For many, after years of weight fluctuations or pregnancy, millions of men and women feel as though they are left with a stomach that leaves them dissatisfied with their appearance. Though a healthy balanced diet and regular exercise can help to tone and sculpt your figure, sometimes stubborn areas of fat or excess skin may remain. If you are struggling with diet and exercise-resistant fat and desire a slim and slender shape, you may have begun researching cosmetic procedures. For patients experiencing excess weight or skin in their stomach area, a tummy tuck may be the solution to achieve a more sculpted and toned figure.

What is a Tummy Tuck?

A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, is designed to remove excess fat and skin from around the stomach area, and in many cases, can surgically tighten the abdominal wall to create a flatter and more defined waist.

It is important to note that this procedure is not a weight-loss procedure and should not be used as a substitute for diet and exercise. A tummy tuck is ideal for patients who have excess fat, sagging skin, or weakened abdominal muscles but are otherwise physically healthy.

Procedure

During your initial consultation, our staff will review and discuss your medical history, lifestyle, and goals for this procedure. It is important that you be as detailed as possible so that we can ensure realistic expectations and determine that this procedure is the right one for you.

Tummy tuck surgeries are performed under general anesthesia and generally considered outpatient procedures. Once numb, an incision is made low on the abdomen hidden within the bikini line and a second incision is made to free the navel from surrounding tissue. The length and shape of the incisions will vary depending on the amount of excess skin. The skin is separated from the abdominal wall to reveal muscles which are tightened by pulling them together and stitching them into place to create a more toned and slender profile. The excess skin is then removed, and the navel is brought through a newly made incision. Once finished, the incisions are sutured, dressings applied, and a temporary tube is inserted to drain excess fluid from the site during recovery.

Recovery & Results

It is important to note that tummy tucks are considered major surgeries that require a significant amount of recovery time. Please follow your doctor’s instructions and call our office if you have any questions during your recovery process.

Following your procedure, your abdomen will feel sore and tender. Compression garments or elastic bandages will help minimize swelling and support your abdomen as it heals. The tubes placed in the incisions will drain away fluid, and depending on the type used you may have to empty it throughout the day to assist in the healing process. Your sutures and tubes will be removed within a week or two. Though you should avoid lifting, bending, straining, or performing strenuous activities it is important that you get up and move around throughout the day.

We recommend patients ask family members or a close friend to help during the first week or two of recovery as you will need help with the basics. It can take up to three weeks before your body is well enough to resume normal activities, and at least 6 weeks before you can perform any aerobic or high-energy activities.

The full extent of your results will become apparent six months following the procedure once the swelling subsides and your abdomen fully heals. The tightened abdominal muscles will result in a flatter, more toned stomach. Minimal scarring is expected and may take several months to fade. The level of scarring will vary based on the patient’s overall skin tone and quality. The results of this procedure are permanent but can be diminished if the patient experiences significant fluctuations in weight.

Tummy tuck surgery can produce dramatic results that tighten and slim your abdomen and remove excess skin so that you can restore your toned and sculpted figure. For more information on tummy tuck surgery or to schedule a consultation, contact Eastlake Cosmetic Surgery today.