Tummy Tuck

We all yearn for a flat, well-toned abdomen. Many of us from Michigan use diet and exercise without seeing the improvement we want in our bodies and abdomen. Additionally, many times despite our efforts, our goals for a beautiful abdomen are not achieved. The deformity of the abdomen associated with excess skin and fat is usually associated with multiple causes including pregnancy, obesity, significant weight loss, or weight changes. For those of us who desire a flat beautiful abdomen, Dr. Sampson offers tummy tuck, a procedure also known as abdominoplasty. Many patients have sought this surgical procedure to help to create the perfect abdomen.

Please call Dr. Sampson today or request an appointment online so we can help you achieve the abdomen you are looking for.

Choosing Tummy Tuck in Michigan

Abdominoplasty is one of many procedures used to treat the deformities of the abdomen. It is not a substitute for weight loss, but serves as a powerful step in the contouring and creation of a beautiful, sexy body. This doctor feels that this procedure is best performed on patients who are healthy, moderately fit and patients who are actively interested in improving the way they look. Most patients are good candidates for the procedure, but this board certified plastic surgeon prefers tummy tuck / abdominoplasty patients to be finished with child bearing and of course, non-smokers. He evaluates his tummy tuck / abdominoplasty patients in his Michigan offices with great empathy and care. He is very interested in producing excellent results and avoiding complications. He will review in detail the preoperative requirements and the operative techniques with an individualized plan of treatment. He will review the surgical risks and possible complications and discuss with each patient what they can do to avoid problems after surgery.

How Abdominoplasty is Performed

This board certified plastic surgeon performs abdominoplasties in his surgical suite in Jackson, Michigan, centrally located and adjacent to Ann Arbor, Lansing, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, and many other cities of Michigan. The procedure treats the abdomen and anterior torso. Dr. Sampson will tailor the procedure to the individualized needs of each specific patient.

There are usually three separate areas of deformity of tummy tuck patients in Michigan. These areas include the loose, saggy skin of the abdomen, areas of excess fat in the abdomen, and of course loose, weakened or separated muscles of the abdomen usually associated with pregnancy.

Multiple types of tummy tuck / abdominoplasty techniques do exist. That is why you need a very experienced and talented Michigan plastic surgeon like Dr. Sampson to assist you in developing a plan for surgery. The surgical techniques this plastic surgeon uses will excise (cut) areas of excess skin and fatty tissue, many times removing areas of stretch marks and rolls of fat to create a flat, attractive abdomen. Dr. Sampson does use liposuction for Michigan patients as an adjunct or additional procedure in some areas of the abdomen. He will detail the areas of the abdomen where liposuction can be performed safely.

Potential Risks and Complications

Dr. Sampson chooses his patients carefully and spends time with preoperative teaching. As a result, few of his patients have significant complications associated with the tummy tuck and/or liposuction procedures. Risks are common to all surgical procedures. For tummy tuck patients in Michigan, risks include bleeding, infection, and risks of anesthesia. Other possible risks include wound problems and/or collections of fluid under the skin. It is not unusual for there to be associated swelling after surgery. This is normal and will resolve with time. Fortunately, the problems are usually minor and are treatable.

Tummy tuck / abdominoplasty patients have done well after surgery and have been very happy with their new flat abdomen and slimmer profiles.

Recovery

Following your operative procedure in Dr. Sampson’s surgical suite, your incision will be bandaged and a compression garment will be applied. This garment will provide support for your abdomen, reduce swelling, and reduce fluid collection under the skin.

In addition, Dr. Sampson will place a small tube under the skin to drain fluid and blood from the abdomen. You will be taught how to take care of these drains.

Initially, there will be discomfort after your surgical procedure. This discomfort is well controlled without your pain medication. Walking after surgery is important and encouraged. Of course, no lifting or sexual activity is allowed for about one week after surgery. Walking is an important part of the postoperative recovery. It reduces the risk of blood clots; the exercise will improve the blood flow over the body and expands the lungs.

Initial wound healing will take approximately one week and your sutures will be removed by the plastic surgeon’s staff. Usually return to work can be accomplished within two weeks as long as there is no lifting or vigorous activity. Michigan plastic surgeon This board certified plastic surgeon encourages use of the compression garment for 4 to 6 weeks; this reduces the swelling after surgery. The scars will continue to improve over time, and many patients can return to wearing bikinis a few months after surgery. This new look can me maintained by proper weight control and fitness. Come see Argyle Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery today to begin your beautiful body.

Tummy Tuck: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How safe are tummy tucks?

When performed in an accredited surgical facility by a board-certified plastic surgeon, abdominoplasty is a safe and satisfying procedure.

How much time does the procedure take?

Dr. Sampson is usually able to complete the tummy tuck procedure / abdominoplasty in less than three hours. The anesthesia time is not included in the operative time.

How long is the abdominoplasty incision?

There is no set length of incision for the tummy tuck procedure / abdominoplasty. Dr. Sampson will tailor the incision for each body type and the incisions will depend on the extent of the patient’s deformity.

How painful is abdominoplasty?

Pain is a subjective symptom and as such make quantifying the amount of pain quite difficult. The pain medication that Dr. Sampson prescribes for his patients will control any discomfort. All patients are able to do well at home after the surgical procedure.

Is it possible to have children after a tummy tuck?

Yes, it is possible to become pregnant and have full-term babies after a tummy tuck. However, pregnancy will re-create many deformities treated by the tummy tuck procedure / abdominoplasty.

Will the tummy tuck procedure / abdominoplasty repair muscles weakened by large pregnancy or twins?

The tummy tuck procedure / abdominoplasty will specifically tighten the abdomen wall muscles. This is part of the tummy tuck procedure that Dr. Sampson does for his patients. This procedure restores the flat, beautiful abdomen.

Is the belly button moved?

The belly button is not moved after a tummy tuck – abdominoplasty and remains attached to the abdominal wall. In the full tummy tuck, tissue is moved around the belly button and the belly button is brought out through a new incision.

Is it possible to gain weight in the abdomen after the procedure?

Yes. It is indeed possible. This plastic surgeon encourages his patients to take good care of their bodies after all surgical procedures. This helps to produce long-lasting results from surgery.

Is abdominoplasty a common procedure?

The doctor does many types of cosmetic procedures. The tummy tuck – abdominoplasty is one of the procedures he performs quite frequently.

For a tummy tuck in Michigan with a board certfied plastic surgeon contact Dr John Sampson. Located in Lansing and Jackson MI serving Detroit, Ann Arbor and surrounding areas. Continue reading about tummy tuck in Michigan.