Tummy Tuck Specialist in Portland
- When is tummy tuck a better treatment option than liposuction?
- How much time do I need to take off work after tummy tuck?
- When are the results from tummy tuck noticeable?
- What is the cost of tummy tuck surgery?
- How much weight can I expect to lose from tummy tuck?
A flat, well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. However, regardless of the effort, sometimes these methods do not help us achieve our cosmetic goals. Even individuals of otherwise normal body weight and proportion can accumulate loose, sagging skin or excess fat in the abdomen. The most common causes of this condition include heredity, multiple pregnancies, prior surgery, significant fluctuations in weight or congenital spine abnormalities that affect posture.
Dr. DeMars is a highly skilled plastic surgeon with multiple years’ experience performing various body contouring procedures, including tummy tuck for men and women. He is proud of his reputation as a leading Portland tummy tuck specialist — the result of hundreds of successful abdominoplasty procedures and numerous testimonials from satisfied patients. In fact, Dr. DeMars’ reputation is such that he attracts tummy tuck patients from throughout the Portland metropolitan area.
What Does Tummy Tuck Correct?
Tummy tuck treats excess fat deposits and loose, sagging skin to smooth and flatten the abdomen. It can also repair weakened or separated abdominal muscles for a leaner abdominal profile.
Dr. DeMars was my surgeon several years ago. I visited with several others before making my decision. Dr. DeMars was professional, knowledgeable and very good at what he does. There is no one else I would rather go to. Very highly recommend him!” -Google+ Review
Your Tummy Tuck Consultation
Dr. DeMars will meet with all Portland abdominoplasty candidates to evaluate them for surgery and start drafting a surgical plan. During your consultation, he will perform a physical examination of your abdomen, noting the quality of your skin, the amount of excess fat and other areas of concern. He will also inquire about your health status and medical history.
If Dr. DeMars decides that you are a good candidate for surgery, and you move forward with scheduling your procedure, you will receive detailed information about how to prepare and what to expect afterward. You are encouraged to ask any questions you may have in order to go into surgery feeling confident and well-informed.
Procedural Details
Tummy tuck is an outpatient procedure performed under anesthesia for your comfort.
Dr. DeMars will begin by making the surgical incision just above the pubic line, from hipbone to hipbone. The incision is carefully placed low enough to be concealed beneath a panty or bikini line.
Through the incision, Dr. DeMars will remove excess skin and fat. He will stitch separated or weakened abdominal muscles together. He may also relocate the belly button higher on the abdomen, using an additional incision. Dr. DeMars will re-drape the remaining skin more tightly across the abdomen and close the incisions with sutures. Finally, he will place a support garment to help the tissues heal.
Recovering from Tummy Tuck
Dr. DeMars will provide detailed instructions for you to follow as you recover from surgery. You will also have a prescription for pain medication if you need it.
Your abdomen will be sore, swollen and bruised after surgery; these side effects will gradually lessen over time. The support garment will help compress the abdominal tissues as they heal. Generally, Dr. DeMars recommends that you rest as much as possible and avoid any strenuous movement, bending or lifting. He will meet with you for several follow-up visits and let you know when to resume work, exercise, and other activities.
Recovery Chart
Consult Day | During the consultation the patient meets with Dr. DeMars and goals are reviewed, an exam is done, and surgical plans are made. The patient will have prescriptions for pain medications, antibiotics and muscle relaxants mailed to them. |
Surgery | A typically abdominoplasty with liposuction contouring of the flanks takes between 2 and 2.5 hours. The patient receives an intravenous antibiotic prior to beginning procedure. |
Recovery Room | Approximately 2 hours . The patient must be sent home with a responsible adult who should plan on spending the night. |
After Surgery | Patients are sent home in a binder or corset with 1 drain in place. The drain should be emptied as needed. Patients should be ambulating to go to the bathroom but limited to walking around the house. |
Postoperative Visit #1 | Typically 7 days after surgery. Incisions are checked and drains are removed. Patient continues in an abdominal binder. You are permitted to shower after this visit. |
Postoperative Visit #2 | Typically 2 weeks after surgery. Incisions are checked. Sutures are trimmed if needed. Most patients are able to return to a desk job. By 14 days after surgery, compression garment can usually be removed. Tummy tuck scar treatments can be started. |
Postoperative Visit #3 | Usually about 6 weeks after surgery. Able to begin light walking on treadmill. No exercises that engage “core” musculature – no sit ups, crunches or planks until 8 weeks after surgery. |
Further Visits | Further visits are at patient discretion and there is never a fee. |
Schedule an Abdominoplasty Consultation
To learn more about tummy tuck surgery in Portland and how it can improve your physique, please call Dr. Ronald DeMars at (503) 253-3458 to schedule a consultation.
Tummy Tuck FAQs
When is tummy tuck a better treatment option than liposuction?
Liposuction is ideal for treating localized fat deposits only. Tummy tuck is a better option if you have loose, stretched-out abdominal skin and damaged muscles in addition to excess fat. Tummy tuck is usually indicated for those that have changes in their abdominal area after pregnancy, bariatric surgery or substantial weight loss.
How much time do I need to take off work after tummy tuck?
Tummy tuck recovery time varies by patient. Most tummy tuck patients take at least two weeks off from work to recover. Dr. DeMars will let you know how many days you should take off from work during your personal tummy tuck consultation.
When do the results from tummy tuck become noticeable?
Right after surgery, swelling and bruising will make it difficult to see results. As you heal, your results become noticeable. Expect to see results three to six months after surgery. Results will continue to improve for up to a year.
What is the cost of tummy tuck surgery?
The cost of tummy tuck varies, depending on several factors. For example, tummy tuck combined with breast surgery or additional liposuction is more expensive than tummy tuck alone. Dr. DeMars can provide a customized pricing quote after your personal tummy tuck consultation.
How much weight can I expect to lose from tummy tuck?
Tummy tuck is not a weight loss procedure — it is a body sculpting procedure — and you should not expect to lose any weight. In fact, you should be at or close to your ideal weight before undergoing a tummy tuck. If not, Dr. DeMars may not deem you a suitable candidate for surgery.