Tummy Tuck FAQs
Indianapolis, Indiana
Tummy Tuck / Abdominoplasty Questions
1. Why Choose Dr. Linderman for tummy tuck surgery in Indiana?
In addition to his extensive experience, tummy tuck is an operation for which Dr. Linderman has a particular interest and has adapted several new innovative techniques including, high lateral tension abdominoplasty and circumferential body contouring. A shapelier abdomen with better waist definition is obtained.
2. What is a high lateral tension abdominoplasty?
In contrast to previous abdominoplasty techniques, high lateral tension abdominoplasty developed by Dr. Ted Lockwood places less tension on the pubic area and more tension over the anterior thigh region. This produces less scarring and allows more aggressive liposuction to be performed to enhance the abdominal contour.
3. What is the difference between an abdominoplasty and a mini-abdominoplasty?
As opposed to a full tummy tuck, a mini-abdominoplasty employs a shorter supra pubic incision and no translocation of the umbilicus. A candidate for a mini-abdominoplasty has skin redundancy mostly below the umbilicus with muscle laxity confined to the lower abdomen. Liposuction may also be a performed. As a general rule, the greater the amount and distribution of excess skin, the longer the scar and necessity to translocate the umbilicus and perform a full abdominoplasty.
4. Are drains used?
Drains are usually placed in both types of tummy tucks and may remain in place up to one week.
5. What is the recovery time for a tummy tuck?
Most patients will require 1-2 weeks off work with a tummy tuck. The patient may return to exercise and aerobic activities within 4 to 6 weeks.
6. When can I return to work after abdominoplasty surgery?
You would be able to return to work approximately two weeks after full abdominoplasty surgery. You would be restricted in lifting anything over ten pounds for the first two weeks postoperatively; with no heavy lifting for the first four weeks after surgery. You may resume driving two weeks after abdominal surgery.
If you have a job that requires heavy lifting such as 20-40 pounds, Dr. Linderman may have you on restriction for a slightly longer period of time before you would be released to go back to work.
The recovery time for the mini-abdominoplasty is usually about one week with the same ten pound weight lifting restriction.
7. When can I begin exercising?
Dr. Linderman usually encourages you to begin leisurely, short walks the week after surgery to aid in circulation. You may gradually lengthen your walks as you heal. You will be able to resume jogging or high impact aerobics approximately four to six weeks after abdominoplasty surgery once receiving the okay from Dr. Linderman. Additionally, you would not be able to use a hot tub for about four weeks.
8. Are there any medications I should not take before abdominal surgery?
In preparation for your abdominoplasty, Dr. Linderman will have you refrain from taking aspirin and all aspirin related products for two weeks before and two weeks after surgery. This will help decrease the risk of bleeding which can be caused by these products.
Also, intake of Vitamin E should be limited to only what is found in a multi-vitamin, no large volume doses two weeks before or two weeks after abdominal surgery because this can also cause a bleeding tendency.
9. Are herbal remedies safe to continue taking before abdominal surgery?
Often overlooked are the negative effects herbal remedies may have upon anesthesia, drug interaction, bleeding tendency, or the body’s ability to heal after abdominoplasty. Simply because a product carries a label saying it is “natural” does not mean it is necessarily safe when interacting with other drugs.
Example of herbal remedies to be avoided prior to surgery are Ephedra, Ginseng, St. John’s Wort, Kava, Melatonin, Valerian, Ginko, Echinacea, Garlic, Bilberry, Cayenne, and Ginger.
Check with Dr. Linderman to find out how long you need to be off particular herbal remedies before surgery.
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Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
of Indiana
12188-A North Meridian Street
Carmel, IN 46032
toll free: 1-800-678-9909
phone: 317-848-5400