TUMMY TUCK

 

TOTAL COST: Around $5500 to about $8000 for a circumferential tummy tuck.

 

A tummy tuck removes loose skin from the tummy, and it removes some stretch marks. A tummy tuck will tightened the stomach muscles when necessary. The scars from a tummy tuck are extensive. Patients who are interested in a tummy tuck may call Dr. Bandeian’s office for an office consultation. The cost of the consultation is applied to the surgical fee. If a patient has had a gastric bypass surgery and has sufficient loose skin to interfere with personal hygiene, medical insurance may cover the cost of the tummy tuck. Otherwise, it will be considered a cosmetic operation that the patient must pay for herself. Dr. Bandeian gives his patients 3 prescriptions: one for antiseptic soap to use before surgery, one for prophylactic antibiotics and one for pain medication. Dr. Bandeian gives his patients a choice of different pain medication, including the most powerful pain medication that can be taken by mouth because he wants his patients to be as comfortable as possible after the surgery.

 

Dr. Bandeian does tummy tucks either at Kingsport Day Surgery Center or at Indian Path Hospital. His patients are put to sleep for their surgery by an anesthesiologist and a nurse. The operation takes about 2 to 5 hours to do. Patients should have a responsible adult drive them home from either the surgery center or the hospital. If the patient is to go home on the day of surgery, the surgery will be done at the Kingsport Day Surgery Center. If the patient is to spend the night, the surgery will be done at the hospital. Dr. Bandeian sees his patients on the day after surgery and several times thereafter.  He instructs his patients not drive a car or do any house work for the first 7 days after the surgery. The Stitches are left in for about 10-14 days. Most women return to work in about one week. After the first week, patients can lift up to 10 pounds; thereafter, they can lift 10 additional pounds each week. Swimming, tennis, and upper body aerobics should be avoided until 6 weeks after surgery.  A few days after the surgery, Dr. Bandeian will have his patients wear an abdominal binder or a girdle. Most patients can return to work in about 7 to 10 days.