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Get a flatter, firmer stomach with an abdominoplasty

Tummy Tuck Columbus Ohio

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WHY A TUMMY TUCK (ABDOMINOPLASTY)?

Benefits of a Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck flattens and firms the stomach, removing loose skin and excess fat, and can even tighten the underlying fascia. It is a common surgical cosmetic procedure that provides a cleaner silhouette above and below the belly button. Tummy tucks are frequently performed for patients looking to restore their pre-pregnancy shape or to remove excess skin after weight loss.  

Dr. Okada Surgery Options Preparation FAQs

 

Haruko Okada, MD

Physician & Owner, Stratus Plastic Surgery

Excess fat and skin around the stomach can make it challenging to find clothes that fit, can be uncomfortable, and most critically, can degrade body image. Dr. Okada is an American Board of Plastic Surgery-certified surgeon who performs safe, natural-looking abdominoplasty to help restore a patient’s firm, flat stomach. This procedure is one of the most rewarding for Dr. Okada because patients are so consistently pleased with the very noticeable results afterwards. 

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Options for a Tummy Tucks Surgery

from our Columbus Plastic Surgeon

 

Dr. Okada will consult with you to determine the best procedure for you, depending on the extent of change you are hoping to see. Tummy Tucks are often combined with other procedures, such as the breast lift or liposuction. (See the Mommy Makeover). A standard tummy tuck addresses extra skin and fatty tissue in the lower abdominal area. A mini tummy tuck is another option, performed essentially the same way, but a good option for patients who have less skin and tissue to remove, and a less invasive procedure. Dr. Okada also performs extended tummy tucks, which can extend to the love handles and involves umbilical (belly button) reconstruction. 

 

 Preparing for Treatment

TUMMY TUCK (ABDOMINOPLASTY) CONCERNS & EXPECTATIONS

  • Initial Assessment

    Dr. Okada will consult with you in our offices to determine the most appropriate type of tummy tuck for you, and to discuss your particular concerns. During this appointment she will create a plan for your surgery and tell you how to prepare and what to expect, and take medical photographs if necessary. The best candidates for a tummy tuck are patients who are at or near their ideal weight, who have excess skin due to aging, weight loss, or pregnancies.

  • During Treatment

    In most instances, a tummy tuck is an outpatient surgery. The procedure lasts 2-3 hours and is usually performed under general anesthesia.

  • Recovery Timeline

    Your incision will be dressed with bandages, and you may have small tubes along the incision for drainage when you awake from surgery. You should expect to feel moderate pain, which will be accompanied by some swelling and bruising. Though you should be back to normal activities within two weeks, you’re prohibited from physical activity for six weeks following surgery and will most likely wear a surgical garment to help prevent fluid backup and to provide abdominal support while you heal. You’ll see Dr. Okada again several times for follow up visits.

Tummy Tuck Before and After Pictures

 
Tummy tuck Before and After 2 - Front view
Tummy tuck Before and After 2 - side view left
Tummy tuck Before and After 1 - Front view
Tummy tuck Before and After 1 - 45 degree angle
 

  • I was nervous about whether the surgery (abdominoplasty) was right for me. Dr. Okada did an amazing job of talking me through the procedure. Her work is phenomenal! Kelly is phenomenal too! Their attention to detail is nothing short of a miracle. 4 weeks post op and would have never even known that I had surgery. I highly recommend her services.

  • Dr. Haruko Okada is simply the best! As a surgeon myself, my hands are extremely important to me, and I trust her exclusively to care for them. I also often refer my own patients to her for cosmetic surgeries, such as abdominoplasty and liposuction, and they all tell me that they love her. She has an excellent bedside manner, and she always does the right thing for her patients, counseling them appropriately before and after their procedures. I can't recommend her highly enough!

  • Dr. Okada is an extremely talented surgeon. I couldn’t be happier with my results. Dr. Okada and her staff’s professionalism, care, and concern were outstanding from the time of initial outreach and consultation through post-op follow-ups. I highly recommend her for any plastics work you need or want done.

  • Dr Okada and her staff were amazing, I’ve never been comfortable or felt safe in medical settings my whole life but they made me feel safe and comfortable without even trying. Kelly and Alex were extremely helpful and kind I would recommend this practice to anyone ☺️

Your Questions, Answered.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TUMMY TUCKS (ABDOMINOPLASTY)

 
 

Will a tummy tuck hurt? 

Abdominoplasty is a major surgery, and there will likely be moderate pain along and beneath the incision line. Pain should become easily manageable within a couple days, however, and then you will just need to move carefully until you are fully healed.

What are the possible risks of a tummy tuck procedure?

As with any surgery, complications and risks are possible. Some of these can include:

  • Fluid accumulation beneath the skin (seromas)

  • Poor wound healing or infection

  • Unexpected scarring

  • Tissue damage or tissue death - this risk is increased if you smoke

  • Changes in skin sensation

How can I prepare for a tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, or extended? 

There are several things you can do to help your surgical outcome be the best it can be. If you smoke, stop now. Smoking has several effects on blood flow and can delay the healing process after any surgery. Maintain a stable weight for at least 12 months before surgery, and arrange ahead of time to have help post-surgery to prevent the risk of opening your surgical incision.

How can I reduce swelling after a tummy tuck?

Swelling after surgery is completely normal, but to help reduce your swelling quickly, be sure to follow all of Dr. Okada’s post-surgical recommendations. You will also want to avoid activity that utilizes your abdominal muscles, and strenuous activity in general, until your incision is healed. Other ways to help limit swelling include staying hydrated, avoiding smoking, and reducing sodium intake.

How long will swelling last after a tummy tuck? 

Most of your swelling will reduce within two weeks after surgery, but some residual swelling can last up to a year, and this is perfectly normal.

What happens to your belly button after a tummy tuck? 

Most of the time, your belly button does not move in a tummy tuck. The skin around your belly button will move, but since the belly button itself is attached to a stalk, Dr. Okada will simply create a new opening for your belly button after she tightens the skin around it. 

 
 
 

Considering the next step in your journey?

Complete this form or call us to schedule your tummy tuck consultation with Dr. Okada today.