TUMMY TUCK
Excess fat and loose skin on the midsection can be frustrating for many people, especially when a healthy lifestyle is maintained and the rest of the body is proportional. Aging, genetics, pregnancy, prior surgeries, and weight fluctuations can all contribute to stretch marks, sagging skin, and fat deposits in the stomach region.
Tummy tuck surgery, also known as abdominoplasty, offers a way to obtain a flatter, more toned abdominal area by removing excess fat, restructuring the weakened muscles, and tightening the skin for a smoother, more defined appearance.
TUMMY TUCK PROCESS
TIGHTER ABDOMINAL MUSCLES
During a tummy tuck, the loosened abdominal muscles are pulled together and sutured into place, providing a more defined, tighter core.
SMOOTHER STOMACH SKIN
After excess fat is removed and the muscles are pulled tight, the skin is pulled taut to provide a smooth appearance over the new contours, and any excess skin is removed.
IMPROVED CONFIDENCE
With a sculpted stomach contour and less sagging skin in the abdominal region, many patients feel more comfortable in their clothing and can wear a bathing suit confidently.
MINI TUMMY TUCK
The mini tummy tuck is ideal for patients with mild to moderate excess fat and loose skin below the navel. This technique involves a small incision along the lower abdominal area just above the pubic area.
The skin is lifted to the navel to allow for specific fat regions to be targeted and removed, and muscles are brought close together and tightened with sutures.
FULL TUMMY TUCK
The full tummy tuck begins with a horizontal incision across the lower abdomen and a second incision around the navel. The size of the incisions will vary depending on the amount of excess skin and fat being excised.
The skin is then separated, and excess fat is removed using liposuction. The muscles are pulled together and secured using sutures. The skin is pulled smooth over the new contours, and any excess skin is neatly trimmed away.
EXTENDED TUMMY TUCK
An extended tummy tuck treats the upper and lower abdominal area as well as the hips and flanks using a horizontal incision across the abdomen that extends around the sides of the body. Loose abdominal muscles are tightened, and excess skin and fat in the abdomen, hips, and flanks are removed.
CIRCUMFERENTIAL TUMMY TUCK
The circumferential tummy tuck is a body lift technique that addresses the abdomen as well as the hips, flanks, buttocks, and thighs in one procedure for a dramatically improved body contour. By addressing concerns in the entire midsection, your torso can be slimmed and your butt and thighs can be lifted for an improvement to your overall physique.
RECOVERY
Recovery time varies depending on the techniques implemented. Most patients feel better within one to four weeks.
During recovery, patients are advised to take time off from work and daily activities to allow adequate time for resting. Activities that require heavy lifting or muscle strain should be avoided for the first four weeks.
Compression garments and other surgical dressings can help minimize swelling and bruising. It can take up to six months to fully recover and for scars to begin to fade.
Post-surgical care instructions should be followed to promote a comfortable recuperation process. Partial (mini) abdominoplasty takes less time to recover than the other approaches, with most of these patients resuming their daily routine after one or two weeks.
