I think I'm a good candidate for a skin-only tummy tuck. I don't have diastasis, I'm thin and in good shape -- I just have a lot of loose skin all around my navel from carrying two big babies and two c-sections. I don't want an unnaturally flat stomach, I'd actually prefer to retain the subtle curvature I already have, just without the loose skin. What could I expect from a skin-only tummy tuck in terms of length of operation, anesthesia, post-op pain, and length of recovery? Thanks.
June 24, 2017
Answer: Tummy tuck candidate Dear lalajay,a photo would be great to see your abdomen although an examination would provide a lot more information. Generally speaking, tummy tuck surgery can last 2-5 hours, it is usually performed under general anesthesia and recovery will last around 2 weeks. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery
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June 24, 2017
Answer: Tummy tuck candidate Dear lalajay,a photo would be great to see your abdomen although an examination would provide a lot more information. Generally speaking, tummy tuck surgery can last 2-5 hours, it is usually performed under general anesthesia and recovery will last around 2 weeks. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery
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Answer: Recovery after a skin only tummy tuck and duration of surgery versus with muscle repair Without photos and a thorough examination it is impossible to determine whether a skin only tummy tuck would be appropriate for you (especially since you also mentioned having two large babies which can definitely lead to diastasis -separation of the muscle). The surgery is definitely shorter than one with a muscle repair and should generally be able to be performed in 1.5 to 2 hours.Pain should be minimal and the recuperation easier and shorter. You probably can return to some type of work within a week or so and full activities within 3 - 4 weeks. Consult one or more reputable board certified plastic surgeons for explicit information and recommendations.Steven Turkeltaub, MD
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Answer: Recovery after a skin only tummy tuck and duration of surgery versus with muscle repair Without photos and a thorough examination it is impossible to determine whether a skin only tummy tuck would be appropriate for you (especially since you also mentioned having two large babies which can definitely lead to diastasis -separation of the muscle). The surgery is definitely shorter than one with a muscle repair and should generally be able to be performed in 1.5 to 2 hours.Pain should be minimal and the recuperation easier and shorter. You probably can return to some type of work within a week or so and full activities within 3 - 4 weeks. Consult one or more reputable board certified plastic surgeons for explicit information and recommendations.Steven Turkeltaub, MD
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