Tummy Tuck Overview

Many factors affect the look of your body. Weight gain and weight loss, pregnancy, genes, and more all play a part in how the fat settles on your body. Sagging skin in your stomach area is something that is difficult to remove via exercise, so many people turn to having a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty to help regain their flat stomach.

Tummy Tuck Procedure

An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is a surgical body contouring procedure to remove excess skin in the stomach area. During tummy tuck surgery, a horizontal incision is made across the lower stomach. Then, the surgeon removes excess skin and fat and tightens abdominal muscles to create a fit, firm appearance.

Tummy Tuck Techniques

There are three basic tummy tuck techniques. In the traditional tummy tuck, an incision is made from one hip bone to the other. The skin is then pulled down and excess skin is removed. A mini-tummy tuck is done in much the same way, but the incision will not be as long. An endoscopic tummy tuck is a third option that can be used to minimize scarring even further. The endoscopic procedure is used when there is less excess skin and fat to be removed. If appropriate, each technique can be combined with liposuction for improved body contouring results.

Tummy Tuck Recovery and Results

After tummy tuck surgery, patients experience moderate discomfort for a few days. Your cosmetic surgeon will provide medication to help maximize your comfort during this post-operative period. Additionally, you may have bruising and swelling for several weeks. In most cases, you will be able to return to work and light exercise within a few weeks.

Most patients find that the recovery period is well worth the results of their procedure. In addition to their slimmer new physiques, many patients also enjoy increased confidence as a result of their tummy tuck procedure. If you are tired of sagging and loose skin in your abdominal region, ask your cosmetic surgeon for more information about the tummy tuck procedure.