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Vaishali B. Doolabh, M.D., F.A.C.S.
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Contemporary
Plastic Surgery |
4221
Southpoint Parkway
Jacksonville, Fl 32216 |
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Tummy Tuck
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| Abdominoplasty, known more commonly
as a "tummy tuck," is a major surgical procedure to
remove excess skin and fat from the middle and lower
abdominal wall and to tighten the abdominal muscle. The
procedure can dramatically reduce the appearance of a
protruding abdomen. |
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The Best Candidates For Abdominoplasty |
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| The best candidates for
abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively
good shape but are bothered by a large fat deposit in
the lower abdomen or loose abdominal skin that won't
respond to diet or exercise. The surgery is particularly
helpful to women who, through multiple pregnancies, have
stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the
point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin
elasticity in older patients, which frequently occurs
with slight obesity, can also be improved. |
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The Abdominoplasty Procedure |
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Full abdominoplasty usually take
four to five hours, depending on the extent of work
required. Mini abdominoplasty may take an hour or two.
Most commonly, Dr. Doolabh will make a long incision
from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A
second incision is made to free the navel from
surrounding tissue. With mini abdominoplasty, the
incision is much shorter and the navel may not be moved.
Next, Dr. Doolabh separates the skin from the abdominal
wall all the way up to the ribs and lifts a large skin
flap to reveal the vertical muscles in the abdomen.
These muscles are tightened by pulling them close
together and stitching them into their new position,
providing a firmer abdominal wall and narrower
waistline.
The skin flap is then stretched down and the extra skin
is removed. A new hole is cut for the navel, which is
then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions will be
stitched, dressings will be applied, and a temporary
tube may be inserted to drain excess fluid from the
surgical site.
In mini- abdominoplasty, the skin is separated only
between the incision line and the navel. The skin flap
is stretched down, the excess is removed, and the flap
is stitched back into place.
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Testimonial |
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“My friend hasn’t stopped
thanking me yet for sending her to Dr. Doolabh for a tummy tuck.
With Dr. Doolabh there is minimal pain and maximum satisfaction.
She’s awesome.” C.S. |
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After Your
Tummy Tuck |
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For the first few days,
your abdomen will probably be swollen and you're likely
to feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled
by medication. Dr. Doolabh will give you instructions
for showering and changing your dressings. And though
you may not be able to stand straight at first, you
should start walking as soon as possible.
Surface stitches will be removed in two or three weeks.
The dressing on your incision may be replaced by a
support garment. |
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Getting Back to Normal
After Your Tummy Tuck |
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It may take you weeks or
months to feel like your old self again. If you start
out in top physical condition with strong abdominal
muscles, recovery from abdominoplasty will be much
faster. Some people return to work after two weeks,
while others take three or four weeks to rest and
recuperate.
Exercise will help you help you heal better. Even people
who have never exercised before should begin an exercise
program to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood
clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise, however,
should be avoided until you can do it comfortably.
Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the
first three to six months as they heal, but this is
normal. Expect it to take nine months to a year before
your scars flatten out and lighten in color. While
they'll never disappear completely abdominal scars will
not show under most clothing, even under bathing suits. |
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If you have any questions, or wish to schedule a consultation with Dr. Doolabh, please call Contemporary Plastic Surgery today at
904.854.4800. |
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