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Whether it’s because of age, genetics or pregnancy, our abdomens seem to collect stubborn fat that just won’t go away. We eat well and exercise, but that fat remains. If you’re at an ideal weight but you still have excess fat around your midsection, it might be time to look into getting rid of this fat with an abdominoplasty.
An Abdominoplasty, better known as a tummy tuck, is designed to flatten, tighten and remove excess skin around the abdominal area. Abdominoplasties aren’t just for fat either. If you have an excess of skin because of extreme weight loss, an accident or a liposuction procedure, a tummy tuck can tighten your stomach to achieve your desired look.
A tummy tuck is an especially popular practice for new mothers. A woman’s stomach will expand to make room for the baby. This causes the skin and muscles of the stomach to expand as well and lose their elasticity. Once the baby comes, and it’s time for the muscles to return to their normal state, they don’t. Abdominoplasties are a perfect mommy makeover option for the post-pregnancy mother.
Patients often choose to undergo an abdominoplasty in combination with other body contouring procedures such as liposuction, breast augmentation and mastopexy. When performed after childbearing, this combination of procedures is commonly referred to as a “mommy makeover.”
In this video, Dr. Scott talks about tummy tuck surgery, including candidacy and benefits.*
TUMMY TUCK (ABDOMINOPLASTY) SURGERY
It’s important to know that a tummy tuck isn’t a solution to obesity or as an easy solution to lose weight. An abdominoplasty is for people who are already at their ideal weight and want to cut out some unwanted fat.
A horizontal incision is made just above the pubic bone, allowing it to be hidden by clothing and bikinis. Excess skin is removed, and the muscles and connective tissues of the abdominal wall are tightened, creating a sort of internal corset that narrows the waist. After removal of the excess skin, the belly button is returned to its original location.
Variations of this procedure include a “mini” tummy tuck and a “panniculectomy.”
Find out about the differences between full and mini tummy tuck surgery.*
TUMMY TUCK (ABDOMINOPLASTY) RECOVERY
The biggest piece of recovery after a tummy tuck is to make sure you keep moving. To reduce discomfort and increase mobility, Dr. Scott often delivers a local anesthetic (Marcaine) directly into the tightened muscles through a pain pump system. A compression garment should also be worn to reduce swelling and support the abdomen.
Exercise is encouraged as soon as possible to help achieve a quicker recovery, but heavy lifting should be avoided for approximately four weeks after surgery. Most patients can return to work within 7 – 14 days, depending upon the degree of physical exertion required at the workplace. The incision scar typically requires 6 – 12 months to fully heal and fade in color.
CONTACT THE PLASTIC SURGERY CENTER
Getting an abdominoplasty can be the perfect final touch on a job well done. Whether that’s losing excess weight or bringing a new life into this world, finally ridding yourself of annoying excess fat can make the whole process worthwhile. Contact The Plastic Surgery Center’s office today and schedule your consultation about getting a tummy tuck.
