Also known as an abdominoplasty, a tummy tuck surgically tightens abdominal muscles and removes excess skin and fat. The excess skin and fat may be a result of multiple pregnancies, previous surgeries, aging, or massive weight loss. A tummy tuck surgically addresses the problem areas resistant to diet and exercise and leaves patients with a flat, firm abdomen and increased self-confidence.
Patients considering tummy tuck surgery are close to, or at, their ideal weight and are in good health, with excess skin and/or weakened muscles on their abdomen. Women considering this procedure should be finished having children, as pregnancy and childbirth can reverse its results. Patients must be considering tummy tuck surgery for personal reasons and need to have realistic expectations about the procedure. Patients will need to consult with a plastic surgeon to determine whether a tummy tuck is right for them.
During a tummy tuck consultation, you will undergo a physical examination and your medical history will be reviewed. It is important to mention all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking, as some may need to be stopped before surgery. In addition, you should disclose prior surgeries, and medical problems for which you are treated. There are different types of abdominoplasty, and your Plastic Surgeon will discuss with you which type of procedure will help you obtain your goal results. Your plastic surgeon will explain the tummy tuck procedure in great detail and answer any questions you may have.
Tummy tuck surgery may take as long as five hours and is performed using general anesthesia. After the anesthetic has taken effect, a horizontal incision is made along the pubic area. The abdominal muscles are then relocated and tightened, extra skin is cut off and remaining skin is stretched over the abdomen. The belly button is often repositioned as well. Depending, liposuction may be performed as well. At the end of the procedure, drainage tubes may be placed, and dressings and garments will be applied.
Some patients return home the same day as their tummy tuck, while others return home the next day. For the first few days after surgery, you will experience pain, swelling and soreness, which can managed with prescription medications. In most cases you can shower two days after the procedure. For the first week after tummy tuck surgery, you will need to refrain from standing up straight. Scarring at the incision site may take up to nine months to heal; however, most undergarments should sufficiently cover the scar. You will receive specific instructions about when regular activities can be safely resumed from your Plastic Surgeon.
All surgical procedures carry a risk of complications. Although they rarely occur, risks associated with tummy tuck surgery may include infection, poor wound healing, seromas (fluid collections), bleeding, complications from the anesthesia, or pulmonary embolism. To minimize the occurrence of complications, always choose a board-certified plastic surgeon for your procedure.
To learn more about a tummy tuck, contact us today to schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon. Our practice serves Long Island, Queens, New York City, Bergen County, and all surrounding areas. During your consultation, we will discuss your goals and share notable before and after tummy tuck results.
Also known as abdominoplasty, tummy tucks are a surgical procedure that improves the appearance of the abdomen. A tummy tuck removes excess abdominal skin and fat, and tightens the abdominal fascia with sutures, resulting in a more toned appearance. It is typically paired with liposuction to the love handles to help reduce the waistline as well.
While there are risks associated with any cosmetic procedure (especially a surgical one), a tummy tuck is generally safe, and its recovery takes, on average, 1-2 months. Not to mention, the results are unbeatable. So here are the top 5 desirable results of a tummy tuck.
The number one reason why people get a tummy is the marked improvement in their appearance.
Whether there is an excess of skin from weight loss or pregnancy, C-section scars, or prior surgeries, a tummy tuck results in a dramatically changed, firmer and flatter abdomen. Patients can feel more confident in their new body and show off their improved physique.
Over time, many people develop a weak core because of weakened abdominal and back muscles, which can lead to decreased strength, flexibility, and pain.
When the abdominal muscles are tightened in a tummy tuck the core is strengthened. However, having a stronger core is not all about showing off lean abs – it can also help to reduce stress urinary incontinence, and other bladder problems that can be triggered by coughing, exercising, laughing, and sneezing.
There are also other medical conditions that can be addressed with a tummy tuck. The risk of hernias can be decreased as abdominal muscles are tightened, and after tummy tuck recovery, there is less stress on the area.
A tummy tuck paired with liposuction also decreases excess body fat, which can help with lowering the risk of any obesity-related ailments such as diabetes, heart disease, gallstones, and sleep apnea.
As we age or experience pregnancies, our bodies just don’t work as well. It can be harder to exercise due to excess tummy fat and poor strength. But with greater core strength after a tummy tuck recovery comes greater motility. Often times patients are much more motivated to exercise after this surgery – they feel and look great and have an easier time in the gym.
Because poor posture and some types of back pain can be the result of a weakened abdominal core, a tummy tuck can also partially relieve back pain and allow you to sit tall and exude confidence. The internal sutures that are placed in the abdominal muscles at the time of surgery act as an internal corset and are permanent, giving the patient a lifelong improvement in their abdominal muscle tone.
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