Q: I have recently lost a significant amount of weight and am uncomfortable with the excess skin around my stomach. I am considering a tummy tuck, what kind of results can I expect?
A: The tummy tuck procedure is designed to remove excess skin and fat from the mid and lower abdomen, while tightening and flattening the muscles of the abdominal wall, and is a great option for those suffering excess baggy skin after significant weight loss. Tummy tucks can significantly improve overall appearance as well as the self confidence in patients who undergo the procedure.
Tummy tucks are generally performed to correct excess or wrinkled skin and fat in the abdomen, and weakened abdominal muscles which can be caused by pregnancy, aging or recent weight loss. Tummy tucks correct loose skin that diet and exercise cannot remove. During the procedure, excess fat is removed directly, the abdominal muscles are tightened and repaired, and the excess skin is trimmed away. Most incisions are kept just above the pubic area, and within the confines of the hip bones, so they can be easily camouflaged, even in bikinis and low rise jeans.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and requires some recovery time. A light support garment and time off is recommended for about two weeks for most patients after the surgery, and it takes several weeks before being able to return to pre-surgery activities.
Following the procedure, you can expect a firmer abdominal wall, a narrower waistline and a flatter lower abdomen, which generally comes with a boost of confidence!
If you’re considering a tummy tuck, our board-certified plastic surgeons at Plastic Surgery Specialists can help determine if this procedure is right for you.
Learn More About Tummy Tucks in Consultation
According to Dr. Spittler a cosmetic consultation is a great place to determine which doctor best suits your needs. “The consultation process is where you can get a feel for the doctor with whom you may want to have surgery and get questions answered as to what kind of procedures may be appropriate or not appropriate for you,” he explained in a recent interview. “In a consultation the patient can express their areas of concern to the doctor, and we can let them know what can be done to improve those specific areas, help set realistic expectations and explain what to expect before, during, and after surgery.”