The tummy tuck is a plastic surgery technique that removes and contours the extra skin and fat in the midsection for a total physique transformation. The tummy tuck surgeon typically eliminates stubborn abdominal fat during the surgery, tightens the abdominal muscles, and trims the loose skin.
Below are some tummy tuck surgery options that are entirely customizable to meet the patient’s needs and unique body goals:
- The standard tummy tuck addresses a patient’s entire midsection
- A mini tummy tuck targets the area below the navel.
- An extended tummy tuck is ideal for overweight people as it removes skin and fat from a wider area.
Who Is the Ideal Tummy Tuck Candidate?
As with any other plastic surgery, a tummy tuck candidate should be in good overall health.
They should also have excess weight in the midsection due to fat deposits, post-pregnancy effects, and loose skin. Older patients with loose skin from aging can also restore their youthful looks through a tummy tuck procedure.
Simply put, the ideal candidate should be an adult of sound health with reasonable expectations for their body and with loose skin or stubborn fat deposits around their midsection.
What to Expect During a Tummy Tuck Consultation Session
Your board-certified cosmetic surgeon will offer a personalized consultation that involves your medical history, physical examination, treatment options, and before images to tailor your body goals.
What Happens During the Tummy Tuck Procedure?
Your surgeon will work carefully to remove the excess fat and skin from your abdomen and repair separated abdominal muscles. Depending on your specifications, your surgeon may also need to perform liposuction to contour your tummy, waist, and love handles.
What Should You Expect After a Tummy Tuck?
After a successful tummy tuck procedure, you will wear a compression garment for four to six weeks post-surgery to help reduce swelling. You may experience some discomfort, but post-surgery pain or discomfort lasts only a few days for most patients. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to ease your discomfort.
Recovery time begins around two weeks after surgery. Meanwhile, you will have to walk and stand while stooping to protect the incisions, muscles, and skin, after which you will be able to stand up straight with minimal discomfort.
What Is the Recovery After Tummy Tuck Surgery?
It is possible to walk on the same day in most cases, as it enhances and encourages blood circulation to minimize blood clot risk. That said, ensure to wait for six weeks post-surgery to lift or run. Parents with small children must plan for assistance during and after surgery.
Does Tummy Tuck Surgery Pose Any Risks?
Like any other surgical procedure, the tummy tuck runs a small risk of bleeding or infection. However, your surgeon will take excellent care to minimize these risks.
Scars are inevitable, but experienced surgeons know just how to make them as invisible as possible.
Long-Term Considerations After a Tummy Tuck Surgery?
Ensure to exercise, eat healthily, and take excellent care of your body post-surgery. With a good health bill and weight, your tummy tuck results will stabilize and serve you for a long time. However, remember that if you experience significant weight change or pregnancy, your midsection will change and may need reconstructive surgery once more to look trim.
We hope that this information helps you as you start your tummy tuck journey.
Ensure to meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon to consult and ask them all possible questions regarding your tummy tuck surgery.