About Tummy Tuck in Jacksonville

Your Initial Consultation

If you are interested in a tummy tuck in Jacksonville at First Coast Plastic Surgery, the first step is your initial consultation with Dr. Csikai where he will want to hear your goals and understand what you would like to change about your appearance. He will also evaluate your health, carefully examine your abdominal area and the condition of your skin.

After Dr. Csikai determines that your goals are realistic and that you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck, he will explain how the procedure is performed. You will also have an opportunity to ask any questions that you might have.

If you and Dr. Csikai agree that a tummy tuck in Jacksonville is right for you, a surgery coordinator will provide you with detailed information about preparing for the procedure. This will include guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding certain vitamins, supplements and medications. If you smoke, it is especially important to stop smoking at least a week or two before your surgery and during your recovery period. Smoking inhibits blood flow to the skin, and can slow your recovery and affect your final results.

Also, in preparing for your tummy tuck in Jacksonville at First Coast Plastic Surgery, be sure to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after your surgery and to stay with you for the first day or so immediately after your surgery.

About The Tummy Tuck Procedure

Dr. Csikai performs tummy tucks in Jacksonville for patients that do not have any medical conditions and that have a BMI of less than 40 at his on-site ambulatory surgical center. However, for added patient safety, Dr. Csikai performs tummy tucks for patients who have certain medical conditions or a BMI over 40 at an area surgical center.

There are two levels of tummy tuck; full tummy tuck which involves the abdominal area below and above the navel, removing excess fat and tightening the abdominal muscles. And the partial tummy tuck or “mini tummy tuck” that has a much smaller horizontal incision and removes excess fat between the incision and the navel.

The full tummy tuck in Jacksonville begins with a long incision from hipbone to hipbone just above the pubic area, so that any scaring is hidden below the waistline. A second incision is made around the navel to free it from the surrounding tissue. Dr. Csikai then separates the skin from the abdominal area all the way up to the ribs to remove excess fat.

With contouring of the abdominal area complete, the vertical muscles of the abdomen are then tightened by pulling them close together and suturing them into their new position. This provides more contouring, creates a firmer abdominal wall and narrows the waistline. The abdominal skin is then smoothed over the newly contoured abdomen and extra skin is removed. The navel is sutured in place and the main incision is closed. Dressings will be applied and a temporary drainage tube will be used to drain excess fluids from the surgical site.

With partial or mini tummy tuck, the horizontal incision is much shorter and incisions are usually not made around the navel. The skin is separated and excess fat between the incision line and the navel is removed. With contouring complete, the skin is smoothed over the area, excess skin is removed and the incision is closed. The navel is usually not moved during a mini tummy tuck.

Dr. Csikai also performs liposuction for the flanks as a part of his tummy tuck in Jacksonville for further contouring.

Full abdominoplasty can take two to five hours depending on the patient. A mini tummy tuck can usually be performed in an hour or two.

Recovering After Your Tummy Tuck

For the first few days following your tummy tuck in Jacksonville, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you’re likely to feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may be released within a few hours or you may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days.

Dr. Csikai will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressings. And though you may not be able to stand straight at first, you should start walking as soon as possible.

It may take you weeks or months to feel like your old self again. If you start out in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from abdominoplasty will be much faster. Some people return to work after two weeks, while others take three or four weeks to rest and recuperate.

As we mentioned, incisions for the tummy tuck procedure are made below the waistline close to the pubic area to help hide scaring, even when wearing a bikini. But scars are not the concern they used to be. Today we have products such as SCARGUARD REPAIR LIQUID and NUVADERMIS Silicone Scar Tape, that can greatly reduce scars and the skin discoloration associated to scars. Dr. Csikai will give you guidance on when and how to use these products.

To assure that your new look lasts, maintain a healthy diet. And if you are not already accustomed to regular exercise, explore the Internet to identify and begin a regular exercise routine that is appropriate for your age. If you simply continue the habits and daily routines of your lifestyle before your tummy tuck in Jacksonville, the fat will likely return. Make your new look last forever with a healthy lifestyle!

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