Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) Questions and Answers

Question:

What type of scare does a tummy tuck leave? Can I have the scare removed by lazer? How soon after the tummy tuck?

Answer:

Leah, The length of the scar is based on how much skin you need removed. I place it so that it is covered by the bottom of a 2 piece bathing suit. The scars fade with time but do not disappear. They can not be removed by laser. David M. Metzner,MD

Question:

I had a tummy tuck in 1994. The next year, 1995, I had to have a hysterectomy. The cut made for the hysterectomy was on top of the previous scar from the tummy tuck. It left a terrible purple, wide scar. What can I have done to make it look better? Would a scar revision be in order?

Answer:

Dear Beverly, A scar revision is all that is needed. Both scars would be removed and a new scar made which would, likely, heal in an acceptable manner, much like after your first procedure.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

I'm 4'11' and about 115 pounds. I had one child seven years ago. Due to the pregnancy my abdomanal area really got stretched out.I now have loose skin and a lot of stretch marks.I work out regularly and eat well.I've used firming lotions, vitamin E oil,cocoa butter cream, and stretchaway cream. nothing has worked. My self esteem is very low because of this. Please let me know what I can I do, or have done and how much it will cost. Thank you.

Answer 1:

It sounds as though you really need an abdominoplasty ( tummy tuck) to take care of the strech marks and stretched out skin. Prices vary but probably costs in the neighborhood of 6,000-8,000 dollars. Many physicians have excellent financing however.Best of luck

Josh Korman, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Mountain View, CA

Answer 2:

Leah, As you have already discovered, there is no effective treatment for stretch marks. However, you are probably a candidate for a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), which will tighten the skin and remove the stretch marks that are in the skin that is removed. I suggest you see a board certified plastic surgeon in order to determine your individual needs. David M. Metzner, MD

Answer 3:

Dear Leah, About your only solution would be a tummy tuck with repair of the abdominal wall muscle. The cost would be about $5000 to $7000. This would rid you of most of your upper abdominal stretch marks although you may still have some on your lower abdomen after the procedure.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

I am going to have surgery done very soon and was wondering how long after tummy tuck surgery and a breast lift will I have to be out of work? I work with young children and do lots of moving around. Thank you!

Answer:

The best person to answer your question is the plastic surgeon who is going to do your surgery, as techniques and routines vary. It also depends on your type of work. You probably need to anticipate at least 2 weeks. David M. Metzner, MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Question:

I was going to have a tummy tuck surgery done. I was wondering what the normal healing time for this was?

Answer 1:

Assuming no complications, most are active with in 2 weeks, and back in the gym at 4-6 weeks. David M. Metzner, MD

Answer 2:

Dear Norma, A little of that depends upon the extent of the procedure and whether your muscle is being tightened or not. The usual time to return to full activity is about one month.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

hi! I am 19 years old and am interested in having a tummy tuck. I had a baby at 17 and I gained 60lbs.The stretch marks are severe and even with exercise the skin is still very loose.I'd like to know exactly what the procedure would involve to remove the loose flesh/stretch marks and what the estimated cost would be.I have only found one doctor in my area (L.Caines from Halifax)that does the procedure but have not contacted him yet.

Answer:

Dear Sarah, I trained in Halifax and, unfortunately, Dr. Caines died about two years ago. There are other competent plastic surgeons in the area who can perform an abdominoplasty. What is done is that an incision is made and the skin and soft tissue of the abdomen is raised up to the level of your rib cage. The muscles of your abdomen are then tightened and then the excess skin is removed. A new belly button is made and everything is then closed. Often there is some associated liposuction if needed or desired. The cost varies but is usually somewhere between $4000 and $8000 U.S.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

Hello, i wonder if you can help me i had a full tummy tuck operation 3- yrs ago, i did not think i would want any more babies. I have just found out i am pregnant with twins, my abdomial muscles had seperated last pregnancy and were sown up, i am worried i may not be able to stretch enough for the babies. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, Regards Rose.

Answer:

Dear Rose, Congratulations on the pregnancy. Your muscles will stretch and no harm will come to the babies but a lot of what was done at the original surgery may be undone. You may require another procedure in order to re-correct the problem.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

If you have had a tummy tuck, is there any possible way of having a baby? Even though your belly button was moved to another place.

Answer 1:

A tummy tuck will not interfer with having a baby. The pregnancy may undo some of the benefit of the tummy tuck. David M. Metzner, M.D. 504.885.9555 985.892.4675 866.298.5249 toll free

Answer 2:

Of course, Lynn, Many women have pregnancies after an abdominoplasty procedure. Some of the flattening work and work on the muscle may be undone by the pregnancy. This procedure can certainly be repeated if desired and needed.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

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