Tummy Tuck

At Ingram Cosmetic Surgery, we believe you could be a good candidate for a Tummy Tuck in Nashville, TN if you have some of the following characteristics:

• Bothered by the aesthetic of your abdomen
• Are at a stable weight
• Are within 25%-30% of their ideal body weight
• Has no abdominal wall laxity
• In good overall physical health
• Keeps realistic expectations for their tummy tuck results
• Willing to maintain a healthy lifestyle after surgery
• Non-smoker and can commit to staying so
• Tried losing weight in the abdominal area with limited or no success

Patients who have opted for a Tummy Tuck in Nashville at Ingram Cosmetic Surgery have been able to see some of the following examples of the benefits of significant weight loss that this surgery can provide:

• Better overall flexibility
• Gives your body a better appearance and can increase self-confidence
• Have significant skin laxity
• Improved control over bodily functions
• Increases your tolerance for more intense exercises once that excess skin is gone
• Minimize the risks for certain medical conditions
• Motivates to lose excess weight and achieve better health
• Prevents painful hernias
• Relieves stress urinary incontinence (after pregnancy, some women find they have an issue with accidental leaks)
• Repairs issues such as separation of the abdominal wall (a condition called diastasis recti) which often results from straining during pregnancy
• Stronger and improved core

When you come in for your Tummy Tuck, it will begin with you being administered some anesthesia in the form of general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, depending on what is discussed during your consultation. When you are fully sedated, Dr. Ingram will begin making his strategic incisions.

A full tummy tuck utilizes a horizontally oriented incision placed between the pubic hairline and the belly button. The shape and length of the incisions are determined by the amount of excess skin. After full tummy tucks, the abdominal skin is lifted and the weaker, underlying abdominal muscles are repaired. If necessary, Dr. Ingram will make a second incision around your naval to remove the excess skin in your upper abdomen.

The upper abdominal skin is pulled down and any excess skin is trimmed. The remaining skin is sutured together and a new opening for the belly button is created. to remove excess skin Dr. Ingram will pop the belly button up through the surface and suture it into position. Finally, the incision is closed with sutures, skin adhesives, tapes, or clips.

This procedure will take approximately two to three hours.

Typically, patients require one to two weeks off work to recover from an abdominoplasty surgery you won’t be able to lift, push, or pull anything heavy for about a month because of the muscle tightening that we perform in almost every tummy tuck. And you won’t see your absolute final recovery for at least three months, during which time swelling and bruising may occur. Dr. Ingram guides managing these symptoms and facilitates smooth recovery through frequent follow-up appointments.

Post-surgery recovery varies among individuals, depending on factors like age, health, body weight, and the type of tummy tuck performed. Patients typically need to wear an abdominal binder for about four to six weeks as their body heals to avoid fluid buildup and support the abdomen. It’s necessary to avoid strenuous activity, including vigorous exercise or heavy lifting, for at least six weeks. Additionally, patients are instructed on how to care for incisions and drain tubes, how to recognize signs of infection, and which physical activities to avoid.