Gregory Ruff, MD
Chapel Hill, NC
Tummy Tuck | Case Details
Abdominoplasty (without drains!) In a full abdominoplasty, the usual option, the surgeon will cut a gentle arc from hipbone to hipbone, just above the pubic area. A second incision is made to free the skin from the navel, which remains in place. Next, the surgeon lifts the skin and fat from the abdominal wall all the way up to the ribs to reveal the muscles of the abdomen. These muscles are tightened across like “cinching” a belt. This firms and narrows the waistline. The flap is then stretched down and the extra skin and fat are removed. A new hole is cut for the navel, which is then stitched in place. Finally, the incisions are closed and dressings are applied, followed by a tight leotard. Most surgeons evacuate fluid from the wound with 1 or 2 drains, usually left in for a week. These tubes come through the skin below the main incision. They increase the pain and conduct germs into the wound. We no longer need them because Dr. Ruff places an extra layer of sutures to keep things snug. So there is no wound care because all of the stitches are under the skin. And with surgical superglue on the outside, you can shower the next day. In a limited abdominoplasty, the flap is lifted only up to the navel. When it is stretched down, the navel is pulled down too. The lower muscles are tightened and the excess skin and fat is removed. The third option, fleur-de-lis, also tightens the skin horizontally by removing it with an additional scar down the midline.
Umbilical Translocation: No
Concomitant hernia repair: Incisional