are tightened during surgery can separate again during pregnancy.

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but it won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with Dr. Lewis Obi.

All Surgery Carries Some Uncertainty and Risk

Thousands of abdominoplasties are performed successfully each year. When done by a qualified plastic surgeon who is trained in body contouring, the results are generally quite positive. Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure. These risks are minimized with proper patient selection and performing these procedures in a fully licensed ambulatory surgery center with a board certified plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist.

Post-operative tummy tuck complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can occur. Infection can be treated with drainage and antibiotics. You can minimize the risk of blood clots by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible.

Poor healing, which results in conspicuous scars, may necessitate a second operation. Smokers should be advised to stop, as smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing.

You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following Dr. Lewis Obi's instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should resume physical activity.

Planning Your Tummy Tuck Surgery

In your initial consultation, Dr. Lewis Obi will evaluate your health, determine the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region, and carefully assess your skin tone. Be sure to tell him if you smoke, and if you're taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.

Be frank in discussing your expectations of your tummy tuck surgery. Dr. Obi will be equally frank with you, describing your alternatives and the risks and limitations of each.

If, for example, your fat deposits are limited to the area below the navel, you may require a less complex procedure called a partial abdominoplasty, also know as a mini-tummy tuck, which can be performed on an outpatient basis. You may, on the other hand, benefit more from partial or complete abdominoplasty done in conjunction with SlimLipo liposuction to remove fat deposits from the hips, for a better body contour. Or maybe SlimLipo liposuction alone would create the best result. Schedule your plastic surgery consult with Dr. Obi to discuss all your options.

In any case, Dr. Lewis Obi will work with you to recommend the procedure that is right for you and will come closest to producing the desired body contour.

During the consultation, Dr. Obi will also explain the anesthesia he will use, the facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved. In most cases, health insurance policies do not cover the cost of abdominoplasty, but you should check your policy to be sure.

Preparing for Your Tummy Tuck Surgery

As you prepare for your tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Lewis Obi will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins, and medications.

If you smoke, plan to quit at least one to two weeks before your surgery and not to resume for at least two weeks after your surgery. Avoid overexposure to the sun before surgery, especially to your abdomen, and do not go on a stringent diet, as both can inhibit your ability to heal. If you develop a cold or infection of any kind, your tummy tuck surgery will probably be postponed.

Whether your surgery is done on an outpatient or inpatient basis, you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two after you leave the hospital, if needed.

Where Your Tummy Tuck Surgery Will Be Performed

Most abdominoplasties are performed in the Samuel Wells Surgicenter, our own state licensed Ambulatory Surgery Center as an outpatient procedure.

Types of Anesthesia at the Obi Plastic Surgery Clinic

Abdominoplasty is nearly always performed under general anesthesia. You'll be asleep through the entire operation. You'll be asleep through the entire operation. To learn more about the anesthesia used during tummy tuck surgies, contact the Obi Plastic Surgery Clinic to schedule your consult.

The Tummy Tuck Surgery

Complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to four hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial abdominoplasty may take an hour or two.

Most commonly, Dr. Lewis Obi will make a long incision from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. With partial abdominoplasty, the incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved, although it may be pulled into an unnatural shape as the skin is tightened and stitched.

Next, Dr. Obi separates the skin from the abdominal wall all the way up to your ribs and lifts a large skin flap to reveal the vertical muscles in your abdomen. These muscles are tightened by pulling them close together and stitching them into their new position. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline.

The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin is removed. A new hole is cut for your navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be stitched, dressings will be applied, and a temporary tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the surgical site.

In partial abdominoplasty, the skin is separated only between the incision line and the navel. This skin flap is stretched down, the excess is removed, and the flap is stitched back into place.

After Your Jacksonville Tummy Tuck Surgery

For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled by medication.

Dr. Lewis Obi will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressings. And though you may not be able to stand straight at first, you should start walking as soon as possible.

Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days, and deeper sutures, with ends that protrude through the skin, will come out in two to three weeks. The dressing on your incision may be replaced by a support garment.

Your New Look

Abdominoplasty, whether partial or complete, produces excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. And in most cases, the results are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

If you're realistic in your expectations and prepared for the consequences of a permanent scar and a lengthy recovery period, abdominoplasty may be just the answer for you. Contact Obi Plastic Surgery Clinic today to schedule your consult with Dr. Obi and to discuss if a tummy tuck or SlimLipo procedure is the right choice for your body contouring goals.

View Before and After Photos of Tummy Tuck Surgery

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