Tummy Tuck

At Cosmetic Surgery Associates of Texas in Plano, tummy tuck surgery is a specialty of Natan Yaker, M.D. He has helped numerous patients attain a more attractive physique by performing this procedure.

Abdominoplasty, also known as a "tummy tuck" is a surgical procedure to tighten the abdominal muscles and remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen. This procedure can reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen, creating a flatter, firmer abdomen and a slimmer waist.

Often after pregnancies or weight loss, the abdominal muscles and skin loosen. Those who do not see improvement with dieting and exercise could benefit from this procedure. Patients who are planning future pregnancies should postpone this procedure, due to the vertical muscles in the abdomen which are tightened would most likely separate due to the pregnancy. As well, those planning to lose a large amount of weight should wait until after the weight has been lost.

With every surgery there are possible risks and complications:

Frisco tummy tuck surgeon Dr. Yaker performs many abdominoplasties successfully each year. However; there are risks associated with this surgery. Possible complications following surgery include infection, bleeding, poor healing, and reaction to anesthesia. Smokers will need to stop smoking 6 weeks before surgery and continue not smoking until approximately 4 weeks after surgery. Smoking greatly increases the risk of complications during the healing process.

Abdominal skin is drawn down and excess is removed. with complete abdominoplasty, a new opening is cut for the navel. both incisions are stitched closed.

After surgery, the patient has a flatter, trimmer abdomen. Scars are permanent, but will fade with time.

Post-Operative Instructions for Abdominoplasty

2 Weeks Before Surgery:

• Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen products (You may take Tylenol)
• Do not take any diet pills or similar appetite suppressant medications, (i.e. Metabolife)
• Do not take any herbal preparations, (i.e. St. Johns Wart)
• Do not take Vitamin E.
• Do not smoke - This will interfere with the circulation and healing process causing major complications.

Products Needed At Home:

Fill your prescriptions given to you during your pre-op visit:

• Percocet, Lortab, or Dilaudid is for the pain.
• Keflex is an antibiotic (you will need to take all of these as directed)
• Diazepam is a muscle relaxer.
• Extras-strength Tylenol.

The night Prior to Surgery:

• Eat a bland meal - Nothing Spicy.
• Before going to bed take a Pepcid AC.
• If needed a Diazepam to help you rest.

The Day of Surgery:

**Eating or Drinking Prior to Surgery Will Result in Cancellation of the Surgery**

• Wear loose clothing, if you will be staying at the hospital over night, be sure to bring loose and easy clothes to wear home. (Do not wear jeans or tight clothing)
• Do not wear make-up.
• Leave all jewelry and valuables at home.
• The person caring for you after surgery will need to stay with you for at least 48 hours once you arrive home.

Post-Operative Instructions for Abdominoplasty

Medications:

• Take your pain medications for the pain. Do not take it on an empty stomach.
• Take the antibiotics as directed until they are all gone.
• Sometimes patients will develop a yeast infection from the antibiotics, if this occurs call the office.
• Should you become constipated, you may use an over the counter stool softener. If you do not have relief from your stool softener, call the office.
• Remember no aspirin products until 2 weeks after surgery.

Other Things to Remember:

• If you feel you are in an emergency situation, please call the office at any time. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day. These calls include: abnormal bleeding, abnormal swelling, or a temperature over 101 degrees. Other calls should be made during business hours Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• You will have drains, which are placed to collect excess fluid and blood, these will be removed 3-5 days after surgery, depending on the amount of drainage.
• You will wear a surgical garment or binder around the clock for 3 weeks.
• Should the incisions have drainage, place gauze bandages under the surgical garment over the draining area. Should the drainage continue, call the office.
• Try to keep your activities to a moderate level. You will most likely not be able to straighten your back completely for 3-7 days.
• Most patients take 2 weeks off from work. Most patients find placing pillows behind their back and under their knees helps them to feel comfortable while resting.
• No Smoking.
• We ask that you not drive for 7-10 days after surgery.
• We encourage you to use lotions containing Aloe Vera and vitamin E on the scars to help during the healing process, once all of the sutures have been removed.
• Keep activity moderate for the first 4 weeks. After 4 weeks you may ride a life cycle, take walks, and lift light (5-8lbs) arm weights. After 6-8 weeks you may resume normal activities as tolerated.

To see examples of his Frisco and McKinney tummy tuck patient results, you may view tummy tuck before and after pictures.

Dr. Yaker has more than 30 years of experience in plastic surgery. He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), as well as a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the Dallas Society of Plastic Surgeons (DSPS), and the American Medical Association (AMA).

It is important to meet with a qualified plastic surgeon in order to determine your candidacy for tummy tuck surgery. Fortunately, Dr. Yaker offers a consultation to prospective patients. To request this appointment, please contact Cosmetic Surgery Associates of Texas at your earliest convenience.

To schedule an appointment to discuss tummy tuck surgery, Plano, Texas’ Dr. Yaker can be reached at (972) 985-7474 or by filling out our online contact form.

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Skin is separated from the abdominal wall all the way up to the ribs.

The surgeon draws underlying muscle and tissue together and stitches them, thereby narrowing the waistline and strengthening the abdominal wall.

Illustrations courtesy of plasticsurgery.org