What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck surgery removes excess wrinkled skin and subcutaneous fat from the
abdomen. The underlying muscles may also be tightened during the procedure. The
result is a smoother, flatter abdomen. In some patients, the surgery relieves symptoms
of lower back pain and abdominal discomfort.
What is the average cost of Abdominoplasty? Is there a charge for the consultation?
At Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery of Cape Girardeau, MO, the average cost of
a full abdominoplasty ranges from $6200 to $6400 (effective June 1, 2009). The cost
of a mini abdominoplasty ranges from $4,200 to $4400 (effective June 1, 2009). This
includes operating room cost and anesthesia services. During your initial tummy
tuck consultation at Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery of Cape Girardeau, your
stomach will be evaluated to see which procedure is best for you. There is an $85
charge for the consultation. The consultation charge is deducted from the price
of the procedure if you decide to schedule the procedure within 6 months. After
6 months, a new consultation may be scheduled to review any changes in your medical
history.
What is the difference between a full abdominoplasty and mini abdominoplasty?
The incision for a full abdominoplasty goes from hip to hip and tightens the skin
from just below the ribs to just above the pubic area. The long incision will allow
the muscle to be tightened on the upper and lower stomach, a greater amount of skin
can be removed and it also allows for the belly button to be repositioned giving
it a more pleasing appearance. The mini abdominoplasty incision can vary in length
but it is usually around half the length of a full abdominoplasty. The limited length
only allows for the muscle to be tightened on the lower stomach and only the skin
below the belly button is tightened.
Is Liposuction performed at the same time of an abdominoplasty at Heartland Plastic
and Hand Surgery?
If the patient undergoes a full tummy tuck, liposuction on the stomach is not part
of the procedure because of the complications that may occur if the blood supply
is compromised. Blood supply is an important factor in the healing process. It is
possible to perform liposuction on unrelated areas of the body at the same time,
such as the hips, or the outer and/or inner thighs. If a patient undergoes a mini
tummy tuck, liposuction is a full component of the procedure. Liposuction will blend
the upper and lower stomach areas more aesthetically pleasing.
Will I have drains and for on average how long?
When a full abdominoplasty is performed at Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery of
Cape Girardeau, Missouri, you will have two drains that on average stay in for 10
days to 2 weeks. Patients will only have one drain with a mini abdominoplasty. This
drain will stay in for an average of 7-10 days.
Do I have to stop smoking before a tummy tuck procedure?
At Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, we would like
for the tummy tuck patient to stop smoking 1 month before surgery and 1 month after
surgery. Nicotine in cigarettes decreases the blood supply to the skin and blood
supply is a very important factor in the healing process. We hope patients can decrease
their exposure not only to first hand but also to second hand smoke.
Is financing for a tummy tuck available? Does insurance cover a tummy tuck procedure?
At Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery we accept several types of payments. They
are cash, credit cards (Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express), money
order, cashier checks and financing with an outside agency. Cosmetic abdominoplasty
is not covered by commercial insurance and will need to be paid in full before surgery.
Make sure financing arrangements are made in advance with a financing company of
your choice.
There is a very similar procedure called a panniculectomy that is performed for
documented medical reasons and may sometimes be covered by commercial insurance.
A predetermination of eligibility will be submitted to your insurance company to
determine coverage. An example of a medical reason that may be covered by your commercial
insurance would be a patient who went through gastric bypass surgery that resulted
in an extreme overhang of skin in the pubic area. This condition is known to cause
infections and rashes.
On average, how many abdominoplasty surgeries are performed each year at Heartland
Plastic and Hand Surgery?
On average we perform 40-50 abdominoplasty surgeries a year at our Cape Girardeau
location.
Is there a better time of year to have the surgery performed?
You should make sure you pick a time that will allow yourself to heal. After an
abdominal surgery, you will have a 10-15 pound lifting restriction for at least
3 weeks following surgery. (That will include lifting children.) You also have to
make adjustments at your place of work due to pain, swelling and being on pain medication.
On average, patients should take 2 weeks off work, but patients with more physically
demanding jobs may have to take 4 to 6 weeks off from work.
Is there anything I need to do to get myself ready for surgery?
To reduce bruising and the risk of hematoma, you must stop taking any blood thinners
and vitamin E at least one week before and after surgery. If you are on prescription
blood thinners, you may need to get medical clearance from your family doctor as
well as instructions on how to stop these medications. We also want all herbal medication
and diet pills (prescription and over-the-counter) stopped at least for two weeks
before surgery and one week following.
At Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau we require the tummy tuck
patient to be in overall good health before the surgery can be performed. If there
are questions regarding your health, medical clearance from your family doctor may
be required.
I’m interested. What should I do next?
At Heartland Plastic and Hand Surgery in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, David Deisher,
MD and J. Stewart Humphrey, MD are board certified by The American Board of Plastic
Surgery. They offer plastic and hand surgery to patients across Missouri including
Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Sikeston. Your next step is to contact the Heartland
Plastic and Hand Surgery office in Cape Girardeau today to schedule your initial
tummy tuck consultation! In the meantime, jot down all your questions and concerns
and bring them to your consultation so your surgeon can address them. Call now.
Start working on the new you!
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