Tummy Tuck
in Las Vegas, NV
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Why Should I Choose Dr. Minoli for My Tummy Tuck?
Dr. John Minoli offers years of trusted expertise and a range of procedures for beautifying and reshaping your abdomen and waist. He is triple board certified in aesthetic surgery and has treated thousands of patients across the United States.
As modern medicine offers safer operative and non-surgical methods for reshaping the abdominal wall, Dr. Minoli continues to adapt his practice. A consultation with Dr. Minoli may help you further appreciate these highly individualized issues.
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Am I a Candidate for Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Any one or combination of the following may indicate that you are a candidate for tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery:
- You have excess, lax, sagging abdominal skin.
- You have a protruding abdomen that is disproportionate to the rest of your body.
- Your abdominal wall muscles have separated and weakened.
- Your excess fat deposits are concentrated within your abdominal wall.
How Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Performed?
Dr. Minoli performs abdominoplasty at an accredited ambulatory surgery center nearby. For your comfort and safety, general anesthesia is administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. In some circumstances, patients undergoing limited abdominal wall surgery (mini tummy tuck) may be candidates for surgery under local anesthesia in our office. Appropriate prescription medications are provided for preoperative and postoperative home use, including antibiotics, mild anti-coagulants, muscle relaxants, and painkillers.
Tummy Tuck Incisions
During a traditional tummy tuck, incisions are made horizontally — centered just above the pubic mound, then extending toward the hips. This is similar to an extended C-section pattern.
Fatty, flaccid rolls of stretch-marked skin are surgically removed, and the resulting edges are closed.
The length of the incision depends largely on the amount of skin removed, and the pattern will vary according to the patient’s abdomen and the style of bathing suit or undergarments preferred.
If there is loose skin above the belly buttonl, Dr. Minoli may make a second incision around the navel to address the redundant skin.
To tighten the abdominal wall, Dr. Minoli uses sutures to bring the underlying fascial tissues and 6-pack muscles together with corset-like stitching. The navel is usually repositioned in the process.
Tummy Tuck Variations
There are many variations to the design of the incisions and the technique itself. In some instances, avoiding the incision around the navel may be possible. When the amount of loose skin is minimal, and the excess fat deposits are located below the navel, a short horizontal incision is all that is needed. This procedure is called a partial or mini tummy tuck (partial or mini abdominoplasty).
Sometimes liposuction may be used in conjunction with tummy tuck surgery.
Endoscopic abdominoplasty is yet another technique for minimizing scars and can be helpful in patients with mild fat excess and modest muscle laxity.
Dr. Minoli will discuss the methods that may be right for reshaping your abdomen. These considerations are based on individual factors and realistic goals that you and he set.
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Should I Combine My Tummy Tuck With Any Other Surgeries?
Sometimes, aesthetic considerations of the abdominal wall (tummy) mingle naturally with aesthetic concerns about the breasts, particularly when significant fluctuations in weight have relaxed the breasts into a sagging or deflated state. This is common after pregnancy or fad dieting. Patients may combine their tummy tuck with aesthetic breast surgery in such cases.
This joining of surgeries in a “one fell swoop” setting has been popularized by the name “Mommy Makeover.”
Ancient arts are the healing arts, and he is a true artist.
How Long Is Tummy Tuck Recovery?
Recovery time varies greatly among individuals. You will return to Dr. Minoli’s office regularly so that your postoperative progress can be evaluated.
Liposuction Recovery Week By Week
First few days: Overnight nursing is provided in a nearby aftercare setting. In the early stages of recovery (the first 2 or 3 days), you may need personal assistance, even for meals and bathroom visits. This is one of the reasons that overnight nursing care is so helpful just following surgery.
The day after surgery, you will be encouraged to get out of bed for short walks to promote blood circulation. Although you may not be able to stand up completely straight, it is best not to sit for long periods during the first several days. Straining, bending, and lifting must be avoided since these activities may cause increased swelling or bleeding.
You will notice puffiness and discoloration, which may be more pronounced in some areas. Do not be alarmed by unevenness or temporary asymmetry caused by swelling and bruising; it is perfectly normal. Generally, the greatest swelling occurs 24 to 72 hours after surgery, but it may take weeks or months before all puffiness resolves. This should not be apparent to others.
First week:
Your lower abdomen may be tender, but this usually subsides later in the first week. In most instances, small temporary drain tubes are placed underneath the abdominal incisions to help prevent the accumulation of postsurgical fluids in the belly. These drains are usually removed within the first week of recovery, but a full shower or bath is not allowed until the drain is gone.
Bruising and swelling are expected during the first week. You will likely gain more independence during the first week; however, you should still take it slow. Depending on the extent of your tummy tuck and your general physical condition, you can return to non-strenuous work anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks after surgery.
Your dressings will be removed temporarily in the days following surgery so that Dr. Minoli can examine the treated areas. Suture removal usually occurs within 10 days, but dissolvable sutures are often used instead.
Week 2: Bruising and swelling begin to subside noticeably during week 2. Walking will also be easier.
Weeks 3 to 5: Driving privileges will likely resume. Vigorous and sexual activities should be avoided for at least 3 weeks; however, you can resume most of your normal activities, including mild exercise.
Depending on the tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) technique, you may be instructed to wear a supportive garment for several weeks.
You may continue to experience mild periodic discomfort and swelling during this time, but severe pain should be reported. In general, the timing of your recovery depends on the extent of your surgery and your healing capacity.
Week 6: It takes 6 weeks to pass social scrutiny. Incisions will initially be red or pink and may even appear to worsen before they fade. There may also be numbness in some areas, which takes months to subside.
Since the healing process is gradual, you should expect to wait up to one year to see the final results of your tummy tuck surgery. That said, you are likely to begin enjoying the appearance of your lower torso within a few weeks. Occasionally, a touch up may be desired to further improve results, but any additional procedure would be far less extensive than the original operation and is usually performed under local anesthesia in an office setting.
When Will I See My Tummy Tuck Results, and Are They Permanent?
The results of your tummy tuck may be dramatic or subtle, depending on how you looked before surgery and the specific goals that you and Dr. Minoli establish. Since the healing process is gradual, you should expect to wait at least several weeks before being able to appreciate your “new look.” Modest changes may continue to occur over several months to a year.
When healing is accomplished, tummy tuck surgery will enhance your body contour and create a firmer and flatter abdomen. It may take some time to adjust to your new body image, but you will likely feel a boost in self-confidence as you progress in your healing.
Various healing factors may prolong the final result. Fluid retention and prolonged swelling are typical in the months following surgery.
The results of your surgery should be long lasting as long as you maintain your postoperative weight. Even if you gain a few extra pounds, you likely will find the weight is more evenly distributed.
Scars will fade over time. Fortunately, tummy tuck scars are usually concealed by natural body creases. Occasionally, a touch-up revision may be desired to improve a contour or a scar. The additional treatment can usually be performed under local anesthesia in Dr. Minoli’s office.
You will return to Dr. Minoli’s office for follow-up care at prescribed intervals when your progress is evaluated. This postoperative period typically spans the first year following surgery and certainly beyond if needed.
Tummy Tuck FAQ
What will my tummy tuck consultation be like?
You should come to a consultation with Dr. Minoli prepared to discuss your medical history, including a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease. Dr. Minoli will want to know about your current medications and previous surgeries or medical treatments.
Your current weight, diet, exercise regimen, and plans to become pregnant will also be considered.
Dr. Minoli will examine your abdomen while you are standing and lying down. Your skin tone, the degree of laxity, the amount of excess fat in your abdomen, and the condition of your abdominal muscles will be assessed.
Pre-existing scars will also be evaluated. Scarring from previous abdominal surgery may limit the results of your tummy tuck.
How should I prepare for my tummy tuck surgery?
We want to make your surgical experience as easy and comfortable as possible. You will be asked to stop smoking and taking aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and supplements like fish oil, flaxseed oil, garlic supplements, green tea, and vitamin E, as these can cause increased bleeding. Dr. Minoli and his staff will advise you and provide additional instructions during the preoperative consultation phase.
During your preoperative visit, you will be instructed in the use of Lovenox®, a mild anti-coagulant injection that offers protective benefits against dangerous blood clotting (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli). Lovenox® is an injectable prescription medication self-administered once a day, beginning a few days before surgery and continuing several days after.
Tummy tuck surgery is usually performed on an outpatient basis. When combined simultaneously with certain gynecological procedures, it may be performed on an inpatient basis in a hospital setting. In any event, you will need to stay in a nearby hotel overnight under nursing supervision.
What will the day of my tummy tuck be like?
Your tummy tuck surgery may be performed in a hospital or a free-standing ambulatory facility. Medications are administered for your comfort during the surgical procedure. Dr. Minoli and your anesthesiologist will determine with you what type of anesthesia will be used: intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. For your safety during the operation, various monitors are used to check your blood pressure, pulse, and circulating oxygen.
When surgery is completed, you will be taken into a recovery area where you will be closely monitored. There may be some discomfort, but this can be controlled by medication. Surgical dressings and bandages may be placed over the treatment area (circumferential wrap around your waist).
After a few hours of recovery room monitoring, you likely will be permitted to go to a nearby hotel for your overnight stay under nursing supervision.
Will insurance help cover the cost of tummy tuck surgery?
Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery is typically a cosmetic procedure and not covered by most insurance companies. However, in some instances, a patient may have a hernia. A hernia repair would be needed, and insurance reimbursement may be available.
Many factors determine your eligibility for coverage, including the specific terms of your insurance policy. Dr. Minoli and his staff will discuss these matters with you.
What are the risks of tummy tuck surgery?
Risks and potential complications of surgery are best discussed with Dr. Minoli and his staff. Fortunately, significant complications from tummy tuck surgery are uncommon.
Every year, many thousands of people have tummy tuck surgery and experience no significant problems while being pleased with the overall results. However, there are always risks involved, which may include the following:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Prolonged discoloration
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Reactions to anesthesia
- Painful or unattractive scarring
- Contour irregularities
- Fluid collections
- Tissue loss
- Need for further surgery
- Unsatisfactory overall results
Following surgery, the body produces fluid under the abdominal skin that can accumulate to such a degree that it needs to be removed. This process is a simple office procedure involving aspiration with a needle and syringe, but the condition may require more than one postoperative visit.
Minor irregularities can sometimes arise, but office-based postoperative treatments are usually available to help minimize these problems. You can help to lessen certain risks by following Dr. Minoli’s advice.
Contact Dr. Minoli to Start Your Abdominoplasty Process
If you are looking to tone and tighten your midsection with a tummy tuck, contact Minoli Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, Nevada, to learn more about your options. Call us today at (702) 459-3223 (FACE).
Please remember that the relationship with our staff does not end when you leave the operating room. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns during your recovery or if you need additional information.
Supported by a
Dedicated and Skilled Team
Even with Dr. Minoli’s accomplishments and training, he couldn’t do this without his dedicated team, led by his wife, Anita. Together, they have built a family practice based on compassionate and personalized plastic surgery care.
Contact Dr. Minoli and
His Team in Las Vegas, NV
If you are interested in face, nose, or body surgery with Dr. Minoli, contact our office by calling (702) 459-3223 or filling out our online contact form.
