Tummy-tuck surgery, technically known as abdominoplasty, is a procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tighten the abdominal muscles. Often a result of pregnancy or significant weight loss, the lower abdomen may become lax and loose. Skin may sag, or a pouch may form below the belly button. This type of situation cannot be corrected by liposuction alone; the abdominal foundation must be repaired and the excess tissue removed. After surgery, the patient has a flatter, trimmer abdomen. Scars are permanent, but will fade with time.

The Best Candidates for Tummy-Tuck Surgery

Abdominoplasty can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but in won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal. The best candidates for tummy-tuck surgery are of relatively stable weight and healthy, but have excess abdominal skin or fat, or a lower abdominal pouch that won't respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is especially helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal.

Patients who intend to lose a lot of weight and women who plan future pregnancies, should post-pone abdominoplasty surgery.

While this web site can give you some basic information about tummy-tuck surgery, you are invited to contact Dr. Bartell's office for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss the procedure in more detail, view many pre- and post-operative examples, and address your particular needs.

Potential Surgical Risks and Problems

Abdominoplasty has been performed for many years, and thousands of procedures are performed successfully every year. Modern techniques are very safe and almost always result in a happy patient. Complications are extremely unusual, but patients should be fully informed prior to surgery. Dr. Bartell is happy to discuss any concern you may have regarding abdominoplasty.

While all surgery carries the small risk of bleeding or infection, these are extremely unlikely with abdominoplasty. Most patients do experience bruising and swelling. The scars are a little red initially, but are well-hidden, and should fade with time. Complications that can occur include hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin that must be aspirated with a needle), prominent scars requiring revision, and infection. Poor skin healing is sometimes seen in patients who smoke and in diabetics.
You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following Dr. Bartell's instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should resume physical activity.

Planning Your Surgery

There is no charge nor obligation for consultations for tummy-tuck surgery. At your initial consultation, Dr. Bartell will evaluate your general health, determine the extent of fat deposits in your abdominal region, and carefully assess your skin tone. He will also listen to you, focusing on your concerns and expectations. He will then describe your alternatives, the risks and limitations of each, and show you numerous "before" and "after" photographs of previous patients.

For example, if your fat deposits are limited to the area below the navel, you may require a less complex procedure called a partial abdominoplasty, or mini-tummy tuck, which can often be performed on an outpatient basis. On the other hand, you may benefit more from partial or complete abdominoplasty done in conjunction with liposuction to remove fat deposits from the hips, for a better body contour. Or maybe liposuction alone would create the best result.

Dr. Bartell will work with you to recommend the procedure that is right for your individual situation and will come closest to producing the desired body contour. He will also provide you with a firm, all inclusive price quote for the desired procedure which will include all fees for the surgery, as well as anesthesia.

Once the decision to undergo surgery has been made, Dr. Bartell will meet with you to perform a history and physical examination. Be sure to inform Dr. Bartell if you have any allergies; if you're taking any medications (prescription or over-the-counter), and if you smoke. He will also give you prescriptions for any medications you may need for before and after the surgery. You will receive a printed set of pre- and post-operative instructions which will answer most of your questions regarding what you should do prior to your surgery date, what to have on hand at home for after your procedure, and what to do on the day of your surgery. Dr. Bartell will review these instructions with you but it is important to read these instructions carefully on your own and keep them accessible for easy reference.

If you smoke, plan to quit at least one to two weeks before your surgery and not to resume for at least two weeks after your surgery. You will also need to avoid overexposure to the sun before surgery, especially to your abdomen and do not go on a stringent diet, as both can inhibit your ability to heal. If you develop a cold or infection of any kind, your surgery will probably be postponed.

The Surgery

Dr. Bartell performs tummy-tuck surgeries in his private surgery suite contained within his Westside medical offices. Working with him in the operating room is his top-notch support team of surgical specialists. Many patients don't realize that when surgical procedures are performed in hospitals, the surgeon is assigned members of his/her support team for each surgery by the hospital. Surgeons never know with whom they'll be working until the day of the operation. Because Dr. Bartell is an independent practitioner utilizing his own in-house surgical facility, he can hand-pick his surgical support group from among the large local pool of medical professionals. Consistently using the same core group of exceptional surgical specialists provides Dr. Bartell maximum operational control and efficacy, while assuring his surgical patients a consistent level of superior care and technical expertise.

The abdominoplasty procedure is performed using a general anesthetic, so you'll sleep through the entire operation. Surgery usually lasts between two and three hours. An incision is made across the lower abdomen just above the pubic hair-line. Usually the incision can be designed so that the scar will be hidden under most swimwear. In cases where removal of a large amount of excess tissue is planned, a second incision is made around the umbilicus (belly button). The tissue is raised up above the muscles, and the muscles are tightened with sutures. This provides a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline.The extra tissue is then pulled down, trimmed and the incision closed. If a belly button incision was made, a new hole for the belly button is made and the belly button inset. Sometimes small drainage tubes are left in the incision, to be removed the following day. A bandage is placed, along with an elastic compression garment. The garment helps prevent hematoma, and assists the resolution of the swelling. Most patients spend a short time in the recovery area, and go home after only a few hours. You will need to arrange a ride home from the surgery center, and make sure you have someone stay with you at home for at least 24 hours after completion of the procedure. Occasionally, abdominoplasty is performed in a hospital with an overnight stay.

After Surgery

The compression garment is worn for about three weeks. Most patients are quite swollen and bruised, so the results from abdominoplasty won't be seen for a few weeks. While there is some pain following surgery, most patients can be back at work within five to seven days. It takes much longer for the final result to become apparent; usually several months.

Most patients are extremely pleased with their decision to undergo surgery. Your decision to have tummy-tuck surgery is a highly personal one that not everyone will understand. The important thing is how you feel about it. If results from the procedure meet your goals, then your surgery is a true success.

For More Information

If you would like more information about Dr. Bartell or any cosmetic surgical procedure or to make an appointment, you may contact us by mail, phone, fax or E-mail:

By mail: 6418 Normandy Lane, Suite 210 Madison, WI 53719

By phone: 608-271-0500

By fax: 608-271-0502

By E-mail: bartell@execpc.com

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