When seeking a tummy tuck surgery in San Antonio, knowing what to expect beforehand is crucial. Every tummy tuck has three main phases: Evaluation, Procedure, and Recovery.
Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck, is for patients seeking to improve the contour of their abdomen, usually after childbirth or massive weight loss. Patients with more severe abdominal laxity around the muscles and the skin would require an abdominoplasty. Some patients with good muscle tone and minimal skin laxity might be candidates for either a mini-abdominoplasty or liposuction alone.
During this process, you’ll learn which types of tummy tuck surgery you are a good candidate for. Dr. Harris will discuss your medical history with you, as well as any complications that can be caused or exacerbated by the procedure. At this time, you can ask questions (it’s a good idea to bring a list with you) and discuss your expectations for what you hope the procedure will accomplish.
You may also talk about pricing during the initial consult. Dr. Harris fully personalizes each procedure to meet the patient’s needs. Pricing will vary with each patient’s request. You’ll discuss how to prepare for your surgery, including how much time to set aside to fully recover before resuming normal activity levels.
Your tummy tuck surgery will take place at the CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Physicians Ambulatory Surgery Center in San Antonio, a fully accredited outpatient surgery center. The length of time for the surgery will depend on the exact procedure performed (full abdominoplasty, mini abdominoplasty, liposuction, or a combination of these).
General anesthesia will be applied before surgery begins. An incision between the pubic hairline and the belly button is made. The amount of excess skin tissue will determine where this line is made. The upper abdominal skin is then pulled toward the lower abdomen and sutured. An opening for the belly button is made next. Lastly, skin glue, sutures, and clamping are used to heal the incisions.
After your tummy tuck surgery is completed, expect to schedule follow-up visits with Dr. Harris. Your visits will initially be weekly until you are over the initial healing period. Dr. Harris will then monitor your healing during the first year until you are satisfied with the final appearance.
Some patients heal faster than others. The redness of a scar sometimes takes over a year to fade and may need special creams or dressings to assist in the healing. Dr. Harris will individually advise each patient with a personalized plan to allow for the best scarring and appearance.
