Tummy Tuck in Washington, DC

Introduction

If you are planning to undergo a tummy tuck in Washington, D.C., a consultation with Dr. Baker is the first step to learn how and what can help you achieve a smoother and more normal contour of the abdomen. A consultation is designed to fully educate you about abdominoplasty in a non-pressured environment, and will include:

• A discussion of your goals and an evaluation of the individual case
• The options available for an improvement in abdominal contour
• The likely outcomes of abdominoplasty and any associated risks or potential complications
• The course of treatment recommended by Dr. Baker

The Best Candidates for Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Abdominoplasty may be right for you if:

• You have had children and cannot achieve the abdominal contour you desire through diet and exercise
• You have lost weight and the extra skin remains
• You are physically healthy and at a stable weight
• You have realistic expectations
• You do not smoke

Although the results of an abdominoplasty procedure are technically permanent, the positive outcome can be greatly diminished by significant fluctuations in your weight. For this reason, individuals who are planning substantial weight loss or women who may be considering future pregnancies may be advised to postpone abdominoplasty surgery. Additionally, Dr. Baker prefers not to perform abdominoplasty at the time of a C-section as the results are not as ideal and the complication risk may be higher when compared to performing abdominoplasty 6 months after delivery.

Evaluation

In your initial consultation, Dr. Baker 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 are taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.

Be honest in discussing your expectations with Dr. Baker so he can help you determine the procedure as well as discuss 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 known as a mini-tummy tuck, which can often be performed on an outpatient basis. You may, on the other hand, benefit more from partial or complete abdominoplasty done in conjunction with liposuction to remove fat deposits from the hips, for a better body contour. Or maybe liposuction alone would create the best result.

In any case, Dr. Baker 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. Baker will also explain the anesthesia he will use, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved.

Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can develop an abdomen that protrudes or is loose and sagging. The most common causes of this include:

• Pregnancy
• Aging
• Significant fluctuations in weight
• Heredity
• Prior surgery

Tummy tuck surgery is a highly individualized procedure and you should do it for yourself, not to fulfill someone else’s desires or to try to fit any sort of ideal image.

What a Tummy Tuck Will Not Do

Before you proceed with a tummy tuck procedure in Washington, D.C., you have to understand that tummy tucks are not a substitute for weight loss or an appropriate exercise program. Also, tummy tuck operations cannot correct stretch marks, although these may be removed or somewhat improved if they are located on the areas of excess skin that will be excised, generally the treated areas below the belly button.

What is an Abdominoplasty?

An abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) removes excess fat and skin, and in most cases restores weakened or separated muscles creating an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer. A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals.

Complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to five hours, depending on the extent of work required. Partial abdominoplasty (mini tummy tuck) may take an hour or two.

Most commonly, Dr. Baker will make an incision 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. Baker 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 made for your navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be closed, 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.

Preparing For Your Surgery

Dr. Baker 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 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.

Whether Dr. Baker performs your tummy tuck procedure at Washington D.C.’s Georgetown University Hospital (Washington D.C.), Inova Fairfax Hospital (Falls Church, VA) or an ambulatory surgical facility (McLean, VA), you should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two.

Anesthesia

Dr. Baker will likely recommend general anesthesia, so you’ll sleep through the operation. He prefers to perform his partial and complete abdominoplasties in either an outpatient surgical center or a hospital, where their patients can stay overnight if they prefer.

Tummy Tuck Risks and Complications

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.

Post-operative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can occur. Infection can be treated with drainage and antibiotics, but will prolong your hospital stay. 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. Baker’s instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should resume physical activity.

Tummy Tuck Recovery

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. After your tummy operation, Dr. Baker 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. The dressing on your incision may be replaced by a support garment.

It may take you weeks or months to feel like your old self again. If you start out in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from abdominoplasty will be much faster. Most people return to work after two weeks.

Exercise will help you heal better. Even people who have never exercised before should begin an exercise program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.

Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten in color. While they will never disappear completely, abdominal scars will not show under most clothing, even under bathing suits.

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 are 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.

Schedule a Tummy Tuck Consultation

If you are thinking about a tummy tuck to improve your body contours and regain your confidence, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Baker. During your appointment, you will discuss your aesthetic goals, undergo a comprehensive evaluation, and explore the best options available to achieve the results you desire. Contact us today to take the first step toward your transformation!