Tummy Tuck – Abdominoplasty
A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is an ideal solution to achieve a smoother, flatter, and tighter abdomen. During the procedure, excess fat and sagging skin are removed, loose skin and abdominal muscles are tightened, and the navel is repositioned. It is important to remember that this surgery is a body contouring procedure, designed to reshape your midsection and return your abdomen to its flat, youthful shape.
Benefits of a Tummy Tuck
Aging, genetics, pregnancies, and weight fluctuations can all lead to loose skin and unwanted fat deposits. Even with a healthy exercise and diet routine, these problems may persist. Abdominoplasty offers you the following benefits:
- Removes excess skin around the abdomen
- Tightens the abdominal muscles
- Defines a slimmer waistline with smooth curves
- Reduces or eliminates the appearance of stretch marks
- Boosts your confidence
In the hands of a good plastic surgeon, a tummy tuck not only removes excess skin and fat from your midsection but also delivers natural-looking results that can help you feel more comfortable and confident.
Tummy Tuck and Costs
A tummy tuck is often a key part of a mommy makeover for patients looking to address various breast and body issues following pregnancy and childbirth. During our initial consultation, I will listen to your goals, assess your condition, and explain all the treatment options available to you. Together, we will design a fully customized surgical plan tailored specifically to your needs.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?
Your safety and satisfaction are always the top priorities. Therefore, it is essential that you are a good candidate for the surgery you are considering. While abdominoplasty is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed worldwide and is done on hundreds of thousands of patients each year, this procedure is not ideal for every patient.
Abdominoplasty is not a weight loss surgery; it is a body contouring surgery. Individuals with health conditions that may affect the procedure or those who are significantly overweight should delay the procedure until they are physically ready.
Generally speaking, you may be an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck if:
- You are struggling with stubborn, unwanted fat deposits despite diet and exercise
- You have loose abdominal skin and muscles
- You are in good general health
- You are at a stable and healthy weight
- You do not smoke or are willing to quit
- You are not taking any blood-thinning or healing-impairing medications
The best way to determine if a tummy tuck is right for you is to schedule a consultation. We will personally meet with you to assess your goals, health condition, and medical history before recommending the procedure that best meets your needs.
Abdominoplasty Consultation
To achieve flawless results, every procedure is meticulously planned. The planning process for your tummy tuck begins during your first personal consultation.
We will answer your questions and address all concerns regarding the procedure. It is important to fully understand what a tummy tuck can and cannot do. We will explain every aspect of your procedure and set clear expectations for your results.
During this consultation, we will listen to determine whether you are a good candidate for abdominoplasty. A comprehensive physical assessment is crucial to determining which procedure or combination of treatments will achieve your desired results. We will discuss your medical history, current medications, and aesthetic goals during these conversations.
No surgical procedure is completely risk-free. We will explain these risks to you and discuss the potential risks associated with your procedure. Informed patient care is a key element in ensuring a comfortable process.
Customized Tummy Tuck Procedure
The tummy tuck procedures performed for you are fully customized. Your surgery will be tailored specifically to meet your needs and goals. During your consultation, I will explain the location and length of the incision, the degree of correction required, and your surgical timeline.
Types of Tummy Tuck
Full Tummy Tuck
In this tummy tuck procedure, excess skin and fat tissue from both above and below the navel are removed. The abdominal muscles are also tightened, and the navel is repositioned. The scars from a full tummy tuck are typically planned to be hidden under underwear.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A mini tummy tuck is suitable for patients with only a moderate amount of extra fat and loose skin below the belly button. A smaller incision is made in this procedure.
In abdominoplasty, a liposuction procedure is often combined to achieve even more successful and desired results. Regardless of the technique used in your procedure, I understand the importance of natural-looking results and concealed scars. A typical tummy tuck procedure takes about 2-3 hours, depending on the extent of the operation, and is performed under general anesthesia. Most patients can be discharged within two days.
Tummy Tuck Recovery Process
After surgery, a wide, soft dressing is applied around your abdomen to facilitate optimal healing, and a compression garment is provided to support the abdominal area. You may experience pain after surgery, but this can be controlled with pain medication. Most of the surgical sutures dissolve naturally, and any drains that may have been placed are usually removed one to two days after the procedure.
You should plan to take a week off from work after the tummy tuck. During this time, you may need to walk with a slight bend due to tension in the abdominal area. It is recommended that you have someone to assist you after the procedure.
You may be able to resume your daily activities within a week of surgery. Light physical activity can typically resume after one month, while strenuous activities and heavy physical exercise should wait for approximately two months. The ideal appearance following surgery will take about six months to become visible.
