GULF COAST PLASTIC SURGERY’S GUIDE TO A

TUMMY TUCKEVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE,DURING AND AFTER YOUR SURGERY

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If you have spent endless hours in the gym and eat a healthy, well-balanced diet but still struggle to achieve a flat tummy, you may be thinking about a tummy tuck. There may be times that excess fat and skin simply don't respond to diet and exercise, especially in the abdominal area. The reason for that lingering fat and skin may be weight loss, pregnancy, or the simple result of aging. Some women get tummy tucks as part of a "Mommy Makeover" that allows for a whole body overhaul. While the needs of each individual patient can vary, a “Mommy Makeover” usually consists of a tummy tuck, a breast lift (and/or a breast augmentation) and perhaps liposuction. No matter what the reason that you are thinking about a tummy tuck, board-certified plastic surgeons Drs. Peter Butler, Jocelyn Leveque or Nathan Patterson can help. A tummy tuck can help restore your self-confidence and allow you to feel good about yourself again. This ebook was created to help you understand the tummy tuck procedure and how it can benefit you!

Who is thisebook for?

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Is a Tummy Tuck RIGHT FOR ME?To decide whether tummy tuck surgery is right for you, you should first consider the reasons that you want to have the surgery.

To decide whether tummy tuck surgery is right for you, you should first consider the reasons that you want to have the surgery. The best reason to get a tummy tuck: You want one! This is something that you should do for yourself, not because someone else tells you that you need it or should have it. Although you can always consider the thoughts of your partner, your own thoughts on the tummy tuck are the most important thing by far. In short, tummy tucks are only right for people who truly want them or truly feel they need them.

While every person may have different reasons for wanting a tummy tuck, here are some of the most common.• Have you struggled to get your flat tummy back following the birth of your children?• Do the stretch marks in your abdominal area make you feel miserable when you look at

them?• Have you found that the older you get, the harder it is to keep the stomach area

toned?• Have you experienced a significant weight loss and now find that you've got excess skin

that makes your abdominal area look awful?• Do you exercise and put considerable effort into toning your tummy, but never get the

results you're looking for?• Do you diet and eat right, but find that your abdominal area just doesn't respond like

the rest of your body does?

Any of these reasons can be excellent reasons for choosing a tummy tuck. However, it is important to know that a tummy tuck can't replace weight loss. It is not a magic bullet that will instantly take a person from being very overweight to being svelte. However, people who are a healthy weight - or who are as close as possible to their ideal weight range - can often benefit enormously from a tummy tuck.

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IMplant types WHAT IS A TUMMY TUCK?A tummy tuck is a surgery designed to eliminate extra skin and fat in the abdomen.

Tummy tucks can also eliminate stretch marks caused by pregnancy, weight loss, or weight gain. Even if a person is at their ideal body weight, with very little abdominal fat, excess skin can still cause an undesirable look. The tummy tuck addresses this concern by removing any excess fat, removing excess skin, and then readjusting the skin for a toned and taut look.

People who have poor skin elasticity may be especially good candidates for tummy tucks. Poor skin elasticity is quite common after childbirth, weight loss, or aging. The tummy tuck can not only take away the extra skin but will also tighten the skin that remains. This, in turn, dramatically improves elasticity for the future as long as you maintain a healthy weight.

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Tummy Tuck or Liposuction: Which is Better?If a patient is at or near his or her ideal body weight, has good skin elasticity and/or has localized areas of fat (like love handles or hip rolls) then liposuction might be the answer instead of a tummy tuck. A patient who has abdominal liposuction surgery needs to have good general skin elasticity so that the skin can readjust seamlessly to the immediate fat loss. Generally speaking, liposuction surgery is not as invasive as a tummy tuck, has a shorter recovery time and can sometimes be done in the office under local anesthesia. If a patient has excess skin, liposuction can certainly be performed to remove the fat under the skin. However, excess skin will remain after liposuction surgery. With a tummy tuck, the fatty tissue attached to the skin will be removed along with the skin, allowing for results that a simple liposuction could not achieve.

In some tummy tuck surgeries, particularly in cases where there is extra abdominal fat that isn't attached to the skin, the patient may need a liposuction procedure along with the tummy tuck. Patients who want body contouring in the waist, hips or flanks may also find that liposuction surgery can pair well with a tummy tuck procedure. This procedure can be done at the same time as the tummy tuck and will allow for the removal of all excess fat as well as hip area contouring. It is very common to have liposuction done in conjunction witha tummy tuck in order to enhance the final result. At your consultation, your surgeon will be able to tell you if liposuction, a tummy tuck or both are needed to achieve your desired result.

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WHY IS IT IMPORTANTTO HAVE A CONSULTATION?

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A consultation is important for several reasons, but for many patients, the main purpose of a consultation is to learn more about the procedure. The consultation is your chance to ask questions and discuss your goals for the surgery. During the consultation, your doctor will review your medical history to make sure that you are a good candidate for the surgery. Most healthy adults are good candidates for a tummy tuck.

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WHY IS IT IMPORTANTTO HAVE A CONSULTATION?

1: Lab Tests 3: Stop Smoking

2: Medication Review

5: Arrange a Ride

4: Prepare the Home

Laboratory tests are an important step in preparing for a tummy tuck. The lab testing is generally quite simple, normally requiring only a blood draw that takes a few minutes. The results of those tests will be relayed to us in the following days, and these results will allow your doctor to verify that you are healthy enough to have the surgery.

Smokers should always honestly discuss their smoking habits with their surgeon prior to the surgery. It is strongly recommended that you stop smoking for at least a few days (a week or longer is best) prior to your tummy tuck surgery. Smoking can inhibit your ability to heal, in addition to the fact that it's bad for you in general.

Another important part of preparing for a tummy tuck is a review of all themedications that you are currently taking, or have taken in the recent past. You'll typically need to provide our office with this medication list at your consultation appointment if possible. Include both prescription and non-prescription medicines on the list, even natural supplements. Certain medicines such as aspirin should not be taken in the days prior to surgery.

After the surgery, you'll be unable to drive. Arrange for a friend or family member to pick you up, take you home, and help you get settled after your tummy tuck.

Be sure to prepare your home for your recovery period. Have fresh linens on the bed, and clear space on the bedside tables for essentials like water bottles, books, and television remotes. Have plenty of healthy fresh food stocked in the refrigerator so you don't need to worry about shopping during the early recovery period. Be sure that the house is neat and clean before you have surgery because you won't feel like moving around a lot or doing much during your early recovery.

Preparing For The ProcedurePreparing for your tummy tuck surgery can take a couple of weeks, or as long as several months. The amount of planning that you have to do may depend, in part, on your current lifestyle and your current weight. Patients who are overweight will need to lose weight prior to the surgery, as tummy tuck surgery has optimum results when performed on patients who are at a healthy weight. You'll also need to prepare in the following ways.

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THE TUMMY TUCKPROCEDURES

There are two different tummy tuck procedures, the full tummy tuck and the mini

tummy tuck. While neither surgery is a substitute for weight loss, a tummy tuck of either type can have dramatic results. The time required to perform a tummy tuck will vary by patient, with the surgery lasting from 2 to 5 hours in most cases.

The Full Tummy Tuck: A full tummy tuck is done under general anesthesia, so you'll be asleep for the entire surgery. To perform a full tummy tuck, your surgeon will make a precise hip to hip incision along with a small navel area incision. This allows for the removal of extra skin and the fat attached to it. The skin can then be repositioned to accommodate for the skin and fat loss. The outer abdominal muscles can also be tightened if needed, and if you have abdominal muscle wall separation, it can be corrected during a full tummy tuck. If stretch marks are present, your doctor can remove them as fully as possible while still leaving enough skin for normal elasticity.

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The Mini Tummy Tuck: A mini tummy tuck is performed under either general or local anesthesia. A mini tummy tuck has a shorter u-shaped incision, just below the bikini line. A mini tummy tuck may be ideal if your main goal is the correction of minor distension in the lower belly area. Overall, a mini tummy tuck works mainly as a muscle tightening surgery. It cannot correct serious muscle wall separation like a full tummy tuck can, nor can a mini tummy tuck remove stretch marks as effectively as a full tummy tuck can.

Drs. Leveque, Patterson, and Butler use precise suturing when performing a tummy tuck. Usually, one or two drains will be placed near the incision in order to collect excess fluid and make sure the tummy tuck heals without complications. In mostcases, the drains will be removed seven to ten days after surgery.

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To have the ideal recovery, it is important to remember that a tummy tuck is major surgery and treat it accordingly. Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery’s surgeons and staff work with each patient to make sure that they have realistic expectations and know what to expect as they recover. Be sure to follow all the instructions that you are given when you are discharged to have the best possible recovery. Although every patient is different, most patients can expect the following things during their recovery from tummy tuck surgery.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING RECOVERY

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The Recovery TimeRecovery time is around two weeks for the majority of patients. It is ideal if you can take enough time away from work and from your daily routines to get true rest during this two week period. Allow yourself to get plenty of sleep during this time, as it will help you heal.

The SwellingIt is normal to have some swelling after a tummy tuck. Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery recommends the use of a heavy compression garment for the first two weeks and a medium compression garment like Spanx for another four weeks after the surgery. This will help reduce swelling and make you more comfortable as you recover.

The MedicationAlways take antibiotics on time, and continue to do so until the medication is gone. This will help prevent infection as you recover. Most tummy tuck patients experience mild to moderate pain during early recovery, and this can be managed with either over the counter medicines or prescription painkillers. Don't wait until you're in severe pain before you take pain medication.

By taking the medication when you need it - but before you feel crippled with pain - is always best. Keep in mind that prescription narcotics can have some unpleasant side effects like constipation, so try to limit their use. Most patients find that they don't need prescription painkillers for more than a couple of days following a tummy tuck procedure. If you experience itchiness in your abdominal area following your surgery, you may take an over the counter antihistamine like Benadryl for relief.

Dieting to Maintain ResultsA tummy tuck is never an answer for rapid weight loss. While it can dramatically improve your appearance, you'll have the best long term results if you work to maintain a healthy body weight following the tummy tuck. Patients who gain a significant amount of weight following a tummy tuck will often find themselves in the same position they were in before the surgery: With stretched-out skin and excess abdominal fat. While crash diets aren't wise, keeping an eye on your food intake and regularly monitoring your weight are smart ways to keep your tummy- and your whole body - looking great.

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Meet the doctorsDr. nathan Patterson

Dr. Patterson, a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, maintains memberships in elite plastic surgeon associations including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is an active member of the American Medical Association, and is currently a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

Dr. Patterson's education started at Birmingham-Southern College in Alabama, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. He then graduated medical school, earning an M.D. at the University of Alabama in Birmingham School of Medicine. Dr. Patterson's surgical training took place at Birmingham's Carraway Methodist Medical Center and the highly esteemed Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation in Louisiana. His plastic surgery residency was completed at the University of California San Diego, where he trained with some of the foremost plastic surgeons in the world.

Dr. Patterson has a passion for helping patients achieve their appearance goals. His artistic abilities and medical expertise combine to help you get the beautiful body you want.

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Peter Butler, M.D., FACS is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the National Board of Medical Examiners. He is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Medical Association, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), and the prestigious Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. He has been practicing plastic surgery for 20 years. He is the co-founder of Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery, one of the largest and most well-regarded practices in North Florida.

Dr. Butler attended Florida State University, where he majored in biology and chemistry. Dr. Butler not only excelled academically at FSU, but athletically as well. He played for the FSU Lacrosse Team and was even a walk-on kicker for the FSU football team. After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Biology, Dr.Butler decided to pursue a graduate degree in chemistry. While the lab held great allure for Dr. Butler, he longed to combine his love of science with his passion for helping people. Medicine seemed to be the ideal way to realize both dreams. He was accepted into the University of Florida College of Medicine. After medical school, He chose a general surgery residency position at the University of North Carolina’s program at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, NC. During the five-year general surgery residency, Dr. Butler honed his surgical skills. He was also known for his ability to relate to his patients and explain complicated medical issues in an easy to understand way. Dr. Butler accepted a fellowship in plastic surgery at the University of Utah where he had the opportunity to learn plastic and reconstructive surgery from some of the best academic surgeons in the United States.

Dr. Butler believes that he and his patients are partners in achieving the best results possible. “I think one of the most important things a plastic surgeon can do is listen,” says Dr. Butler. “During their initial consultation, I take the time to really talk with a prospective patient. I want to understand thoroughly why someone has come to see me, what his or her expectations might be and what I can do to help.”

Dr. peter butler

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Dr. Leveque obtained her board certification by The American Board of Surgery in February, 1999 and The American Board of Plastic Surgery in March, 1999 with a recertification in plastic surgery in 2007. She became a fellow of the American College of Surgeons in October, 2000. She also holds memberships in many prestigious professional organizations including the America Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the Southeastern Society of Plastic Surgeons, and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

She was valedictorian of her high school class and received the Joseph M. Brunini and the Presidential Scholarship to attend Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. She graduated cum laude from this prestigious institution with a B.S. in Psychology and a minor in Biology and Chemistry. She then attended the University of South Alabama College of Medicine earning a Doctor of Medicine degree. In medical school she was very active in the American Medical Association Medical Student Section and received the AMA recruiting award. Dr. Leveque remained at the University of South Alabama Medical Center to complete a five-year general surgery residency which was ranked as one of the top general surgery programs in the country. Dr. Leveque spent the next four and a half years in New Orleans, Louisiana at Tulane University first completing a plastic surgery residency then an appointment as an Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Department of Plastic Surgery.

Dr. Leveque’s mission is to provide the highest level of quality care to the cosmetic and reconstructive patients in a relaxing, stress-free environment by a compassionate and highly skilled staff. She believes honest communication is the key to establishing a good patient/physician relationship.

Dr. jocelyn leveque

next stepsStill have some questions, or want to learn more about tummy tuck surgery? Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Patterson, Dr. Butler or Dr. Leveque (or all three if you’d like). A consultation will allow you to ask questions, get answers, and learn whether this is truly the right surgery for you.

Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery is located in Pensacola, Florida. Nestled in one of the most stunning vacation spots in the United States, you may find that this is the perfect place to get a brand new body, then recover in a tropical climate with beautiful beaches. If you are traveling to Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery to have your surgery, our patient care coordinators can help arrange hotel accommodations and medical assistance for you while you recuperate.

Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery is the largest plastic surgery practice in Northwest Florida. All our surgeons are board-certified and members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), as well as members of the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Medical Association. Drs. Butler, Leveque and Patterson are all Fellows of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).

Our staff will be happy to schedule a consultation at which we can discuss the tummy tuck procedure with you further. At Gulf Coast Plastic Surgery, we will always strive to help you achieve the appearance you've always wanted. The taut and toned tummy you've always wanted is within your reach. Just reach out to us to get started today!

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