Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) in Indiana

Before and After Abdominoplasty Your results may vary.

In Indiana, abdominoplasty (a tummy tuck) can significantly tighten the stomach muscles, reduce and remove excess skin and fat giving you a flatter, more sculpted abdomen. A tummy tuck can be beneficial to mothers after their child bearing years and to both men and women who have lost a considerable amount of weight and are experiencing muscle laxity and pockets of excess skin. Many tummy tuck patients from Indiana experience an improved body image and a new sense of confidence. After recovery, clothes may fit better, and you may feel more comfortable engaging in physical activities. At both our Schererville and Valparaiso, Indiana, plastic surgery offices, Dr. Gus Galante offers two different tummy tuck procedures: mini-abdominoplasty and standard abdominoplasty.

Your transformation will begin with an in-depth, personal consultation with Dr. Galante in the privacy of his cosmetic surgery office in Indiana. Dr. Galante will examine you and evaluate your medical history to determine the type of abdominoplasty procedure needed to achieve your desired result. It is important to ask Dr. Galante any questions you may have and to discuss all of your concerns during the appointment. Dr. Galante is very personable and will encourage you to be open and honest about your goals and desired results. All of the surgical risks and benefits will be disclosed in detail before the procedure is scheduled.

At our Indiana plastic surgery center, abdominoplasty procedures are performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. In some cases it may be necessary to stay over night in the hospital for observation, but this will be determined during your consultation prior to scheduling the surgery.

A standard abdominoplasty procedure requires an incision across the abdomen above the pubic area (sometimes called a bikini cut), and an incision around the belly button. The muscles from both sides of the abdomen are sutured together to tighten and strengthen the abdominal wall. Excess skin and fat deposits are removed, and the belly button is repositioned. For mini abdominoplasty procedures, the belly button may not need to be repositioned. Liposuction may also be used to remove fat deposits, and often Indiana patients will combine other liposuction procedures (upper thigh or hips) with a tummy tuck procedure. Tummy tuck procedures can take from 2 to 5 hours depending on the extent of the surgery.

You will need bed rest for a day after your tummy tuck procedure. You may experience swelling at the incision site. Any discomfort can be managed with medication. Your stitches will be bandaged, and you will be given complete instructions for changing the dressing and keeping the sutures clean. Most of your stitches will be internal, and any external sutures will be removed within a week after surgery. Drain tubes placed at the time of surgery will also be removed within one week.

During your recovery, you will need to wear a compression garment for two weeks. After your first day, it will be important to start engaging in light activities, such as walking to reduce the risk of blood clots and relieve the swelling. Being in good shape before the surgery is important and can be very beneficial for a speedy recovery. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting of any kind will need to be avoided for at least 6 weeks. Many Indiana patients return to work 1-2 weeks after surgery, but others need an additional few weeks to completely recover.

Permanent scars are unavoidable with any kind of abdominoplasty procedure. As much as possible, Dr. Galante places incisions below the bikini line to reduce the scar's visibility. Most abdominoplasty patients are so pleased with their results, they don't mind the scars. Scars can take up to a year to heal completely. Over the counter salves and creams are available to help reduce the scar's visibility.

Making a commitment to a healthy diet and regular exercise are important to maintaining the results of your tummy tuck.

Not everyone is a candidate for tummy tucks in Indiana. Having realistic expectations about the impact surgery will have on your life is important. Dr. Galante will discuss your expectations and evaluate your case during your consultation.

Since abdominoplasty is a cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by insurance and fees and expenses are solely the responsibility of the patient. For your convenience, we offer links to patient financing online.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Galante at either his Schererville or Valparaiso, Indiana, plastic surgery centers, please call 800-721-3244 or contact us online to begin your journey to the confidence no body can resist.