Nutritional Planning

Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck surgery, is performed at The SHAW Center to create a firm, contoured abdomen. Good abdominoplasty candidates have loose abdominal skin and muscles usually from pregnancy or weight loss. These issues are usually not corrected by diet and exercise and many women who have had children find that abdominoplasty is the only way to restore the firmness that they once had in the abdominal area.  This procedure is often combined with other procedures like breast augmentation and breast lifts also known as a mommy makeover.  They may be done in combination or in stages. People who have lost significant amounts of weight and have excess abdominal skin and tissue are also good candidates for a tummy tuck.  At your consultation with Dr. Shaw, a sound, safe surgical plan will be developed to achieve your aesthetic goals.

On the day of your surgery, Dr. Shaw will meet you in the pre-op area to answer any questions and draw some strategic markings that guide him in surgery.  These will help ensure that incision placement is ideal and as symmetric as possible.  Your surgery will be performed under general anesthesia by a board certified anesthesiologist.

The surgery will usually require two to three hours to complete depending on the extent of the tummy tuck procedure.  Excess skin and fat is carefully trimmed away from lower abdominal areas and the abdominal muscles are plicated in a corset fashion to create a toned, flat, and athletic appearance.  Drains are often placed under the skin and brought out the ends of the incision. This helps prevent any fluid buildup after surgery and hasten the recovery process and improve results. The incisions are then closed in multiple layers with absorbable sutures that do not need to be removed.  If needed, additional liposuction can be performed on the incision ends to improve contour.

You will spend one night in the outpatient surgical facility to insure safety.  Dr. Shaw will discuss more at your initial consultation.