Many people are unhappy with their abdomen. Maybe they have extra fat and tissue that makes their stomach appear less toned than it could be. Perhaps aging, weight loss, or childbearing has left skin sagging and stretched. Regardless of why you are dissatisfied with your abdomen, tummy tuck surgery can give you the smooth, tight, and toned appearance you desire.
Also known as a tummy tuck, abdominoplasty aims to tighten the skin and tissues of the stomach with a routine and safe surgical procedure. There are several different types of tummy tuck that aim to repair different faults. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Shain Cuber is an expert in abdominoplasties of all kinds.
How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?
In a standard tummy tuck, an incision is made on the lower abdomen. This incision is designed to be small and to be hidden under bikini bottoms. Excess tissue and fat are removed, often through liposuction. The exposed muscles are then tightened to give a more toned and flat appearance. Last, stretched out skin is removed. The incisions are then closed to leave the smallest and least visible scar possible.
There are many reasons that people come to us wanting an abdominoplasty. These include:
- Significant weight loss or fluctuations that have left the skin stretched out and hanging
- Damage from pregnancy, including loose skin and stretch marks
- Aging combined with gravity
- Hereditary fat deposits or weak muscles that diet and exercise cannot correct
The average abdominoplasty takes around three hours. In addition to the incision low in your abdomen, your surgeon may make an incision in your belly button, which is not visible once healed. If necessary, your belly button will be recreated so it remains in a natural position on your abdomen after loose skin has been removed and the remaining skin pulled to a new and tight position. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia, which means you will be completely asleep.
Once the incision has been closed, it will be covered with surgical bandages. You also will be placed in a compression garment that will support the area as it heals. Most people wear this garment for around 2 weeks after the surgery to ensure best results.
When needed, a tummy tuck can be combined with other procedures, such liposuction or a breast lift. It is a popular part of the mommy makeover surgery.
Recovering from Abdominoplasty
Once you have woken completely from anesthesia, you will be allowed to go home. You will have a tightly wrapped wound on your lower abdomen. You may also have a drain that allows fluid to drain out of the wound. This drain will be removed at your first follow-up visit.
Most people need pain medication for several days after a tummy tuck procedure. In addition, you will be on bed rest for the first week or more. Patients have to sleep on their back for this period, preferably in a slightly reclining position. This reduces pressure on your stitches. People are encouraged to talk short walks inside their home but to avoid other types of exercise. Lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided until your surgeon gives you the green light.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Abdominoplasty?
Abdominoplasty is a major surgery. As such, good candidates will be in good physical health and have reasonable expectations for their recovery period. In addition, men and women who want this surgery should be at or near their target weight, to prevent the formation of more loose skin. Women should be done with childbearing.
Because nicotine can interfere with healing, it is best if surgical candidates be non-smokers or able to quit for several weeks before and after surgery. Your surgeon can help you find resources to quit smoking if this is an issue for you. You also should be able to take a week or more off work, including housework and childcare.
Is It Time for a Tummy Tuck Consultation?
If you are interested in this type of cosmetic procedure, your next step is to schedule a free consultation. In this appointment, you will meet with one of our surgeons to discuss the procedure and decide if it is the best option for your unique goals and health situation. This is also a good time to discuss different kinds of abdominoplasty and decide what kind of procedure you prefer.
Tummy Tuck Patient 1: This middle-aged female had a sagging stomach from childbearing and age. As she was finished having children, she had a tummy tuck to tighten her abdomen and repair damage from pregnancy. After photos show a much slenderer and more toned abdomen.
Tummy Tuck Patient 2: This patient was young but had lasting effects from pregnancy. Her abdominoplasty was able to repair the residual extra skin and tissue, leaving her with a youthful body she could be proud to show off.
Tummy Tuck Patient 3: After giving birth to three children, this young mother had loose skin as well as fat deposits on her abdomen and flanks. Her procedure repaired these issues and restored her self-confidence.
Tummy Tuck Patient 4: This middle-aged patient had fluctuating weight that left her with a disproportionately round abdomen. Her tummy tuck removed the extra tissue, giving her a smoother and more feminine figure.
Tummy Tuck Patient 5: This middle-aged woman reached her sixth decade with extra skin and tissue. Her abdominoplasty gave her the dramatic change and firm youthful look she desired in a single procedure.
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If you are interested in this or other body sculpting procedures, contact our office today for a consultation. Simply call our offices in New York City at 212-570-2500 or in Long Island at 516-472-7846. We also have an online consultation request form.