Tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a body contouring procedure that is great for individuals who have loose, excess skin that does not improve with diet or exercise. It will remove loose, excess fat and skin and in most cases, restore weakened or separated muscles creating a firmer, more youthful figure. Popular following pregnancy, massive weight loss or whenever a flabby abdomen with weak muscles impairs body contour, this procedure is commonly coupled with liposuction to achieve the most optimal body contours.
Procedures
Traditional Tummy Tuck
In addition to the incision across the lower abdomen, a traditional tummy tuck involves an incision around the navel. Excess skin is removed, muscles are tightened and liposuction may be used to contour the abdomen. This surgery removes skin from above the navel down to the pubic area that has been compromised by pregnancies, genetic laxity or obesity.
Mini Tummy Tuck
A single incision is made in the pubic area, which will be placed as low as possible and can range from a few inches to the entire span of your abdomen. Through this incision, your surgeon will remove excess skin, tighten muscles and possibly use liposuction to further refine the area. The ideal candidate for a mini-tummy tuck has laxity and protrusion below the navel and is usually recommended for those who have always been in fairly good shape but cannot achieve their aesthetic goals with diet and exercise.
Extended Tummy Tuck
If you have excess skin in the love handles or hips, your incision can be made longer to address this problem. This procedure includes a tummy tuck in the front of the abdomen and transfers the lift over the hip to the side of the thigh to improve contour. The incision is usually low so it will not be visible, even when one is wearing low-rise clothing.
Recovery
Patients will be able to return to a desk job in a few weeks depending on the type of procedure performed, and patients with jobs that require more physical labor, may need more time. A twenty-pound to fifteen-pound weight cap is advised for the first six weeks of recovery. Vigorous exercise such as running, swimming, core conditioning, and weight training are also advised against. Walking is recommended as soon as it is comfortable for the patient as it aids in blood circulation and recovery.
Faq
Am I a good candidate?
A tummy tuck is suitable for men and women who are in good medical health, have realistic expectations for the procedure, can commit to the proper recovery time, and who have excess tissue and skin in the abdominal area. Women who have had several pregnancies may find the procedure useful for tightening their abdominal muscles and reducing saggy skin. A tummy tuck is also an option for those who were once obese and still have excess fat deposits or loose skin around the belly.
When is the best time to have a tummy tuck?
We advise tummy tucks be performed when patients are at their ideal weight prior to surgery since losing weight after the procedure may lead to additional laxity of the skin. This will also help achieve the best contouring results possible. Patients who plan to become pregnant in the future should postpone this procedure until they are done having children.
How much does the procedure(s) cost?
Pricing varies based on type of tummy tuck along with combined procedures performed. Please call or schedule a consultation for more information.
