Frequent Questions About Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Below you will find a list of frequent questions about tummy tuck. Hawaii residents considering plastic surgery often have many questions about their procedure. If your question isn't answered here, contact us with your question, and be sure to include the name of the procedure that interests you.
How is this procedure performed?
Abdominoplasty is performed for Honolulu, Maui, and other Hawaii residents who require surgical correction of loose abdominal skin, muscle, and fat tissue. A horizontal incision is made low on the abdomen at the level of the pubic hair. Excess skin and tissue is removed. Honolulu plastic surgeon Dr. Schlesinger repairs any hernias or weaknesses and the abdominal musculature is tightened with stitches. The belly
button (umbilicus) is left in the same position on the abdominal wall but is brought out through a new skin opening.
Modified or mini-abdominoplasty is a more limited procedure appropriate for cosmetic surger patients in Hawaii requiring lesser corrections. There is no scar around the belly button (umbilicus) and other
scars are usually shorter. Your surgeon will determine the appropriate procedure for you at the time of your preoperative consultation. In some cases, mini-abdominoplasties may be performed with an endoscope, or mini-camera, attached to the surgical instrument to further reduce the size of the incisions.
How do I prepare for my tummy tuck in Hawaii?
During your initial preoperative visit with your surgeon, be prepared to give a complete medical history including all your medications, allergies and previous surgeries. You will undergo a thorough physical examination and blood tests. If you are over age 50, an electrocardiogram may be taken. Photographs are important aids in planning and performing your tummy tuck. Hawaii patients can look back on their before photographs to see how far they've come.
During your Hawaii tummy tuck consultation, you will be given specific directions to help you prepare for your procedure. Instructions generally include taking vitamins, cautions about taking certain medication and drinking alcohol, the shaving process and use of antibacterial soap. You must not eat or drink anything eight hours before your procedure. If you take daily medication, ask your surgeon if it is safe to take before your procedure. If you have any sores on your body, if you have a cold, sore throat or allergic condition, inform your surgeon so you may be examined prior to your procedure.
If you smoke, the likelihood of healing problems and other complications increases. Smokers must stop smoking completely at least two weeks prior to and two weeks after surgery. "Cutting down" is not enough. Dr. Schlesinger requires complete cessation of smoking for his abdominoplasty patients from Honolulu and throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
How long does the procedure take?
Operating time is generally two to three hours depending on the scope of your specific situation.
What form of anesthesia is used?
You will require general anesthesia, administered by an expert anesthesiologist M.D. (medical doctor). This will allow you to "sleep" throughout the entire procedure.
Can I return home right after my Hawaii tummy tuck?
Generally not. For complete abdominoplasty, Honolulu plastic surgeon Dr. Schlesinger requires that his patients have an overnight stay. However, a modified or mini-abdominoplasty can be performed as an outpatient procedure. In either case, it is necessary that you have someone pick you up after the procedure, take you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours.
How long before I can return to normal activity?
Most Hawaii tummy tuck patients return to their usual activities within two weeks after the procedure. Strenuous sports and high levels of intense physical activity, however, are prohibited for six to eight weeks. Be sure to check with your surgeon about specific limitations.
If you're ready to learn more about abdominoplasty, request a Free Tummy Tuck Consultation with Honolulu cosmetic surgeon Dr. S. Larry Schlesinger at any of his three plastic surgery offices.
Free Consultation
COSMETIC SURGERY
Breast Enlargement
