Whether you are male or female, a tummy tuck in Indiana with Dr. Gus Galante can give you a flatter, more sculpted abdomen. This procedure tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess skin and fat. Technically called abdominoplasty, this procedure can give patients an improved body image and a new sense of confidence. A tummy tuck can benefit mothers after their childbearing years, or individuals who have lost a considerable amount of weight and are experiencing muscle laxity, excess skin, and pockets of residual fat.
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Before
After
Unhappy with the look of her abdomen, this 44-year-old patient scheduled a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Galante. She was eager to learn more about the process of getting abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck surgery, in our Indiana plastic surgery practice.The patient, a mother of 3...Read On
Before
After
This 37 year-old woman had previously undergone breast augmentation and liposuction at our Indiana practice. But while she enjoyed the slimmer contour she achieved through high-quality surgery and healthy habits, she wasn't so happy about the loose, droopy abdominal skin that her weight loss lef...Read On
Before
After
The patient shown in these before-and-after photos came to see Dr. Galante, a board certified plastic surgeon with expertise in cosmetic breast surgery and body contouring, at his Northwest Indiana office. She initially was requesting treatment to improve the appearance of her abdomen but also had a...Read On
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Your transformation will begin with an in-depth, personal consultation with Dr. Galante. He will evaluate your medical history to determine the best way to achieve your desired result. Dr. Galante will encourage you to ask questions and to be open and honest about your goals.
Team up with an honest, approachable plastic surgeon who will work with you to achieve your goals. Look & feel better with Dr. Galante.
Tummy tuck procedures can take between 2 and 5 hours. Dr. Galante performs tummy tucks using general anesthesia on an outpatient basis, meaning you'll likely go home the day of your surgery. However, some patients will need to stay overnight in the hospital for observation.
Dr. Galante may recommend a standard or mini abdominoplasty procedure. Read more about these options below.
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| Tummy tuck incisions |
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| Muscle repair |
A standard abdominoplasty, more commonly called a "full" tummy tuck, is the most common procedure and gets the most extensive results. It is appropriate for patients who have loose, excess tissue both above and below the belly button. Here's how the process works:
Drains are usually used in a full tummy tuck, relieving fluid buildup, which can put pressure on incisions.
A modified version of a full tummy tuck, commonly called a "mini" tummy tuck, typically requires a shorter incision and usually doesn't involve repositioning the belly button. It's most appropriate for patients who have excess skin only below the belly button. Good candidates for a mini abdominoplasty have skin with good elasticity and abdominal muscles that are strong.
The procedure is similar to the full tummy tuck, except Dr. Galante makes only a single incision above the pubic area. This incision is usually shorter than for a full abdominoplasty.
"I was in and out in a few hours. It seems funny to say this, but overall it was honestly a pleasant experience."
–Read Dina's Real Patient Story
Your results may vary.
A tummy tuck procedure is virtually identical for male and female patients. Often women who have had children need to have their abdominal wall muscles repaired. Men sometimes need this done as part of their procedure as well. Dr. Galante notes that one main difference with a male tummy tuck is that surgeons must avoid results that create an hourglass shape, to maintain a masculine physique.
The approach to the surgery is less about gender and more about each patient's specific desires. Your surgeon must be aware of your goals, so he or she can take them into consideration when creating a safe surgical plan.
You will need a day of bed rest after your procedure, and you will wear a compression garment for at least 2 weeks. This will help reduce swelling and improve comfort and healing. You will have prescription pain medication to manage your discomfort. Your stitches will be bandaged, and you will receive detailed post-surgical instructions. Most of your stitches will be internal, and any external sutures will be removed within a week. Drain tubes placed at the time of surgery will also be removed within about a week.
You should start light activities such as walking after the first day but avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks. Many patients return to work after 1 to 2 weeks, but others need longer.
Scars are unavoidable with abdominoplasty. Whenever possible, Dr. Galante places incisions below the bikini line to reduce the scar's visibility. Scars can take up to a year to heal completely, and over-the-counter products can help scars heal more inconspicuously.
...about their positive experiences with Dr. Gus Galante as their plastic surgeon. As they take the time to share via online review sites, we take the time to read them and post them, in their own words, on our Patient Reviews page.
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