Both pregnancy and fluctuations in weight can leave the abdominal muscles lax and separated, resulting in abdominal bulges and loose, hanging skin around the belly. These changes may not be responsive to diet or exercise. A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) directly addresses these issues producing a flatter, firmer tummy and improved figure.

Tummy tuck surgery helps patients in the Raleigh and Durham area improve the appearance of their abdomen through one or a combination of techniques:
  • Removing excess skin
  • Eliminating unwanted fat
  • Tightening the underlying muscles to eliminate bulges

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Zenn has performed hundreds of tummy tuck procedures. He was board certified in General Surgery before he became a board certified plastic surgeon and has detailed knowledge and experience operating in the abdominal area. He knows which tummy tuck techniques work, and which ones don’t, and which are “too good to be true.” He has taught the abdominoplasty procedure to residents training at Duke and UNC over the past 20 years, many of whom practice in the area using Dr. Zenn’s techniques.

Dr. Zenn’s Approach to Tummy Tuck

A tummy tuck is a body contouring procedure. The tradeoff is that surgery leaves a scar in place of the excised skin. Dr. Zenn positions this incision below the waistline so that patients can enjoy a natural-looking appearance in everyday clothing and beachwear. He evaluates patients’ needs to determine whether this tradeoff makes sense for each situation. Sometimes liposuction alone, which leaves smaller and less prominent scars, is a better option for certain patients.

“Dr. Zenn’s kindness and skill has changed my life. It is amazing to me that someone who is so talented and skilled and confident can also be as approachable, kind, genuine and nice as Dr. Zenn is.”
-Happy Patient

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Your Tummy Tuck Consultation

During your appointment with Dr. Zenn, he will get to know you and learn what bothers you most about your abdominal area. Together, you will discuss the results you would like to see and the best means of achieving these goals. After a physical exam, Dr. Zenn will take the following into consideration when planning your potential surgery:

Excess Fat

Many patients have collections of fat in the hips, stomach, and pubic area. Dr. Zenn commonly includes abdominal liposuction as part of your tummy tuck so these areas will appear smooth following surgery.

Loose Skin

Many of our Raleigh and Durham area abdominoplasty patients have developed an apron of excess skin that protrudes over their waistline. Dr. Zenn can excise this loose skin to give you an improved shape. This often has the added benefit of eliminating vertical stretch marks in this area.

Muscle Separation

Dr. Zenn will assess the degree to which your abdominal muscles may have separated. This is common after pregnancy or following extreme weight fluctuations, and it can cause a bulging belly that may not respond to diet or exercise. In these cases, Dr. Zenn typically uses internal sutures to bring together the abdominal muscles, significantly tightening and flattening your belly.

The consultation is a perfect time to “ask the expert” anything and everything you want to know about abdominoplasty. Dr. Zenn will be happy to answer your questions to make sure you understand all the considerations for surgery. He will share his thoughts on all the “latest and greatest” inventions on the market to address fat in the abdomen and why they may or may not deliver the results you desire. No question is too small or insignificant. We want you to be comfortable with your decision to have surgery and confident in your choice of surgeon.

Your Experience with Tummy Tuck

Zenn Plastic Surgery patients have their procedures in one of several accredited surgical facilities in the Raleigh – Durham – Cary area. A board-certified anesthesiologist/CRNA helps patients sleep safely and comfortably throughout the surgery and wake up with little or no pain, sore throat, or queasiness.

Just prior to surgery, Dr. Zenn will review the surgical plan with you, and make marks to guide his work. Next, following his plan, Dr. Zenn will do one or more of the following:

  • Perform targeted liposuction to flatten your belly and surrounding areas
  • Close the separation between your abdominal muscles
  • Remove excess skin to give you a leaner body contour

After surgery, your abdomen will feel tight and sore. Dr. Zenn will discuss with you the option of receiving a regional block which numbs the abdomen for 2-3 days after surgery. This can greatly diminish the need for pain medication after surgery.

You should plan to stay home and be inactive for the first two weeks after surgery. You must avoid heavy lifting of any kind. Once Dr. Zenn gives you the okay, then you may slowly ease back into your normal routine.

Following your abdominoplasty, you will immediately notice that you have a flatter and improved figure. Your results should continue to improve as you heal, and by the end of your recuperation, you will enjoy greater confidence and maybe even a new wardrobe!

Find out whether you are a good candidate for a tummy tuck procedure. Raleigh and Durham patients can contact Zenn Plastic Surgery online or by phone at (919) 480-3885 to schedule an initial consultation.

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