What is a Tummy Tuck?
When you look in the mirror, do you long for the waistline that you used to have? Are you constantly concealing your waistline with clothing? Then maybe a tummy tuck is for you. A tummy tuck or abdominoplasty is an operation that treats loose sagging skin and removes fat of the abdomen, as well as the excessive protrusion of some abdomens.
Who is a good candidate for a tummy tuck?
The tummy tuck is one of the most transforming operations I do as a plastic surgeon. The best candidates are generally healthy women who have excess skin and/or fat in the tummy area due to pregnancies and weight gain or loss. Some men with excess skin usually from weight loss are also good candidates.
Many patients have expressed how much better they feel about how they look after this transforming operation. Clothes fit better and suddenly there is a waist and often return of a more hourglass shape that disappeared years ago. It is very rewarding to help women of any size, who have lost confidence in their appearance, feel so much better about themselves.
What does the operation do?
The operation removes the excess fat and skin as well as affording tightening of the skin and muscle layers. This is done through an incision very low in the abdomen, which can be covered by low rise or bikini underwear. The skin is loosened all the way up to the rib cage , which allows removal of a very large amount of excess skin. Often all the skin below the belly button can be removed, and the belly button is also repositioned in the newly tightened skin. The tightening of the muscle layer works to hold your shape like an internal girdle without having to wear one. The new tight muscle layer functions as a firm foundation to put the tight skin on for your new long lasting shape. The incision closure is done usually with all absorbable sutures, which means no sutures have to be removed post op.
Most patients get the best result with a full abdominoplasty, but mini and intermediate tummy tucks are available for candidates who need less correction. Many patients benefit from some liposuction at the same time as their tummy tuck. Removing fat from love handle areas can further narrow the waist. Additional liposuction from the hips, thighs or other areas can improve overall shape with the same procedure.
What will happen at my consultation?
At your consultation, your surgeon will fully evaluate your needs. He will also discuss which tummy tuck and or liposuction procedure will give you the ideal result. All your questions will be addressed at this time.
What can I expect after the surgery?
Initial recovery takes one to two weeks, but the improvement in shape is evident immediately. For your added comfort and safety, tummy tuck patients are often kept in an overnight stay area the first night after surgery. This has become a very popular feature with patients and their families and reduces the anxiety of the initial post-op care.
If you are looking to transform your waistline, rediscover a more youthful figure and regain lost confidence in your appearance, a tummy tuck might be the perfect solution for you. A consultation with a Board Certified plastic surgeon takes less than an hour and will give you a personalized plan for your surgery and recovery. A tummy tuck can truly transform your waistline.
