9101 N. Central Expwy.
Suite 600, Dallas, TX 75231
Tel: 214.827.2814

Dr. Sam Jejurikar Answers Patients’ Top 10 Tummy Tuck Questions

Tag Archives: tummy tuck

It’s part and parcel of mommy makeovers and is more in demand than ever, thanks to the pressures of social media and the washboard abs streaming on our TVs, but tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, is nothing new. The procedure — which is elective and aimed at improving the shape and appearance of the abdomen — was first performed in France in 1890. In 1899, Baltimore surgeon Dr. Kelly performed the first tummy tuck in the U.S. Since then, advances in medicine have transformed this surgery into a safe, streamlined procedure that, according to Dallas-based cosmetic surgeon Dr. Sam Jejurikar, has given the term “cutting edge” a whole new meaning.

What should I expect from tummy tuck surgery?

According to the Mayo Clinic, people with excess fat and/or skin in the navel area, or those with a weakness in the lower abdominal wall, are common candidates for abdominoplasty. The surgery removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. Using permanent sutures, the connective tissues in the abdomen are tightened as well.

Tummy tuck procedures generally take two to three hours and are performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical facility setting under general anesthesia. During the procedure, the plastic surgeon makes a horizontal, oval, or elliptical incision, depending on the amount of tissue to be removed, just above the pubic line. When the incision heals, the resulting scar runs along the natural skin crease of the bikini line. In addition to removing excess skin and fat and tightening the connective tissues, the surgeon pulls the belly button through a small incision, anchors it into its normal position with sutures, and then judiciously repositions the surrounding skin to achieve a firmer, more toned aesthetic.

What are the benefits of tummy tuck surgery?

The main reasons for undergoing a tummy tuck procedure are enhancing body image and boosting self-esteem. Feeling good about how we look has a definite correlation with our mental health.

While body image concerns are relatively common and are not considered mental health issues per se, according to the U.K.’s Mental Health Foundation, such worries can signal risk factors for potential mental health problems. It reports: “Research has found that higher body dissatisfaction is associated with a poorer quality of life, psychological distress, and the risk of unhealthy eating behaviors and eating disorders.”

In addition to improving self-esteem, tummy tucks also afford patients a host of other valuable health benefits.

A tummy tuck can strengthen your abdominal muscles. Having a stronger core can improve flexibility, help alleviate lower back pain, improve posture, and ward off hernias.

A tummy tuck may reduce the risk for certain medical conditions, including sleep apnea, diabetes, heart disease, and gallbladder disease.

A tummy tuck can increase bodily function control and decrease urinary stress incontinence occurrences. Many factors lead to the loss of bowel or bladder control. Aging, multiple pregnancies, and significant weight loss can be all factors. These issues can be exacerbated by the presence of excess fat and skin in the abdomen. Removing extra skin and fat and tightening connective tissue in the abdomen can improve control over bodily functions and lessen involuntary urinary leaks.

How long after a tummy tuck can I sleep on my stomach?

The accepted rule of thumb is to avoid sleeping on your stomach for six weeks after undergoing tummy tuck surgery. This hiatus from stomach sleeping ensures the skin and muscles have adequate time to heal. However, each patient is different, and some may need to stay off their tummies longer than six weeks. It is highly recommended you discuss a postsurgical sleeping protocol with your doctor prior to the procedure.

What’s the best way to recuperate from a tummy tuck procedure?

Recuperating from a tummy tuck takes time and proper care of the body. To facilitate a speedy recovery, I recommend the following:

Eat right and keep hydrated. High-protein foods benefit healing by boosting energy and promoting muscle growth. Conversely, foods with high sugar and sodium content can have a negative impact on the healing process and should be avoided. While patients who’ve undergone abdominoplasty experience swelling, drinking adequate amounts of water (eight glasses per day is recommended) reduces retention by flushing fluids from your system.

Don’t overdo it. People are eager to dive back into their everyday routines after surgery, but this can be a mistake. Instead, ease gradually into daily activities, and if your body is giving you the warning to stop doing something, listen to it. In general, tummy tuck patients should refrain from pulling, pushing, bending, and lifting heavy objects for a minimum of six weeks after surgery.

Look into lymphatic drainage massage. As the name implies, lymphatic drainage massage stimulates the body’s lymphatic system. This enhances its efficiency, speeding the removal of toxins, boosting immune response, and aiding in the overall healing process.

What’s the difference between a tummy tuck and liposuction?

As mentioned above, a tummy tuck is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia in a hospital or outpatient surgical setting. Liposuction is a much less invasive procedure that does not require a surgical incision and can be performed under a local anesthetic (although general is preferred). Abdominoplasty is strictly abdominal surgery, while liposuction can be performed on any area of the body where stubborn fatty deposits that resist traditional weight loss protocols occur, including the neck, thighs, back, and arms.

During liposuction, no skin is removed, nor is fat surgically excised. Instead, a saline, water, and anesthesia solution is injected into the target area. A cannula is then inserted, and the fat is sucked out. Those considering either procedure should consult with a reputable cosmetic surgeon before proceeding to better understand which one best meets their needs.

How soon is it safe to get a tummy tuck after pregnancy?

Due to significant changes in the body, one of the most prevalent times women choose to get a tummy tuck is after pregnancy. It’s only natural to want to get back to your pre-baby body as soon as you can. However, some guidelines must be adhered to in order to safeguard a woman’s health and achieve the maximum benefits from the procedure.

Six months after giving birth is the earliest patients should schedule a tummy tuck. Moms who’ve undergone a C-section may have to wait longer (up to a year) and should discuss any potential surgery with their doctor. There are other factors that may make postponing a tummy tuck a good idea as well:

Are you still breastfeeding? Breastfeeding influences hormonal changes in the body that can impact the healing process and influence weight fluctuations. It’s recommended to wait until three months after you finish breastfeeding before getting a tummy tuck.

Has your weight stabilized? Weight gain during pregnancy is normal. Getting back or close to pre-baby weight can take time, and many moms experience postpartum weight fluctuations. While a tummy tuck will improve physical appearance, it’s not strictly intended to be a weight loss procedure. Tummy tucks are most effective when patients are at or near their ideal weight.

Do you plan to get pregnant again? The logic of this is pretty simple: Every pregnancy can result in additional stretching of tissues and added fat to the midsection, all of which can undo the good your tummy tuck has done. If you think there might be more kids in your future, putting off tummy tuck surgery is best until after welcoming your last blessed event.

Can men get a tummy tuck?

The simple answer to this question is, yes. Men can and do get tummy tucks — and are doing so in increasing numbers. That said, when it comes to tummy tucks, not all men are created equal. Some men make better candidates for this surgery than others. Dr. Jejurikar advises men interested in the procedure to discuss their expectations with a certified cosmetic surgeon to ensure their desired outcome is realistic.

Can a tummy tuck be combined with other surgery?

Yes. One of the most popular cosmetic procedures currently performed is what’s known as the “mommy makeover,” which can combine a tummy tuck with breast enhancement and/or liposuction. The upside of combined surgeries is that they require only one recovery period. However, that recovery period will likely be longer than that of a single procedure. Your overall health is the biggest factor in determining whether multiple procedures are viable and must be determined by a doctor on a case-by-case basis.

Who should not get a tummy tuck?

Tummy tucks work wonders for some — but they’re not for everyone. The Mayo Clinic cautions that prior to embarking on the procedure, potential patients should thoroughly discuss any of the following conditions or concerns they have with their surgeon:

You plan to lose a significant amount of weight. A major weight loss can result in excess skin on the abdomen. It’s better to wait until weight goals are met before undertaking tummy tuck surgery.

You have a severe chronic condition, such as heart disease or diabetes. While abdominoplasty may lessen these conditions, if you already have them, they can put you at greater risk during surgery, especially when a general anesthetic is involved.

You have a body mass index greater than 30. Again, while tummy tucks do result in weight loss, it is not considered weight loss surgery. Patients who fare best are at or close to their ideal body weight.

You smoke. In general, smoking increases surgical risks. It’s not a hard-and-fast rule, but nonsmokers generally enjoy better surgical outcomes.

You’ve had previous abdominal surgery that resulted in significant scar tissue. Excessive scar tissue can be a side effect of any abdominal surgical procedure. Some patients are more prone to it than others. If prior surgery indicates that’s the case, further procedures might not be in your best interest.

How do I find a good tummy tuck surgeon in Dallas or elsewhere?

The qualities that make a good tummy tuck surgeon in Dallas are the same no matter where the procedure is being performed. A good tummy tuck surgeon combines thorough medical knowledge with technical artistry. A good tummy tuck surgeon truly cares about their patients, listens to their concerns, and helps them arrive at realistic goals and expectations. A good tummy tuck surgeon always makes the health of their patients their highest priority — even if that sometimes means saying no to a procedure.

First and foremost, those considering cosmetic surgery should seek out a doctor who, like me, is board-certified in plastic surgery by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Only board-certified plastic surgeons have the education, training, and certification to perform cosmetic surgeries on the face, breasts, and body. Always verify your surgeon’s credentials and make sure they have experience in the procedure you’re interested in.

It is common for patients to negotiate an appropriate level of activity after undergoing tummy tuck, breast augmentation, liposuction, or any other combination of surgeries that make up a Dallas mommy makeover. The thought is, if they can convince me that they need less time to recover than other patients, somehow the surgery will be lessened in magnitude, or that they will be able to recover more quickly after the procedure.

Childbirth takes a dramatic toll on the female body. To reverse those changes with a mommy makeover, significant surgery is involved. With a Dallas tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), in addition to removing skin, extensive sculpting of the waist and upper abdomen is performed with liposuction, and the muscles of the abdominal wall are significantly tightened. Undue straining for a period of time after surgery can disrupt the sutures, and lead to a less then desirable postoperative result. In addition, straining after surgery can cause problems with wound disruption and bleeding, not to mention prolonged swelling in the abdomen, breasts, and lower extremities.

I usually recommend that my patients take 1-2 weeks off of work after surgery. Some patients will take less time and others more, depending on the level of physical exertion required at their work place. I also strongly advise my patients to refrain from any vigorous exercise for 6-8 weeks after surgery. Although it is important to walk almost immediately after surgery to prevent blood clots and respiratory problems, too much activity can lead to infection, bleeding, and wound healing problems.

Ultimately, to get the best result after mommy makeover, a patient has to allow herself the appropriate amount of time to recover. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Jejurikar’s office at 214-827-2814.

Many patients who have lost massive amounts of weight come to the office inquiring about panniculectomy. They have been told by their friends or by other physicians that it is an equivalent operation to tummy tuck (abdominoplasty).

Panniculectomy does have some pleasing effects, but it is not the same thing as an abdominoplasty. With a tummy tuck, the excessive skin of the abdominal wall is removed, the belly button is reshaped, and the abdominal wall is tightened extensively. Oftentimes, liposuction is also performed with this to help provide the patient with a narrower waistline and a more pleasing figure.

Panniculectomy is a functional operation. Specifically, excessive skin located below the belly button is removed as a wedge resection. There is no significant undermining of the skin above the belly button, so patients are still left with a significant amount of redundant skin after this operation. In addition, the belly button is not reshaped, the abdominal wall is not re-tightened, and no liposuction is performed.

Both operations have significant uses, and there is a place for both, but it is important that patients understand the key differences between these procedures.

Should you have any questions about body contouring procedures, contact Dr. Jejurikar at 214-827-2814.

Virtually no patient comes to the office requesting a long scar. In fact, this is the major draw back to abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery for most patients.

Although the scar cannot be eliminated with this operation, Dr. Jejurikar’s goal is to place it in as cosmetically acceptable position as possible. He asks his patients to wear either a bathing suit bottom or an undergarment they would like to be able to wear after surgery, and makes every attempt to design the incision to fall in this location. In addition, he attempts to close the scar as meticulously as possible, leading to as fine a scar as possible. Even with this, in some cases, the scars heal thicker and wider than desired. In these cases, topical medications or corticosteroid injections may be needed to improve the scar. In rare cases, a scar revision in which the scar is excised is required. In some patients, scarring must be treated aggressively for several months to 2 years after the procedure.

Should you have any questions regarding abdominoplasty, the location of the incisions, or scarring, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Jejurikar at 214-827-2814.

Many patients come to the office inquiring about mini tummy tucks. The rationale behind this is quite clear. They would like a smaller scar, and believe that there is very little difference between a mini tummy tuck and a standard tummy tuck.

There are key differences between the operations. In a mini tummy tuck, there is very little separation of the skin from the abdominal wall muscles, meaning that less skin can be removed. In addition, there is usually no tightening of the abdominal wall muscles, particularly in the abdominal wall above the belly button. Therefore, if a patient has upper abdominal bulging or fullness, a mini tummy tuck doesn’t correct it. Finally, there is no reshaping of the belly button with a mini tummy tuck.

An advantage of a mini tummy tuck, however, is that, given there is less lifting of the skin from the abdominal wall muscle, liposuction of the entire abdominal wall and flanks can be performed much more extensively and much more safely. This is because there is less chance of wound healing complications.

Ultimately, mini tummy tucks are best for women that have undergone pregnancy and have only small lower abdominal pooches and only minimal to moderate changes to their abdominal wall. It also can be good for men who have lost large amounts of weight. For women that have bulging of the upper and lower abdomen with significant excessive skin and stretch marks, a full tummy tuck is almost always a better option.

Should you have additional questions, contact Dr. Jejurikar at 214-827-2814.

Many patients ask if their muscles truly need to be tightened during a tummy tuck. For most patients, the answer is yes. After pregnancy or massive weight loss, many women develop a condition known as rectus diastasis. With this condition, the midline vertical muscles that extend from the sternum and rib cage to the pubic bone, known as the rectus abdominis muscle, separate in the midline. This leaves a gap that was not present before pregnancy or weight loss. The gap is not indicative of muscle weakness, but it does lead to an abnormal bulge in the upper abdomen. As well, it can contribute to an overhanging skin apron in the lower abdomen.

Because this is not indicative of muscle weakness, performing abdominal wall exercises to strengthen the rectus muscles do not considerably improve this. The only true way to fix the abdominal bulging is to tighten these muscles by bringing them back together in the midline. As of now, this can only be accomplished with surgery, with the placement of multiple sutures to restore the overall integrity of the abdominal wall.

Obviously, removal of skin and reshaping the belly button are also integral portions of an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). For most patients, however, failure to tighten the muscles of the midline abdominal wall would lead to less than optimal results.

For additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Jejurikar via the web or via telephone at 214-827-2814.

I’m struck by the number of patients who come in seeking liposuction, but really need abdominoplasty surgery (tummy tuck). There are important differences between tummy tuck and liposuction, which help determine which procedure is right for you.

During liposuction, a blunt cannula is used to suction fat through multiple tiny incisions. Although many types of liposuction are available, including standard tumescent liposuction, ultrasound liposuction (VASER), power-assisted liposuction, tickle liposuction (vibroliposuction), etc., no skin is removed with any type of liposuction. The best liposuction candidates maintain a healthy lifestyle and have focal fat deposits not responsive to diet and exercise.. Liposuction is not effective as a means for major weight loss. Liposuction is not effective in treating skin with stretch marks, which are signs of irreversible skin injury, or muscle looseness, all of which is common after pregnancy or massive weight loss. In fact, in a patient who really needs a tummy tuck, liposuction may worsen the patient’s appearance. However, in patients close to their ideal body weight, without significant stretch marks, liposuction can be highly effective in treating extra fat of the love handles, thighs, back, arms, neck, calves and ankles.

Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is usually a far better option for patients who have experienced massive weight loss or multiple pregnancies. Most of these women have extra abdominal skin with stretch marks, and separation of the abdominal wall muscles (rectus diastasis). The muscle looseness gives the impression of an upper abdominal bulge and a lower abdominal skin apron. These women are great candidates for a tummy tuck, particularly if they are close to their ideal body weight. With removal of the extra abdominal skin, tightening of the abdominal muscles, and reshaping of the belly button, achieving a youthful appearance to the abdomen is often possible!

Questions? Feel free to call 214-827-2814 to schedule an appointment today!

Many patients have asked me if they can smoke cigarettes up to the time of their cosmetic surgery. The procedures most often in question are breast lifts with or without implants, breast reductions, tummy tucks and facelifts. Simply put, smoking and these procedures can be recipes for disaster. I strongly encourage smokers to quit smoking before these surgeries, as tobacco, nicotine, and carbon monoxide, all of which are within cigarettes, can impede wound healing. In operations which involve lifting and tightening large amounts of skin, this can result in skin separation, or worse yet, skin loss.

Most board-certified plastic surgeons are selective in the procedures that they will offer to tobacco users. Some procedures that do not require a significant amount of skin lifting, such as rhinoplasty, liposuction and breast augmentation, are thought to be somewhat safer to perform in smokers than procedures that require more skin manipulation. For that reason, most plastic surgeons will perform these surgeries in smokers, but will still extend significant disclaimers and warnings.

Virtually everyone knows that smoking can cause pulmonary problems, heart disease and lung cancer. For those reasons alone, I encourage all patients to quit using tobacco products. In regards to cosmetic surgery, tobacco usage can cause significant problems with healing. Because cosmetic surgery is elective, it only makes sense to quit tobacco usage prior to surgery to minimize this potential risk.

This is taken directly from a press release from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

New York, NY and Arlington Heights, IL – What people find beautiful about themselves may be different than what they find appealing in another person. That’s just one finding from a recent consumer survey conducted on the BeautyforLife website (a joint venture of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.) Visitors were asked “What aspect of physical beauty do you find most appealing in another person?” In their 20s, 30s, and 40s, respondents look for a fit, well proportioned body; youthful skin ranked at the top for respondents in the 50s and 60s. When considering “Which part of your body are you most concerned about?” respondents ranked their abdomen/hips number one in their 30s. But surprisingly, respondents listed the face, not their body, as the most popular choice in the 20s, 40s, 50s and 60s.

“It is always important to understand what our patients are most concerned about at different stages of their lives. We want to be equipped to help our patients make the right decisions to maintain their beauty at every age—no matter which type of cosmetic medical procedure they are interested in.” said ASAPS President Renato Saltz, MD.

Additional results were revealed when answering “Which part of your body are you most concerned about?” While respondents primarily chose their face, significantly more respondents are concerned about their abdomen/hips than their breasts (chest)—with the disparity increasing throughout the decades:

30s – 37% chose abdomen/hips as their top concern while only 18% chose breasts
40s – 32% selected abdomen/hips and only 10% breast
50s – 25% chose abdomen/hips compared to 7% breast
60s – 23% indicated concern about their abdomen/hips, while only 7% selected breast

Community members were also asked to consider “The most important reason to maintain your physical appearance.” “To boost self-confidence” was the top choice across all decades, with “To attract potential partners” a close second for the 20s. In the 30s and 40s, the second-most popular choice shifted to “To increase professional opportunities,” which remained the number two choice in the 50s, but by a much smaller percentage. In the 60s, increasing professional opportunities fell to third behind “To help make friends.”

“The survey on the BeautyforLife website has provided interesting data about patients’ attitudes, motivation and perception. Our goal is to provide useful tools for prospective patients to help them first decide if a cosmetic medicine procedure is right for them and then to provide information on how to choose an appropriate provider,” said Dr. Richard D’Amico, past president of ASPS.

Another question asked members to contemplate “The most important factor in maintaining beauty.” While adherence to a healthy diet, regular exercise and skin care were popular choices, approximately one in five members felt that a cosmetic medical procedure was most important in the 50s and 60s.

This survey was conducted by The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, via their Beauty for Life program—a series of patient education tools.

About ASPS
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 6,700 physician members, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. For more information, please visit the ASPS website at www.plasticsurgery.org.

Having a child usually is the one of the most magical and emotionally-fulfilling experiences of a woman’s life. Unfortunately, the physical toll that pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding can have on a woman’s body often is devastating. Even with proper diet and exercise, it usually is nearly impossible to restore a youthful, pre-pregnancy body.

Women come in with a litany of complaints, including loosening and bulging of the abdominal wall muscles, stretching and loosening of the skin of the breasts, thighs, and abdomen, and extra fat of the belly, back and thighs. For those women out there who want a firmer, tighter body, even after childbirth, there is the Mommy Makeover. This cosmetic procedure is individualized for each patient. One patient may need a breast lift and a tummy tuck; another may opt for liposuction and breast augmentation. No two patients are the same, so the mommy makeover combines the best of several popular procedures to restore a youthful, pre-pregnancy body.

Through the end of October 2009, we are offering 10% of all surgeon’s fees on breast and body contouring surgery. Call today (214-827-2814) to schedule a consultation!

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9101 N. Central Expwy.
Suite 600, Dallas, TX 75231
Tel: 214.827.2814

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