Abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck” surgery, removes excess skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen. Additionally, tummy tuck surgery tightens the muscles of the abdominal wall and can dramatically reduce bulging of the abdomen.
When is a tummy tuck beneficial?
Child bearing or losing a significant amount of weight can leave sagging skin and stretch marks. Tummy tuck is not a substitute for weight loss, and it is best to wait until you have reached your goal weight before having tummy tuck surgery for optimal results.
Liposuction may be included as part of the tummy tuck to further smooth the hips, upper abdomen, and pubic area. Some patients may also have an umbilical hernia which can be repaired at the same time.
How is a tummy tuck performed?
There are several different kinds of tummy tucks, just as there are many different abdominal shapes. A full tummy tuck requires a horizontal incision in the area between the pubic hairline and belly button, and a second incision around the naval. The upper abdominal skin is pulled down, with excess skin trimmed and remaining skin sutured together.
A mini tummy tuck is ideal for people who have excess tummy area skin or fat that is localized in the mid-abdomen area and want to tighten the abdominal area below the belly button. This procedure uses a shorter incision just at or above the pubic region, similar to the incision for a cesarean section, to tighten muscle and remove excess lower abdominal skin.
Each of these choices can be done with or without additional liposuction to achieve the finest possible outcome.
What results can I expect?
Tummy tuck before and after results may be initially obscured by swelling and the inability to stand completely upright for the first week or two until internal healing is complete. Once you are fully healed, your tummy tuck will result in a flatter and firmer abdominal contour.
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