Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) and Mini Tuck

Who chooses tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)?

Many women and men are seen by Dr. Stanley P. Gulin at Plastic Surgery Associates of Naples/Fort Myers because they seek a tighter flatter abdomen. Many women find that after pregnancy they have developed excessive abdominal skin and stretch marks as well as an extra amount of fat on their abdomen. In addition, the abdominal wall itself has stretched because the muscles do not have the tone that they previously possessed prior to childbearing. Men and women often find that after weight loss or with age itself they develop loose abdominal skin or excessive abdominal fat.

Not all men and women need the full extent of a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) but may need only removal of excessive abdominal skin or liposuction of the abdomen as well as the hips and waist to obtain a much slimmer and shapely abdomen and waist line.

Through a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) or mini tuck Dr. Gulin is able to remove the excessive fatty tissue and loose skin in the abdomen as well as tighten the weakened or separated abdominal muscles which come about due to pregnancy, weight loss or aging.

About the procedure

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is performed under epidural anesthesia with twilight sedation or under general anesthesia in the fully accredited on-site plastic surgical facility located in Naples, Florida. A mini tuck may be performed only under twilight sleep anesthesia. The surgery addresses the conditions of excessive fat, loose and sagging skin as well as the weakened or separated abdominal muscles. At times only the lower abdomen below the belly button is addressed (mini-tummy tuck) (mini-abdominoplasty). Surgery involves a bikini type of incision in the lower abdomen which is designed with the patient’s bathing suit so that it is hidden under the patient’s bathing suit or underwear. Through the bikini incision excessive skin and fat is removed. The belly button is kept attached to the underlying muscle but is reinserted into a new position in the abdominal skin after it is pulled down. The midline separation of the muscles is repaired and often the stretched muscles in the

waistline are repaired also (Brazilian Tummy Tuck). To reduce the patients discomfort a small tube connected to a pain pump is inserted underneath the abdominal skin to deliver a numbering solution for four or five days following the procedure (Accufuser pain pump).

Ultrasonic tumescent liposuction (Lipo-Selection) is often performed in the hip and waist area to give the full result of a contoured abdomen and waist.

After your procedure

Most patients return to usual work in about ten to fourteen days. Full exercise is resumed in about one month although limited lifting is maintained for about six to eight weeks. Abdominal support is worn for about one month. Abdominal swelling may persist for about one month. The degree of discomfort depends upon what type of surgery is performed. If the muscles have been tightened, discomfort may

persist for 7 – 10 days. After your tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) you will have a much more shapely and contoured abdomen which will appear much firmer and flatter. The bikini incision is well hidden under a bathing suit or underwear. Clothes will fit much better since you will have a flatter profile and firmer abdomen. Dr. Gulin and his staff at Plastic Surgery Associates in Naples, Florida take special care in instructing patients in how to perform correct abdominal exercises to maintain the abdominal muscle tightening that he has performed.

Dr. Gulin and his staff would be happy to schedule a consultation or speak to you through e-mail (sgulinmd@drgulin.com) or by phone (239-596-8000) regarding any questions you may have.

“Even after going to the gym several times a week, it wasn’t until I had my tummy tuck that people stopped asking me whether I was pregnant. For the first time since I had my children, I am able to wear a two-piece swimsuit. I just love it!"
- 37 year-old Abdominal Surgery Client

"Thanks to liposuction, I am able to wear clothing I never even considered before. When I look in the mirror, I like what I see. And, I feel good about myself again.”
- 33-year old Liposuction Client

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Stanley P. Gulin, M.D., F.A.C.S., 6610 Willow Park Drive, Suite 104, Naples, FL 34109 - 239-596-8000. copyright 2009 Stanley P. Gulin M.D., F.A.C.S. All Rights Reserved. The photos in this Web Site feature models for illustrative purposes unless otherwise noted. Photos of actual patients can be found in the Before and After Photo Gallery. Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Gulin is a Plastic Surgeon in the Naples / Ft Myers Florida region performing Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of the Face, Breast and Body and Liposuction.

This email address is to be used for general information purposes only. This email address is not continually monitored and is not to be used for emergencies or time sensitive matters. For those who are already patients of this practice, please contact the office at 239-596-8000 for any questions regarding your care.