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Dr. Porterfield (Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery) with offices in the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Metropolitan area and Norman, Oklahoma.
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In your initial Tummy Tuck plastic surgery consultation, Dr. Porterfield (Certified, American Board Plastic Surgery practicing in Oklahoma) will extensively discuss your goals with Tummy Tuck plastic surgery, evaluate your health, and carefully
examine you to determine the most appropriate Tummy Tuck plastic surgery procedure. He will then discuss the various Tummy Tuck plastic surgery procedures available and what can be achieved with each, including their specific risks. He will also review before and after Tummy Tuck plastic surgery pictures with you as necessary to further display what can be achieved. All facets of the tummy tuck surgical workup are covered during the initial consultation and afterwards patients are prepared for the scheduling process. Some will require further medical workup such as labs, imaging, medical clearance, etc. as needed.
His office consultations and tummy tuck surgery are performed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He has been formally trained in plastic surgery and is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
During the Tummy Tuck plastic surgery consultation, Dr. Porterfield, Oklahoma Plastic Surgeon, will also explain the type of anesthesia that will be used, the type of facility where the surgery will be performed, and the costs involved.
In your initial Tummy Tuck plastic surgery consultation, Dr. Porterfield will determine the extent of fat deposits in the abdominal region, and carefully assess your skin tone. Be sure to tell Dr. Porterfield if you smoke, and if you're taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs. He will meet with you in his Oklahoma Plastic Surgery offices. His offices are located in Oklahoma City and Norman, in Oklahoma.
Be frank in discussing your Tummy Tuck plastic surgery expectations with Dr. Porterfield, Plastic Surgeon. He will be equally frank with you, describing your Tummy Tuck plastic surgery alternatives and the risks and limitations of each.
For example, if fat deposits are limited to the area below the navel, you may require a less complex procedure called a partial abdominoplasty also know as a mini-tummy tuck. This can often be performed on an outpatient basis. You may however, benefit more from a complete abdominoplasty done in conjunction with liposuction to remove fat deposits from the hips for a better body contour. Some patients may get the best results from liposuction alone.
Dr. Porterfield will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for Tummy Tuck plastic surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and whether to take or avoid certain vitamins and medications. As a surgeon, certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery with a plastic surgery practice in Oklahoma, he has the knowledge and skills to help you.
WE USE BOARD CERTIFIED ANESTHESIOLOGISTS.
We use board certified anesthesiologist for every procedure. This gives the patients constant monitoring during surgery with a board certified professional. It ensures the patient gets the best of care with the highest level of patient safety.
 BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS, CLICK HERE
General Information About Tummy Tucks (Abdominoplasty)
 What is a tummy tuck? Abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck is a cosmetic surgery of the abdomen to remove excess skin and fat, in order to create a slimmer, more toned appearance. A protruding or saggy abdomen may be the result of pregnancy, obesity and/or rapid weight loss, or simply age. A full abdominoplasty can include the tightening of loose stomach muscles in addition to the removal of excess skin and fat. Dr. Porterfield can also move or rearrange the navel (belly button) for a more pleasing appearance. Abdominoplasty can be performed on both men and women. A full abdominoplasty is major surgery, however, there are less extensive procedures, including one called a partial abdominoplasty, sometimes referred to as a “mini-tummy tuck.” All tummy tuck procedures can be done as out-patient surgery, with the patient going home that day.
Is this a popular type of surgery? Yes. Abdominoplasty, is one of the top five most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries, exceeded only by breast augmentation, nose reshaping, liposuction, and eyelid surgery.
Who is a candidate for tummy tuck surgery? Deciding whether or not to have abdominoplasty should take a lot of thought. The most important factor to consider with any cosmetic plastic surgery is your overall health. The best candidates for abdominoplasty are men or women who are in relatively good shape, but are bothered by an abdominal fat deposit, a persistent ‘pooch’, or loose abdominal skin that won't respond to diet and exercise. The surgery is particularly helpful to women who, after pregnancy, have stretched their abdominal muscles and skin beyond the point where they can return to normal. Loss of skin elasticity, which can be a result of age or slight obesity, can also be improved. You should be free of any active diseases or other pre-existing medical conditions that could complicate the surgery and  recovery period. The quality of your skin is also a factor. Having elastic skin — skin that more readily stretches and recovers — will give better results since it can adapt to the new size and shape of the abdomen.
In what instances should I wait to have this surgery done? If you plan to lose a large amount of weight, or if you are a woman still of child bearing age, you should wait to have a tummy tuck. Future weight loss or preganancy can disrupt the results of the surgery.
What about the incisions and resulting scars? Depending on the amount of skin to be removed, the elasticity of your skin, and the techniques used, scarring can be quite extensive. In a full abdominoplasty, the primary incision extends from one hipbone across the abdomen to the other hipbone. In most cases it is placed low enough on the abdomen to be below the level of standard undergarments. However, in some cases your surgeon may need to place the incision higher or may need to use a vertical incision. In these cases, the resulting scars will be more visible. If you are concerned about scarring, you should discuss all the available options during your initial consultation with Dr. Porterfield. You should carefully review before-and-after abdominoplasty photos to become familiar with the amount of scarring that can occur before making a decision.
What types of tummy tucks are there? There are several procedures that can be used to flatten and improve the appearance of the abdomen. Many clients do not require a full abdominoplasty. If you are considering a tummy tuck, you should investigate all the possible techniques and procedures. You’ll want to discuss this information with Dr. Porterfield.
- Mini-Tummy Tuck; Partial or Modified Abdominoplasty: This procedure is designed for clients who need skin and fat removed but do not require the abdominal muscles to be sutured back together or repositioning of their belly button. This procedure usually results in a scar across the lower abdomen, just above the pubic area, that is shorter than the scar from a full abdominoplasty.
- Dermolipectomy: This procedure is best for clients who have a lot of redundant skin and excess abdominal fat and need repositioning of the belly button, but whose underlying muscles are in good shape. People who have lost a great deal of weight and have sagging skin on the abdomen are ideal candidates for this procedure, as are people who have skin that is less elastic and will not bounce back from other procedures, such as abdominal liposuction. No muscle tightening takes place during dermolipectomy.
- Panniculectomy:This surgery removes hanging fat and skin on the belly, but does not usually reposition the navel and does not tighten the abdominal muscles. A panniculectomy may be done in conjunction with non-cosmetic surgery, such as a hysterectomy, repairs to the abdominal wall or the repair of an umbilical hernia. The procedure is called a panniculectomy because the hanging “tummy” is called a panniculus.
- Full Abdominoplasty: This technique is the most invasive of all abdominoplasty surgeries. It is reserved for those clients who have very loose abdominal muscles and significant excess skin to be removed. In a full abdominoplasty, the surgeon makes an incision from hipbone to hipbone. The surgeon then loosens the skin of the abdomen up to and past the navel (sometimes all the way to the ribs) and makes an incision around the navel to free it from the skin.
- Dr. Porterfield exposes the rectus abdominus muscles, which form two vertical bands down the abdomen that are joined at the
 center line by connective tissue. During an abdominoplasty, the surgeon will suture these muscles and connective tissue together. This pulls in the loose abdominal tissue and strengthens the abdominal wall.
- Once this is done, Dr. Porterfield then pulls the loosened abdominal skin down and removes excess skin. He then makes a hole in the redraped skin for the repositioned navel and sutures the navel into place.
- Liposuction: Liposuction can be used as an alternative to abdominoplasty or in conjuction with a tummy tuck. In liposuction, areas of fat are loosened and then sucked out using a vacuum-type device. Some people with firm skin that is not sagging may only need liposuction to the abdominal area to achieve a flatter stomach. For more information, see Liposuction.
What about Medical Insurance? You will be responsible for the cost of the surgery and all the fees associated with it. However, you can arrange financing.
What can I do to prepare for my surgery? If you smoke, plan to quit at least one to two weeks before your surgery and not to resume for at least two weeks after your surgery. Avoid overexposure to the sun before surgery, especially to your abdomen, and do not go on a stringent diet, as both can inhibit your ability to heal. If you develop a cold or infection of any kind, your surgery will probably be postponed. You should arrange for someone to drive you home after your surgery, and to help you out for a day or two after you leave the hospital.
What is involved with the actual surgical  process of abdominoplasty? Complete abdominoplasty usually takes two to three hours, depending on the extent of work required. Mini abdominoplasty may take an hour or two. Most patients are allowed to return home. Out of town patients should arrange to stay in close proximity of the office the night of surgery. We use a board certified anesthesiologist for every procedure. This gives the patients constant monitoring during surgery with a board certified professional. It ensures the patient gets the best of care with the highest level of patient safety. Using a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery provides you with the best care.
What about recovery? It may take you weeks or months to feel like your old self again. If you start out in top physical condition with strong abdominal muscles, recovery from abdominoplasty will be much faster. Some people return to work after a week or two. Getting up and moving will help you heal better. You should get up and move around the day after your tummy tuck. This helps to reduce swelling, lower the chance of blood clots, and tone muscles. Vigorous exercise, however, should be avoided until you can do it comfortably. Your scars may actually appear to worsen during the first three to six months as they heal, but this is normal. Expect it to take nine months to a year before your scars flatten out and lighten in color. While they'll never disappear completely, abdominal scars will not show under most clothing, even under bathing suits.
What are the risks? ALL SURGERY CARRIES SOME UNCERTAINTY AND RISK. Thousands of abdominoplasties are performed successfully each year. Nevertheless, there are always risks associated with surgery and specific complications associated with this procedure. Post-operative complications such as infection and blood clots are rare, but can occur. Infection can be treated with antibiotics, but will prolong your recovery. You can minimize the risk of blood clots by moving around as soon after the surgery as possible. Poor healing, which results in conspicuous scars, may necessitate a second operation. Smokers should be advised to stop, as smoking may increase the risk of complications and delay healing. You can reduce your risk of complications by closely following Dr. Porterfield’s instructions before and after the surgery, especially with regard to when and how you should resume physical activity.
BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS, CLICK HERE
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