Tummy Tuck Atlanta (Abdominoplasty) surgery has increased in recent years due to many factors, but most importantly weight-related. We have seen modifications and new suggestions on how to perform this procedure by many Cosmetic and Plastic surgeons from around the world with the emphasis on improved body contouring if liposuction is incorporated with the procedure, as well as the use of Progressive Tension Suture (PTS) to reduce fluid build-up (seroma) in the upper portion of the abdomen. In Brazil, Drs. Avelar and Saldanha were able to show that suctioning the fat from the area that the skin will be cut, preserves vital lymphatic, blood vessels and nerves that usually are removed during a “traditional” tummy tuck, thus improving outcome and faster recovery.
At Bella Forma Clinic, I call this procedure the “Brazilian Tummy Tuck.”
Upon arrival to our Cosmetic Center the patient is evaluated for weight and height and Waist – Hip ratio. Then the doctor and the patient discuss the condition. Patients usually know when they need this procedure because the skin quality has diminished and retraction is lost. For those who do not know if a tummy tuck is needed, I ask them to suck-in their belly and let them feel with a pinch of skin and fat in order to determine if lipo alone could retract and drape the skin or Not.
“Brazilian Tummy Tuck” takes around 2-3 hours. When liposuction is incorporated, and usually it is, we add another two hours. The anesthesia is local with the patient sleeping and monitored. After surgery, the patient is taken to Recovery room and then to Discharge. We require the patient to have an adult caregiver/watcher at home who will stay in contact with the nurse when she calls or is needed.
Expect to have two small drains that need to be watched carefully for amount and character of the fluid. This has to be documented at home. The patient can take a standing shower the next morning, redress the wounds and apply the pressure garment. we recommend post-op lymphatic drainage treatments and ambulation. The drains are usually removed in 3-5 days and the Tummy Tuck Scar is covered with a special tape that keeps the wound protected and stable. This scar tape will be removed in 2 weeks. The length of the scar is usually predetermined at the day of the consultation and usually is around 20 inches from side to side depending on the size of tissue needed to be removed in order to achieve an aesthetic look. Recovery is is around 10 days which is almost half the time of a “traditional” Tummy Tuck. Return to work depends on what type of work. we recommend no heavy physical activity or exercise for 6 weeks. Some child bearing mothers who had Tummy Tuck surgery got pregnant after their surgeries and had no complications. I recommend that patients wait until they have decided on no future pregnancies.
Click the link to see pictures of Brazilian Tummy Tuck Before and After.
