If you're looking for a better belly, you've come to the right place. Dr. Michael Spann – board-certified in General Surgery by the American Board of Surgery and Plastic Surgery by the American Board of Plastic Surgery – at Little Rock Plastic Surgery is one of the masters of abdominal surgery.
The ever-elusive "six-pack" has motivated many individuals to do countless crunches or to try the latest "miracle" diet pill. Stubborn fatty deposits in the belly are tough to eliminate with diet and exercise alone. Additionally, many people are frustrated with abdominal skin laxity (loose, hanging skin), which can develop as a result of genetics, childbirth, hormonal imbalances, age, and dramatic weight gain or loss.
Fortunately, tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) surgery offers an effective solution to fatty deposits and skin laxity in the stomach region. This body procedure can improve the appearance of a flabby or protruding stomach and eliminate loose, sagging abdominal skin.
What is a Tummy Tuck?
A tummy tuck involves surgically removing excess skin and fat from the lower and middle abdominal region (lipoadominoplasty). This is followed by the tightening of the abdominal musculature, which creates an enviably flat, smooth abdomen.
Tummy Tuck Surgery Benefits
To get the best tummy tuck result, select a talented plastic surgeon with strong training, an excellent record, and a strong commitment to body contouring surgery. Dr. Spann has a broad scope of knowledge and experience performing abdominoplasty procedures, which he puts to use in helping patients achieve the stomach contours they deserve.
Patients choose tummy tucks in Dr. Spann's Arkansas office for many reasons, including to:
- Sculpt the waistline
- Remove loose skin from the abdomen
- Tighten abdominal muscles
- Flatten and smooth the abdominal profile
- Increase self-esteem in and out of clothing
Ideal Tummy Tuck Candidates
To get the best tummy tuck result, select a talented plastic surgeon with strong training, an excellent record, and a strong commitment to body contouring surgery. Dr. Spann has a broad scope of knowledge and experience performing abdominoplasty procedures, which he puts to use in helping patients achieve the stomach contours they deserve.
Patients choose tummy tucks in Dr. Spann's Arkansas office for many reasons, including to:
- Sculpt the waistline
- Remove loose skin from the abdomen
- Tighten abdominal muscles
- Flatten and smooth the abdominal profile
- Increase self-esteem in and out of clothing
Ideal Tummy Tuck Candidates
Ideal tummy tuck candidates are individuals who:
- Are in Good Physical Health: You should not have any serious medical conditions that could impair healing. This includes unmanaged diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or immune deficiencies. You should also be at a stable weight, as significant fluctuations can affect results.
- Have Specific Abdominal Concerns: You should have excess skin or fat in the abdomen that hasn't responded to diet and exercise. You may also be a candidate if you have loose or separated abdominal muscles (diastasis recti) that affect your midsection's shape.
- Are Post-Pregnancy or Post-Weight Loss: You should have finished having children and want to restore your abdominal contour. You may also be an ideal candidate if you have undergone considerable weight loss and are left with loose, sagging skin.
- Do Not Smoke: You should be a non-smoker or willing to stop smoking before and after surgery to ensure proper healing.
- Are Psychologically Ready: You should be emotionally ready for surgery and the associated recovery process.
What Happens During the Procedure?
At your initial consultation, Dr. Spann will thoroughly review your medical history, evaluate your aesthetic goals, review the options available to you, and create an individualized treatment plan designed to achieve beautiful, natural-looking results for your tummy tuck in Arkansas.
Your abdominoplasty will be performed as an outpatient under general anesthesia. During the procedure, Dr. Spann will make a horizontal incision between the belly button and the pubis. He uses this to repair the muscles.
Working through the same incision, he will remove excess abdominal skin, fat, and tissue. Some patients may need the belly button to be repositioned to a more aesthetically appropriate location. Dr. Spann will accomplish this via a second incision around the circumference of the navel.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Timeline
Recovering from a tummy tuck involves several stages. Here's a general overview of what you can expect:
Immediate Post-Surgery (First 1-2 Days)
- Pain and Discomfort: You will experience swelling, bruising, and some discomfort. You can manage it with prescribed painkillers.
- Drain Placement: Surgical drains may be placed to remove excess fluid and reduce swelling. Dr. Spann will provide care instructions if this is the case.
- Compression Garment: You'll wear a compression garment to support healing, reduce swelling, and enhance the final contour.
First Week
- Restricted Movement: Avoid bending, lifting, or standing fully upright to reduce tension on the incision. A slight hunch in your posture is normal.
- Follow-Up Appointment: Visit Dr. Spann to check the incision, remove or manage drains, and track your progress.
- Wound Care: Keep the incision clean. Follow any dressing change instructions Dr. Spann provides.
Weeks 2-4
- Improved Mobility: At this point, swelling begins to subside, and you'll begin to regain mobility. Light activities like walking can promote circulation and prevent blood clots.
- Return to Work: You can likely return to non-strenuous work after 2-3 weeks. The exact recovery period will vary depending on the type of tummy tuck and your individual healing speed.
- Avoid Strain: Continue avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activities.
Weeks 4-6
- Resuming Activities: You can often resume light exercises, such as walking or yoga, at this point. You should avoid intense core workouts or heavy lifting until cleared by Dr. Spann.
- Swelling Reduction: Swelling will continue to diminish. Your new abdominal contour will start to become visible.
Long-Term Recovery (3-6 Months and Beyond)
- Scar Healing: Incision scars begin to fade. To reduce scarring, you can use silicone sheets or creams.
- Final Results: Most swelling will have subsided by the six-month mark. Your final results will be visible.
- Lifestyle Maintenance: To preserve results, maintain a healthy lifestyle (e.g., eat a nutritious diet and exercise regularly).
Why Choose Little Rock Plastic Surgery?
Dr. Spann has been repeatedly selected as a Top Plastic and Cosmetic Surgeon in Arkansas. He and the staff at Little Rock Plastic Surgery are dedicated to creating an inviting, safe atmosphere where you can discuss any changes you want to make to your body.
Dr. Spann is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. He has years of training and experience and will employ advanced surgical techniques to help you achieve your aesthetic goals while maximizing your safety and comfort.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you would like additional information about abdominoplasty surgery performed by Dr. Spann, please contact Little Rock Plastic Surgery today. Call us at 501.219.8000 or send us a message. We can't wait to hear from you!
