Tummy Tuck / Breast Procedures

Before and After Pictures of Tummy Tuck / Breast Procedures by Dr. LaTrenta

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Tummy Tuck / Breast Procedures General Information

Tummy Tuck

Abdominoplasty, or a “tummy tuck” as it is often referred to, is a method of removing excess fat and skin from the abdomen area. A tummy tuck tightens muscles and fascia that have been weakened by pregnancy.

Diastasis recti, or separation of the abdomen wall muscle, is repaired as well as all ventral and umbilical hernias.

The procedure will improve the appearance of stretch marks: those above the navel will be tightened while those located below the navel will be removed.

Combined With Breast Procedures

Mommy Procedures refers to a constellation of surgical procedures that treat problems of the breast and body which are unique to women who have given birth.

Pregnancy results in stretching and volume enlargement of the subcutaneous tissues in both the breasts and abdomen. After delivery, these areas rapidly deflate, often resulting in sagging of the breast and abdomen wall regions.

Procedures such as a breast lift, breast enlargement, or breast reduction, are often necessary to restore the breasts’ youthful appearance. In the abdominal region, some combination of abdominoplasty (partial or full) and liposuction (or Smartlipo) is necessary as well.

Tummy Tuck / Breast Procedures - The Procedure

Most surgeries can be performed in the office under general anesthesia. If both breast and abdominal procedures are combined, a one night stay in the city with a nurse is usually advised.

Depending on the type of breast surgery needed, whether a lift, reduction, enlargement or enlargement/lift, the procedure often requires elevating the nipple to the apex of the breast and tightening the skin envelope so the breast returns to a higher, more youthful profile and cleavage is enhanced.

In the abdomen, an incision is made in the bikini line above the pubic hair, most often hip to hip (full) or over the mons pubis (partial). The excess subcutaneous tissue is undermined and removed and the abdominal wall tightened and hernias and diastasis recti repaired with sutures.

To tighten the abdominal wall, loose underlying tissue and muscle is brought together with sutures.

A small opening is made to bring the navel through. The width of the scar is proportional to the amount of extra skin.

Any remaining skin or soft tissue is removed and the abdominal wall is tightened. Two small suction drains are necessary along with  a binder to prevent fluid formation. The drain is removed within several days.

Tummy Tuck / Breast Procedures Best Candidate

You may wish to consider a tummy tuck if you have excess abdominal fat, sagging abdominal skin, or  an abdomen that protrudes and is out of proportion to the rest of your body.

It is best for the patient to have completed all their pregnancies before proceeding with surgery so that the results will be preserved. IT IS MANDATORY THAT PATIENTS BE NON-SMOKERS.

You should not be alarmed in the event of an unplanned pregnancy post surgery, as the pregnancy and delivery should go smoothly. However, you may require revisional abdominal surgery to enhance your results after this additional pregnancy.

As with most plastic surgery, patients should be within 20-30 pounds of their ideal body weight and in good general physical condition to optimize results.

The woman considering these procedures should be aware that abdominoplasty surgery often results in scars. Most often, these heal well and are placed in an inconspicuous location (such as the bathing suit line.) On rare occasions, scar revision surgery can be necessary.

Tummy Tuck / Breast Procedures Recovery Time

Most sutures used in this surgery are biodegradable. However, some do need removal in 7 – 10 days.

Usually, wearing an abdominal stretch binder (or SPANX) is necessary for 2-3 weeks.

Return to normal life activity after a week off is usually allowed. However, 3 weeks off from exercise and 4 weeks off from sports is usually required.

The scars may take anywhere from 2 months to a year to heal.

LOVE! I can’t imagine using any other plastic surgeon. I did a breast reduction with him and a tummy tuck and he is truly masterful. There is the technical medical side and there’s the artistry of the surgery. He has an incredible eye and has re-sculpted my body naturally and restored a youthful look I never thought I’d have again. And his staff makes it so comfortable and even fun. I feel like they’ve gone on this journey with me. I trust them completely.”

–B.H.

LOVE! I can’t imagine using any other plastic surgeon. I did a breast reduction with him and a tummy tuck and he is truly masterful. There is the technical medical side and there’s the artistry of the surgery. He has an incredible eye and has re-sculpted my body naturally and restored a youthful look I never thought I’d have again. And his staff makes it so comfortable and even fun. I feel like they’ve gone on this journey with me. I trust them completely.”

–B.H.