Your Ideal Face
Your Ideal Body
Your Ideal Breast
Cosmetic Surgery in Men

Go to Patient Photos            Back to Procedures

Tummy Tuck Kansas, Tummy Tuck Kansas City, Tummy Tuck in Kansas
Am I a good candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Abdominoplasty surgery is a common procedure that is safe and provides patients with a reliable way to improve their abdominal contour when diet and exercise have not been effective. Women who have given birth often benefit from tummy tucks as their abdominal skin and muscles were stretched during pregnancy, and the tissues rarely return to their original condition. In both men and women, previous surgeries may have compromised the muscle tone in their abdomen resulting in laxity and protrusion.  As well, people who have lost a lot of weight or are mildly overweight may also be candidates for a tummy tuck due to the loss of elasticity of the skin.  In all these situations a tummy tuck can dramatically reduce the appearance of a loose, protruding abdomen.

What does the surgery involve?
Tummy tuck surgery involves making an incision in the lower abdomen and removing the excess skin and fat.  The actual length of the scar varies depending on the degree of looseness of the skin. Most commonly the scar extends from one hipbone to the other just above the pubic region.  If there is little excess skin, a short scar or miniabdominoplasty can be done.  When a lot of skin is removed the navel will need to be shifted, leaving a scar around it.  The vertical abdominal muscles are tightened as well in most cases. A temporary tube is inserted to drain any excess fluid that may collect underneath the tissues.  The surgery is completed with the stitching of the incisions and the application of an elastic garment to support the abdominal tissues. 

Why does pregnancy sometimes leave a droopy abdomen?
The obvious answer is that it stretches the skin more than it is able to retract afterwards.  The other thing it does is stretch the abdominal wall - the muscles that hold the abdomen firm.  The more times a woman is pregnant, the more her muscles and skin are stretched.  People who lose a lot of weight often find they are left with excess skin as well.

If I have a tummy tuck, will it also help my stretch marks?
It will probably completely remove them.  During the consultation we can tell you for sure.

If I hope to have another baby someday, can I still go ahead with a tummy tuck?
You should wait.  Pregnancy will separate the vertical muscles in the abdomen, essentially undoing the tummy tuck.

When you do a tummy tuck, do you also use liposuction?
If it’s needed.  The two together can give wonderful results.

Is there a danger of injury to vital organs when you do this surgery?
No.  We do this surgery outside the abdominal cavity, so the risk is minimal.

Can men have tummy tucks?
Absolutely.  They, too, can have droopy skin, particularly if they’ve lost a lot of weight.  Some men may not be particularly overweight, but they may develop a potbelly.  This is a very effective treatment for men.

Will someone be able to tell I’ve had this surgery?
If they noticed the scar across your abdomen and recognized the kind of scar it was, they might.  But the scar is below the bikini line and it follows the natural contour of the abdomen.  So in most cases, unless they see the scar, no one will be the wiser.

Will I lose weight with a tummy tuck?
Nothing significant, but because of your improved appearance, you may feel motivated to lose weight if you need to so the rest of your body will match your tight, flat abdomen.

What about after the surgery?
In the early postoperative period the abdominal tissues will feel tight and swollen.  This settles down over the space of a week or two.  Heavy lifting is avoided for four weeks however walking and light exercise is encouraged from a very early stage.  It can take weeks to several months to feel like your old (but improved) self.  Most of the stitching is done underneath the skin so there are very few stitches to remove.

Most people are very happy after having had an abdominoplasty.  Stretch marks and scars in the lower abdomen have been removed and the smooth, flat contour is very attractive.  The new scars will often take up to six months to mature but should end being fairly fine white lines.  These scars are easily hidden in almost any kind of clothing.  Although one doesn’t lose a lot of weight with this procedure, it often motivates people to continue with a program of exercise and diet to keep their new shape.  It is important to be aware of the limitations of the surgery as “bone structure” and fat within the abdominal cavity is not affected by this type of surgery.

This introduction is intended to provide you with information about abdominoplasty.  Additional information, tailored to your particular needs, is provided at the time of consultation.  The staff of the Swanson Center for Cosmetic and Laser Surgery is available to answer any other questions you may have or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson.  We would be happy to assist you in finalizing your plans.

Contact us for more information on Abdominoplasty
For additional information on Abdominoplasty, click here

©1999 The Swanson Center  ·  11413 Ash, Leawood, Kansas  66211
913.663.1030  ·  Toll-free: 877.663.1030  ·  Fax: 913.663.1032
Notice of Privacy Practices | Sitemap

At the Swanson Center, Plastic Surgeon, Dr Eric Swanson MD provides an array of Cosmetic and Laser Surgery including breast augmentation, laser skin resurfacing, liposuction, facelift, rhinoplasty, microdermabrasion, BOTOX, abdominoplasty, etc. Serving Kansas city and the surrounding area.